Healthy Chicken Nuggets with Homemade BBQ Sauce

First of all, have you ever heard of someone who doesn't like chicken nuggets?  I know I never have 😉  So, when you can indulge in something that tastes absolutely amazing, but with a healthy twist you have a win win!  These healthy chicken nuggets with homemade BBQ sauce will become a staple in your home.   Healthy chicken nuggets with homemade bbq sauce are one of Taylor's favorite meals. 

I made these little bad boys in record time and as always had the help of my little Taylor.  She usually helps me with the spices because she just shakes them in and loves every minute of it.  Healthy chicken nuggets are one of my top go to meals.  I needed a dipping sauce to go with them this time.  Well, Taylor ended up liking the sauce more than the nuggets.  She was actually eating the sauce with her spoon.  That's how kid friendly this meal is! So, you should definitely put these heathy chicken nuggets with homemade BBQ sauce on your meal plan this week! 

Good side dishes for chicken nuggets

When it comes to finding a good side to pair with your meals I just to keep it simple.  I put most of my love into the main dish.  The side is just an added bonus to help fill you up.  You don't want to have your healthy decision for dinner to go to waste on snacking afterwards because you're still hungry.  So, when I was thinking up a side for these nuggets I came up with a few.  Pictured with mine is cauliflower mashed (which tastes just like mashed potatoes in my opinion).  Some other sides ideas I thought of are

1. Roasted veggies - chop up any veggie and toss it in olive oil and a little kosher salt.  Toss these veggies on a second tray and into the oven along with your nuggets.
2. Honey roasted carrot sticks - peel and chop carrot sticks julienne style (cut into thin strips).  Toss with some honey and sea salt and place on a second tray.  Cook in oven along side nuggets!
3. Sweet potato fries - peel and chop a sweet potato julienne style.  Toss in olive oil and season with himalayan salt, ground black pepper,  and a little cinnamon.  Place on second tray and cook in oven with your nuggets.
4. Tossed salad - why not throw a quick salad together and use your bbq sauce as the dressing?
5. Cauliflower mashed (pictured with my nuggets) - Chicken Cacciatore over cauliflower mashed potatoes

How to make these nuggets

 

Ingredients for this dish

1. one pound Perdue chicken (trim fat and cut into nugget pieces)
2. 1 egg, whisked
3. ½ cup panko chicken
4. half tsp. garlic powder
5. 1 tsp. himalayan salt
6. 1 tsp. ground black pepper
7. half tsp. onion powder
8. half tbsp. adobo seasoning
9. ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
10. coconut cooking spray

Directions for this meal

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees farenheit.  Line a baking sheet with a cooling rack and spray with coconut cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a shallow bowl mix together panko, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, adobo, and cheese.
3. In a separate small bowl whisk the egg.
4. Use a cutting board to trim the fat from the chicken and cut into nugget sizes, about 2 inches by 2 inches.
5. Dip the chicken into the egg, then the panko mix, then the prepared baking sheet.
6. Continue until all pieces are on pan.  Bake for 25 min.

How to homemade bbq sauce (the healthy way)

Ingredients

1. one cup tomato paste
2. 4 tbsp. maple syrup
3. 1 tsp. onion powder
4. 1 tsp. oregano
5. 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
6. ½ cup light brown sugar
7. 3 cloves garlic, crushed
8. 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
9. 1 tsp. cumin
10. 1 tbsp. olive oil
11. himalayan salt to taste

Directions

1. In a small sauce pan add the olive oil and garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Simmer for 10 minutes or until brown sugar is dissolved.