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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Chicken & Turkey

    Published: Dec 29, 2020 · Modified: Jan 19, 2023 by Jen Wooster

    Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

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    Chicken nuggets on a plate with dipping sauces.
    Chicken nuggets on a plate with dipping sauces.
    Chicken nuggets on a plate with dipping sauces.

    Juicy and moist on the inside and amazingly crispy on the outside. This gluten-free chicken nugget recipe is one you will make again and again. Perfect for picky eaters.

    gluten free chicken nuggets on a plate with dipping sauces

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    We love these homemade chicken nuggets because they are easy to make using simple ingredients. And they are baked rather than deep fried making them a healthy alternative.

    Perfect for game day or make a batch and freeze them for an after-school snack. Serve them up with homemade honey mustard or your favorite gluten-free BBQ sauce.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • 🍞 Gluten Free Panko Substitutions
    • ⏲️How to Make Gluten-Free Nuggets
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 🌡️ Storing Leftovers and Reheating
    • More Classic Gluten-Free Recipes
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    This recipe is fairly simple using basic cuts of chicken, not ground chicken, and the 3 dip method for breading the chicken. I keep the seasonings to a minimum because it is all about dipping sauces for me.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    Chicken- You want a boneless skinless cut of chicken (or even turkey!). I usually opt for chicken breast but tenders and thighs work just as well.

    White Rice Flour- You can also use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Xanthan gum is not required for this recipe.

    Seasonings- I like to keep it simple with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.

    Eggs

    Hot Sauce- Optional but I like a dash in the egg batter.

    Gluten-Free Panko Bread Crumbs

    We recommend any of the following brands of panko for this recipe. We have experience working with them all. And while we like them all, Ian's is the easiest to find in our neck of the woods and generally works the best for coating the chicken nuggets.

    • Ian's Original Panko Bread Crumbs
    • Aleias Gluten Free Panko Crumbs, Original
    • Schar Gluten Free Bread Crumbs
    Recipe ingredients on a counter.

    🍞 Gluten Free Panko Substitutions

    Don't have panko on hand? No worries. There are several substitutions for gluten-free panko in a pinch.

    • Chex Cereal- You can use either the rice or corn varieties. Pulse in a food processor until just broken up, about 15 seconds.
    • Rice Krispies- Be sure to grab the gluten-free variety. Again, pulse in the food processor until just broken, about 1-2 pulses.
    • Gluten-Free Cornflakes- While most brands are not gluten-free if you have one on hand they work the same as the corn Chex cereal.
    • Make Your Own- Places pieces of torn-up gluten-free bread in your food processor and pulse until you have crumbs. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in a 325 F degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes.

    We do not recommend gluten-free pretzels or potato chips for this recipe. They are way too salty for the amount of coating on each piece.

    ⏲️How to Make Gluten-Free Nuggets

    We recommend brining chicken breasts in a basic salt water bath for one hour prior to cooking them. Brines help seal in moisture creating the juiciest chicken bites possible.

    Step 1- Prep the Chicken

    To prepare the chicken, trim off any excess skin and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Try to get the pieces to be similarly sized for the most even baking possible.

    Step 2- Gluten-Free Coating

    We are going to use the 3 dip method for our homemade chicken nuggets. Meaning a flour coating, an egg dip, and then a final coating of bread crumbs. You will need three shallow bowls or plates.

    The first bowl will contain the flour mixture of rice flour with salt, pepper, and paprika. The second bowl will contain the beaten egg and any hot sauce you are using. The final bowl will contain panko bread crumbs.

    If you made your own bread crumbs may want to give them a sprinkle of salt as well.

    Whisking seasoning into the plain flour and the three bowls for dipping the raw chicken.

    Using a pair of tongs, drop each piece of chicken into the rice flour coating it well. Then dip into the egg mixture before dropping each piece into the panko bread crumbs.

    Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off before dipping it into the panko. The nuggets should be fully coated with panko. Use your hands to press the bread crumbs in, if needed.

    Step 3- Bake

    Lightly brush or spray your baking sheet with oil. I typically use coconut oil spray for this recipe. Place the breaded chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet. The pieces should not be touching.

    Bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 425 F degree oven. Turning the nuggets halfway through. The chicken nuggets are done when the internal temperature reaches 165F degrees and they are lightly golden brown.

    Chicken nuggets on a greased cookie sheet.

    🥗What to Serve with Chicken Nuggets

    Homemade nuggets deserve nothing but the best sauces for dipping. I always serve chicken nuggets with our honey mustard dipping sauce. You can make it sweet or spicy. Ranch, BBQ, or spicy mustard are all crowd pleasers too.

    On the side, we love a blue cheese potato salad, a simple green salad, roasted carrots, or sauteed green beans.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

    • Skip the parchment paper or Silpat on the baking sheet. Direct contact will yield the crispiest crust.
    • If you live in a high-humidity area you can increase the crispiness of the chicken by baking it on a cooling rack set inside the baking sheet.
    • Substitute Italian-flavored bread crumbs and serve with a homemade marinara dipping sauce for a fun variation.
    close up of chicken nugget center

    🌡️ Storing Leftovers and Reheating

    Allow the chicken nuggets to completely cool before placing them in an airtight container. The chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    While you can reheat the nuggets in the microwave, gluten-free nuggets are best reheated in the oven or the air fryer. Place them on a baking sheet in a 325 F degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.

    You can also store the cooled nuggets in a ziptop bag and stored them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Pop them directly into the oven for an easy dinner or a snack.

    More Classic Gluten-Free Recipes

    • serving gluten free garlic bread
      Gluten-Free Garlic Bread
    • gluten free pizza rolls on a plate with parsley and pizza sauce
      Gluten-Free Pizza Rolls
    • Pan of meatballs in tomato sauce with parmesan cheese.
      Gluten-Free Meatballs
    • mini pigs in a blanket on plate with dipping sauce
      Gluten Free Pigs in a Blanket

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you cook raw chicken nuggets in a air fryer?

    Yes you can cook homemade chicken nuggets in an air fryer, howver I recommend baking in an oven because the air fryer basket is so small. With this recipe you would have to do multiple batches.

    If you want to use an air fryer preheat to 390 F degrees. Cook for 8 minutes. Check to ensure the internal temperature is at least 165 F degrees.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    gluten free chicken nuggets on a plate with dipping sauces

    Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

    The best homemade gluten-free chicken nuggets are baked instead of fried. They have a perfectly juicy center and an extra crispy outside.
    Servings: 4
    Prep: 10 mins
    Cook: 20 mins
    Brining (optional) 1 hr
    Total: 30 mins
    5 from 35 votes
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    Equipment

    • Sheet pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless
    • 1 cup rice flour
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
    • 1 cup gluten free panko breadcrumbs
    • olive oil or oil spray for pan
    • honey mustard sauce for dipping
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 425 F degrees. Brush or spray baking sheet with oil
    • Trim any skin off the chicken and into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
      1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless
    • Prepare three shallow bowls or plates for your breading station. In the first bowl combine rice flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. In the second bowl whisk together the eggs and hot sauce. In the third bowl add the gluten-free panko crumbs (see note for panko alternatives).
      1 cup rice flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 cup gluten free panko breadcrumbs
    • Using a pair of tongs, coat each piece of chicken with the rice flour, dip into the egg mixture, and then into the panko bread crumbs. Be sure to allow all the egg mixture to drip off before dipping into the panko.
    • Place the breaded chicken on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through. The chicken nuggets are done when the internal temperature reaches 165F degrees and they are lightly golden brown.
      olive oil or oil spray for pan
    • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
      honey mustard sauce
    Rate this Recipe

    Video

    Notes

    • See post for gluten free panko suggestions and substitutions. 
    • Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
    • We recommend reheating in a 325F degree oven on a baking sheet until warmed through. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal | Carbs: 32g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 1g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword baked chicken nuggets, gluten free chicken nuggets, healthy chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Share this gluten free chicken nugget recipe via our web story.

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    137 shares
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sarah says

      December 02, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      This are the best. Finally no need to buy bagged chicken nuggets. My kids love them. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 03, 2021 at 7:38 am

        5 stars
        That is fantastic to hear. Thanks for leaving a review.

        Reply
    2. GK says

      November 23, 2021 at 8:32 pm

      5 stars
      Hi, I would love to try this. Can we substitute with panko bread crumbs (not gluten free) and is there a way to prep and freeze them? Thanks

      Reply
      • Jen says

        November 24, 2021 at 10:09 am

        5 stars
        Yes, totally fine to use all-purpose flour and regular panko if gluten is not a concern. In order to prep and freeze them you want to fully cook them. Once cooled freeze them on a baking sheet for a few hours. Then pop into a ziploc freezer bag. This will prevent them from sticking. You can reheat in the oven to crisp them back up.

        Reply
    3. Sue says

      September 27, 2021 at 8:03 am

      5 stars
      Yum!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        September 28, 2021 at 9:05 am

        5 stars
        Thanks!

        Reply
    4. Makenna H says

      September 24, 2021 at 10:33 pm

      5 stars
      This was the best chicken nugget recipe so far. For being celiac and gluten free, it was very good. The tip about brining the chicken made a huge difference. Very juicy. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Makenna H says

        September 24, 2021 at 10:34 pm

        5 stars
        *celiac and dairy free

        Reply
      • Jen says

        September 27, 2021 at 8:02 am

        5 stars
        So glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for taking the time to review- we really appreciate it!

        Reply
    5. Veronika says

      January 04, 2021 at 3:43 am

      5 stars
      So simple yet so good! Nothing beats homemade!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        January 04, 2021 at 7:23 am

        5 stars
        Thanks for the review and comments!

        Reply
    6. Laura says

      January 03, 2021 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      Loved the alternatives you gave for gf bread crumbs. My sister-in-law is coeliac and I always struggle finding good alternatives for breading. Such a nice and easy recipe, perfect for finger-food style dinners!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        January 03, 2021 at 5:32 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you so much for the review!

        Reply
    7. Tammy says

      January 03, 2021 at 2:59 pm

      5 stars
      Mmm these look so good and big points for being gluten free so everyone can enjoy too! 😀

      Reply
    8. Alex says

      January 03, 2021 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      I'm interested in trying the Chex alternative! That sounds so interesting. I've never tried using it as breading.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        January 03, 2021 at 2:50 pm

        5 stars
        It works surprisingly well.

        Reply
    9. Kushigalu says

      January 03, 2021 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      Love chicken nuggets and this gluten free version Looks fantastic. Perfect for any parties too. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    10. Erin says

      January 03, 2021 at 6:10 am

      5 stars
      I'm glad to hear that Ian's is the best! I ordered some a while ago (I live in Germany). Thanks for all the awesome tips! Can't wait to try these.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        January 03, 2021 at 12:15 pm

        5 stars
        Let us know how they turn out!

        Reply
    11. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

      January 02, 2021 at 1:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is so easy and such a delicious recipe. Love your gluten free substitutes for the panko and these are something that I didn't even realize that I had in hand.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        January 02, 2021 at 4:42 pm

        5 stars
        Our local grocery is ALWAYS out of GF panko so sometimes I have to get creative. Thanks for the recipe review!

        Reply
    12. Jenny says

      January 01, 2021 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      My absolute favorite food in the world is chicken nuggets. I have gluten sensitivity and always buy gluten-free. Your recipe is so superior to all the store-bought versions! I Will never buy again, your recipe is THE one! Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        January 01, 2021 at 12:48 pm

        5 stars
        This makes me so happy. Glad you enjoyed them so much.

        Reply
    13. Marta says

      January 01, 2021 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      I'm always looking for allergen-free recipes to share with my friends. This looks like a great add to any gameday spread. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        January 01, 2021 at 12:48 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks for commenting

        Reply
    14. Sandra says

      December 31, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for the tip about brining the chicken. With smaller pieces chicken breasts can dry quick, now problem with your method. So tender and juicy. This is a keeper!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        January 01, 2021 at 12:49 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks for the review!

        Reply

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    Greetings!

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    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    More About Me...

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