Name: Just Bare Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 package of Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks; Your favorite dipping sauces (honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, etc.); 2 cups of mixed vegetables (for a healthy side); Olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: Spices like paprika, garlic powder

I bring you a personal favorite: Just Bare Chicken Nuggets recipe. This recipe transforms these lightly breaded bites of joy into a dish that will resonate with the taste buds of both the young and the young at heart.

Table of Contents

How to make Just Bare Chicken Nuggets

Just Bare Chicken Nuggets are lightly breaded chicken breast nuggets made from all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken. They are known for their high-quality ingredients, minimal processing, and crispy texture.

Ingredients:

1 package of Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks (available in 24oz. Family Pack)
Your favorite dipping sauces (honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, etc.)
2 cups of mixed vegetables (for a healthy side)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Spices like paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for added flavor to the vegetables

Instructions:

Preparing the Nuggets:

Preheat Oven: Follow the instructions on the Just Bare Chicken Nuggets package. Typically, this involves preheating your oven to a specific temperature (usually around 400°F or as indicated).
Bake the Nuggets: Arrange the Just Bare Chicken Nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to package instructions, usually for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Preparing the Side of Mixed Vegetables:

Preheat Your Pan: While the chicken nuggets are baking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Cook the Vegetables: Add your mixed vegetables to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices you like. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, usually around 5-7 minutes.

Serving:

Serve the baked Just Bare Chicken Nuggets hot, accompanied by the sautéed mixed vegetables.
Provide your choice of dipping sauces on the side for a fun and flavorful eating experience.

Tips for Elevating Your Just Bare Chicken Nuggets:

Try Different Coatings: Before baking, you can lightly coat the nuggets with additional spices or even Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor kick.
Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Beyond the classic ketchup and mayo, explore gourmet options like homemade aioli, sweet chili sauce, or even a yogurt-based dip for a healthier twist.
Make it a Meal: Turn these nuggets into a more substantial meal by adding them to salads, wraps, or even atop a fresh pizza before baking.

What to serve with

When serving Just Bare Chicken Nuggets, you have many delicious options that can complement the meal and cater to various tastes and dining occasions.

Classic Sides:

French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Bake some crispy french fries or sweet potato fries in the oven alongside the chicken nuggets for a comfort food duo that appeals to all ages.
Salad: Pair the nuggets with a fresh garden salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, dressed with your favorite, for a light and healthful contrast.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy macaroni pairs wonderfully with the crunchy texture of the nuggets, making this dish particularly popular among younger diners.

Vegetables:

Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly steamed and seasoned vegetables offer a nutritious and fiber-rich option that can balance out the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your choice of vegetables—like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions—with olive oil and roast in the oven for a flavorful side.

Dipping Sauces:

Barbecue Sauce: A sweet and tangy barbecue sauce can be a perfect dipping companion for the savory chicken nuggets.
Honey Mustard: Mix honey with mustard to create a dip that is balanced between sweetness and a mild kick.
Ranch Dressing: A staple dip that’s creamy and herbaceous and pairs well with both chicken and vegetables.

Grains and Carbs:

Rice Pilaf or Quinoa: Serve a side of fragrant rice or quinoa for a healthy grain option that complements the proteins and adds texture to the meal.
Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent option, garlic bread is a warm, comforting side dish that’s great for dipping into sauces.

Ingredients Substitutes

Just Bare Chicken Nuggets is a commercial product, and making them from scratch at home means you might want to substitute certain ingredients for personal dietary reasons due to allergies or to accommodate taste preferences.

Chicken:

Substitute: If you’re looking to replace the chicken in nuggets due to dietary restrictions, you can use firm tofu, seitan, or a commercial meat substitute like Beyond Meat or Gardein. When cooked, these will mimic the texture of the chicken.

Breading:

Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free blend instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for the exterior.
Lower-Carb Option: Crushed pork rinds or parmesan cheese mixed with almond flour can offer a lower-carb breading alternative.
Whole Grain: Opt for whole wheat flour and breadcrumbs for fibre-rich breading.

Eggs:

Substitute: To bind the breading without eggs, you can use buttermilk or a plant-based milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to create a vegan “buttermilk”. Another option is a slurry of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with water (1 tablespoon of ground seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg).

Oil:

Healthy Substitutes: If a recipe calls for frying the nuggets in oil and you prefer a healthier version, use an air fryer to cook the nuggets with minimal to no oil. Alternatively, bake them in the oven. For the choice of oil, you can opt for heart-healthy fats such as olive or avocado for higher cooking temperatures.

Seasonings:

Salt-Free: Use alternatives like Mrs. Dash or nutritional yeast to avoid sodium without sacrificing flavor.
MSG-Free: Some recipes call for accent seasonings that contain MSG. In such cases, use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of salt to replicate the savory taste.

Final Thoughts

Remember, serving Just Bare Chicken Nuggets with a variety of sides not only creates a balanced meal but keeps dining exciting and flavorful. Feel free to get creative with your pairings and cater to the preferences of your family or guests.

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