Keto Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
These homemade chicken nuggets feature a crispy parmesan and almond flour coating that delivers the satisfying crunch of traditional nuggets without the deep frying. Ground chicken breast is seasoned and formed into bite-sized portions, then coated in a golden breading that crisps beautifully in the oven. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you're craving comfort food with a healthier twist. The combination of parmesan cheese and almond flour creates a flavorful, protein-rich coating that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon almond flour
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ large raw egg
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a sheet tray with parchment paper
- 2
Pulse chicken breast, salt, pepper, onion powder, and first amounts of almond flour and parmesan in food processor until bound together like dough
- 3
Form mixture into approximately 20 one-tablespoon portions, rolling each into a ball then flattening to half-inch thick discs
- 4
Place formed nuggets in freezer for no longer than 10 minutes
- 5
Whisk eggs in a small bowl and combine remaining almond flour and parmesan on a wide plate
- 6
Remove nuggets from freezer and dip each one in egg, letting excess run off, then roll in breading mixture
- 7
Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping nuggets at 30 minutes
Tips
Don't over-freeze the nuggets - 10 minutes is enough to firm them up for easier coating without making them too hard to work with.
Let excess egg drip off before breading to prevent soggy coating and ensure the almond flour mixture adheres properly.
Save any crispy parmesan edges that fall off during baking - they make a delicious snack alongside the nuggets.
Good to Know
Store cooked nuggets in refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight container
Can form and bread nuggets up to 4 hours ahead, keep covered in refrigerator until ready to bake
Serve immediately while coating is crispy with your favorite dipping sauces
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the freezing step or nuggets may fall apart during breading
Avoid over-processing chicken or texture becomes too dense
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can form and bread the nuggets up to 4 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
What if I don't have a food processor?
You can finely chop the chicken by hand or use a meat grinder, but the texture won't be as uniform as with a food processor.
How long do these keep in the freezer?
Cooked nuggets can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.