Hidden Veggie Chicken Nuggets

This recipe is for 12 months baby & up These Hidden Veggie Chicken Nuggets are a favorite in our household! I have been making them for my picky eater for the longest time, made with 3 different veggies like zucchini, carrots, cauliflower and baked to golden perfection. Not only do they encourage picky eaters to consume more vegetables, but they also ensure that kids receive balanced nutrition in a fun and familiar form. These are especially great on busy weeknights when I need something both nutritious and crowd-pleasing, not only do my kids devour them, but so do the adults! And I feel great knowing they're getting protein and a boost of vitamins in every bite. I have served these for a snack, breakfast, lunch and dinner and they are a hit every time!  

How to Serve:

Hidden veggie chicken nuggets are versatile and pair well with a range of dips and sides. Serve them alongside classic sides like homemade sweet potato fries, a side of broccoli, or some fruit to complement the meal. For dipping sauces, opt for healthier options such as homemade ranch, hummus, or a mild tomato ketchup with reduced sugar.

Nutritional Benefits:

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for children’s muscle growth, energy, and overall development. Chicken breast also contains small amounts of iron and zinc. Iron is vital for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood and helps prevent anemia. Zinc supports a healthy immune system and is crucial for cell growth and repair. Zucchini is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, while potassium aids in proper muscle function and hydration. The fiber in zucchini supports digestive health, which is crucial for young children as their digestive systems develop. Cauliflower is a powerhouse vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, as well as folate and antioxidants. Vitamin K plays a role in bone health, which is important for growing children, and the antioxidants help protect their cells from damage. Cauliflower is also high in fiber, which supports digestion, and its choline content contributes to brain development and a healthy metabolism. Carrots are well known for their high beta-carotene content, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining good vision and supporting a strong immune system. Carrots also contain fiber for digestive health and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being.  

Tips for Hidden Veggie Chicken Nuggets:

These do take a little more time to make, but they are specifically made for batch cooking and freezing. I try and make a batch every 2-3 weeks and stock my freezer with them. They are awesome for those busy days or a day that the kids are in a picky mood, I just pull a few out of the freezer and reheat either in the air fryer or microwave. (If in microwave, try not to over heat. Make sure you flip the chicken nuggets after 15 minutes and give another good spray of oil, this step is very important to ensure you get a nice golden chicken nugget.  

Substitutions:

Ground Chicken- Can be substituted with ground turkey Egg- I haven't tried replacing the egg myself, but can be tried with mustard, yogurt, flax egg or chickpea water (aquafaba). Carrots, zucchini, cauliflower- I don't recommend swapping the veggies with other veggies, since these have a mild flavor. I have made these without the cauliflower before and they came out good. Breadcrumbs- You can use any store-bought breadcrumbs you like or homemade breadcrumbs. For gluten-free option you can use crushed corn flakes. Avocado oil spray- An oil spray is NEEDED for this recipe, any neutral oil spray you have will work.   If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more you should try: Easy Chicken Drumsticks The Softest Chicken Meatball Turkey Veggie Tots