A staple on any kids' menu and often a freezer fave, chicken nuggets are a foolproof (and delicious!) way to get your kids to eat their protein. With the help of Ashley Walterhouse of Fit Mitten Kitchen, we put a farm-fresh spin on this classic with added veggies from our Carrot, Cauliflower & Hemp Seed Plant-Rich Meal.

Psst: This meal is available in stores! Find it in the frozen section at Sprouts, most Whole Foods, and Super Target stores.

Ingredients

For the base:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 Once Upon a Farm Carrot, Cauliflower & Hemp Seed Meal
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons hemp hearts (optional)

For the coating:

• 1 large egg (optional, see notes)
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free as needed) or 3/4 cup almond flour (use panko for crispier coating)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Makes about 25–30 nuggets

Directions

1. Cook Once Upon a Farm Pouch according to package instructions. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl combine ground chicken with cooked pouch, mashing well with potato masher until mixture comes together. Option to place in fridge for 20 minutes to chill for easier handling.
3. Preheat oven to 375ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
4. Prepare coating: Whisk large egg in a shallow dish. In a separate dish, combine breadcrumbs, onion powder, paprika and fine sea salt.
5. Shape nuggets: Once the nugget mixture has chilled, scoop about 2 tablespoons and form into oblong shape. Dip in whisked egg, then roll in breading mixture and place on lined baking sheet. Repeat this step until nugget mixture is gone—you should get about 25 small nuggets. Option to spray breading lightly with oil before baking. Note: You may need to add some more breadcrumbs for rolling towards end. Discard any leftover breadcrumbs and egg.
6. Bake: Bake nuggets for 20–25 minutes, or until coating is golden and internal temperature has reached 165ºF. Set aside to cool and serve with favorite dipping sauce and sides.

AIR FRYER OPTION: Cook in air fryer at 400ºF for 10–12 minutes, until coating is crisp and internal temperature is 165ºF. Optional: lightly spray coating with oil before cooking.

EGG FREE OPTION: This recipe also works without the egg. Just form nugget mixture, roll in breading and place on baking sheet.