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These Baked Quinoa Chicken Nuggets are a fantastic alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-friendly and packed with protein. A recipe the whole family can get behind!
There is no doubt that chicken nuggets are a favourite choice for kids, and these quinoa chicken nuggets are a fantastic way to introduce your child to the ancient seed.
If your kids love quinoa or are ready to try more quinoa recipes, be sure to check out our other options. Sweet and Sour Quinoa, Tomato and Basil Quinoa Balls, Spanish-style Quinoa, Cheesy Quinoa Crackers, Sweetcorn Quinoa Fritters and Fruit and Nut Quinoa Bars.
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Ingredient Information (with Alternative Suggestions)
- Quinoa: Use white quinoa for this recipe, as other types have not been tested. A white quinoa coating will most closely resemble the appearance of regular chicken nuggets.
- Chicken Broth/Stock: Cooking quinoa in chicken broth adds flavour. For a lower sodium option, suitable for little ones, use low sodium stock/broth, chicken stock for babies or substitute with water.
- Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into nugget pieces.
- Buckwheat Flour: Used to keep the recipe gluten-free. If gluten-free is not required, you can replace with all-purpose (plain) flour.
- Eggs: Used for coating. Egg-free alternatives have not been tested, but you could try using olive oil or milk (if not dairy-free) as potential substitutes.
See recipe card for quantities.
Step By Step Instructions (with Images)
- Cook quinoa: Add to boiling chicken stock/water, simmer covered for 15 min, remove from heat and allow to sit, covered for 5 min.
- Cool quinoa: Transfer cooked quinoa from the pan to a large dish/plate/tray. Spread out and allow to cool.
- Coat: Dip chicken chunks in flour, the egg mixture and then roll in quinoa
- Bake: Place on a prepared baking sheet, in a single layer, coat with oil spray, and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
See recipe card for full instructions.
Top Tips
- Rinse the quinoa: Before cooking, rinse the quinoa to help reduce its bitter flavour.
- Add more flavour: You can add more flavour by seasoning the flour with a dash of black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder or some dried herbs.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Allow to cool, transfer quinoa chicken nuggets to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
- Freeze (Before Cooking): After coating the nuggets, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze until frozen solid. Transfer the frozen nuggets to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Freeze (After Cooking): Allow to cool, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
While there isn't anything in this recipe that a baby 6 months and older can't eat, I wouldn't recommend theses for beginner eaters. Baked chicken breast can be a little dry for little ones, and the quinoa coating may be too crispy.
Once you feel your little one is developmentally ready to introduce these nuggets make sure to cook the quinoa in baby friendly chicken stock, or use water to keep sodium levels low.
You might start by cutting the nuggets into strips and offering them it in that form
As always, ensure your child is seated at a table and supervised at all times when eating.
Informational purposes only. Not a substitute for child-specific, one on one advice from you health professional.
Serve these quinoa-crusted nuggets just as you would regular nuggets. Why not pair them with a range of dipping sauces, vegetable sticks, or veggie fries like carrot fries or broccoli fries?
More Finger Food Recipes
Full Recipe
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Quinoa Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (375 ml) Chicken stock/broth
- ¾ cup (135g) White quinoa rinsed
- 650g (1.4 lb) Chicken breasts approx. 2 large breasts, cut into 1½ inch (3-4cm) chunks
- ⅓ cup (55g) Buckwheat flour or all-purpose/plain flour
- 2 Eggs beaten
Instructions
- Heat the chicken stock in a pan. Once at the boil add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-17 mins. Remove from the heat and allow to sit for 5-10 mins with the lid still on. (There should be no liquid remaining).
- Remove quinoa from the pan and place on a large plate/dish to chill. Once cooled to room temp, place in the refrigerator. (You want the quinoa to be cold for rolling the chicken in.)
- Preheat oven to 200c / 400f and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Optional: add an oil-sprayed rack on top for optimal baking.
- Dip the chicken pieces in the flour, then the egg and finally roll in the quinoa. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Place chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray the chicken nuggets with cooking oil and bake until cooked through - 15 -20 mins (depending on size of the chicken pieces)
Rufs
How can I make this in the air fryer?
Amy
Hi Rufs, I haven't tested these in the air fryer so can't say for sure. I would suggest 180C in the air fryer for 12-15 mins.
Shannon
Have you ever tried shallow frying these with avocado oil? Do you think it could work with the quinoa?
Excited to try these!
Amy
Hi Shannon, I have never tried shallow frying these but believe it would work 🙂
EwaS
loved it
Amy
Great!
Bryony
We all loved this recipe, will definitely use again!
Amy
Excellent! So happy you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
Soo Yeon Noh
Can you freeze these?? And would you freeze before cooking or after cooking?
Amy
Hi Soo Yeon Noh, I have never actually frozen these. I think they would freeze well though, I'd freeze before cooking. 🙂
Liz
This is the first thing I’ve made from your page and it was a hit with the whole family! My children loved helping make the nuggets and I am delighted to find another gluten free option for my coeliac child.
Amy
That is great Liz, so happy your family enjoyed these and I love that they had fun making them too 🙂
Baileu
What kind of oil do you spray them with?
Amy
I used a olive oil spray. 🙂
Rox B
I would love to make this for my little man. Can the egg be substituted for something else? We have an egg allergy 🙁
Amy
Hi Rox, You could try buttermilk or plain yogurt. I've not tried it personally though so can't guarantee results. Let me know if you try it and how it works!
Maya
Do you think a flax "egg" would work? I think it's used for the same purposes but I don't know if it works in non-baking scenarios.
Noellia
I just made these for my 21 month old and my 7 month old (blended) and they both smashed them down. They were absolutely delicious!
Amy
Yeah! It makes my day when I get feedback like this! Thank you ?
Julie
Ive just made these.yum.. just realised I didn't spray with oil,but they taste great...
Amy
Hi Julie, thanks for your feedback - so glad you liked them and it was a bonus that they turned out great without the oil!
monika
and the quinoa didn't crumble/fall off?
Amy
Hi Monika, I have never had any issues with the quinoa falling off ??