Homemade Feta Chicken Nuggets
Easy, crispy, and flavorful feta chicken nuggets air-fried to perfection.
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Rate this RecipeEquipment
- Food Processor Used to grind the chicken to the right texture.
- Spring-Loaded Cookie Scoop Optional, helps to ensure even nugget sizing.
- Shallow Bowl For breadcrumbs coating.
- Air Fryer Ensures crispy nuggets with less oil.
- Parchment Paper For lining the plate before air frying.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound chicken breasts Boneless and skinless, approximately 680 grams.
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese Use Athena’s feta cheese for best results, approximately 120 grams.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup Approximately 15 milliliters.
- 1 tablespoon mustard Approximately 15 milliliters.
- 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a smoky kick, approximately 5 grams.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Approximately 5 grams.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Approximately 3 grams.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Approximately 3 grams.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Divided, approximately 120 grams.
- avocado oil spray For cooking, ensures a golden, crispy crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing 1½ pounds (680 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bowl of a food processor. Process until the chicken is finely ground, being careful not to overwork it. This step is crucial for getting that tender nugget texture. Once the chicken is ground, add 1 large egg, ½ cup (120 grams) of crumbled Athena’s feta cheese, 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of mustard. These ingredients work together to provide a balanced combination of creaminess and subtle tang.
- Using a spring-loaded cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of the chicken mixture and form them into the classic nugget shape. This step is not only fun but also key to getting that familiar nugget experience. Repeat this process until all of the chicken mixture is used up—you should end up with roughly 30-32 nuggets.
- In a shallow bowl, place the remaining ½ cup (60 grams) of breadcrumbs. One by one, dip each nugget into the breadcrumbs, ensuring that it is fully coated on all sides. This breadcrumb coating will help give the nuggets that desirable crunch when air-fried.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, place about half of the nuggets in the basket of the air fryer, being careful not to overcrowd them so that they cook evenly. Lightly spray the nuggets with avocado oil spray to ensure a golden, crispy crust. Air fry for 12-13 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Repeat with the remaining nuggets. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Classic options like ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce work well, but you can also try a yogurt-based tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist. These nuggets are perfect for enjoying as a snack, in a wrap, or as part of a wholesome family meal.
Notes
If you’re making these nuggets for meal prep, freeze them after forming and coating. Air fry or bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.