Table of Contents

Crispy, Golden Chicken Nuggets – Nuwave Oven Perfection

I can still remember the aroma that would waft through our house on those special Friday nights. It wasn’t pizza, but something even more exciting to my young palate: homemade chicken nuggets. My mom would spend the afternoon prepping, and the sizzle of those golden-brown morsels crisping up was the soundtrack to the start of the weekend. While she always used a traditional fryer, I’ve adapted her recipe for the Nuwave Oven, a method that delivers the same satisfying crunch with a healthier twist. Get ready to recreate that nostalgic magic!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: Approx. 24-28 nuggets
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 egg
1 cup water
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup tempura mix (or 1/3 cup flour for a total of 1 cup if tempura mix is unavailable)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Accent seasoning or 1/2 teaspoon tenderizing salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
4 chicken breast fillets, each cut into 6-7 bite-sized pieces

Equipment Needed

Small, shallow bowl
One-gallon size zip-lock bag
Meat mallet (optional, but recommended)
Nuwave Oven
4″ Rack for Nuwave Oven

Instructions

Begin by preparing the egg wash. In a small, shallow bowl, beat the egg until lightly frothy. Then, combine it with 1 cup of water and stir until well mixed. Set aside.
Next, prepare the seasoned flour mixture. In a one-gallon size zip lock bag, combine the 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup tempura mix (or additional flour), 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon Accent seasoning (or tenderizing salt), 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Now, prepare the chicken. Place each of the chicken breast fillets on a cutting board. Using a meat mallet (or rolling pin), pound each breast fillet until it is approximately 1/4-inch thick. This step is crucial for even cooking and tenderizing the chicken.
Once the chicken breasts are flattened, trim each breast fillet into bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. These will be your nuggets.
It’s time to coat the chicken. Take a few pieces of the cut chicken and place them in the zip lock bag containing the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture. Remove the coated chicken pieces from the bag.
Dredge each flour-coated nugget in the egg mixture, making sure to fully coat each piece. Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off.
Return each egg-coated nugget to the flour/seasoning mixture in the zip lock bag. Shake the bag again to ensure the nuggets are once again completely coated with the flour mixture.
Now for the secret weapon! Put the bag with the coated chicken nuggets in the freezer for at least an hour. This helps the coating adhere better and creates a crispier final product. Cover and refrigerate the remaining egg mixture. You’ll use it again later.
After the chicken nuggets have been in the freezer for at least an hour, remove them from the freezer and repeat the “coating” process. This double coating is essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture. Dredge each nugget in the reserved egg mixture, then return it to the flour mixture for a final shake.
Finally, it’s time to cook the chicken nuggets in the Nuwave Oven. Arrange the chicken nuggets on the 4″ rack inside the Nuwave Oven. Set the power level to HI. Cook the nuggets for about 2-3 minutes per side (total 5-6 minutes), or until they are light brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific Nuwave Oven model.
Serve the crispy, golden chicken nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For extra crispy nuggets: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture.
Don’t overcrowd the Nuwave Oven: Cook the nuggets in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Experiment with seasonings: Try adding a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to the flour mixture for a customized flavor.
If you don’t have tempura mix: Simply substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The tempura mix adds a slightly lighter texture, but all-purpose flour works perfectly well.
Pounding the chicken: Use gentle even strokes when pounding the chicken breasts with a mallet to flatten them and ensure even cooking. This also helps tenderize the meat.
Adjust cooking time: Since Nuwave ovens vary, start checking the nuggets after 4 minutes. They should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these golden nuggets immediately while they are hot and crispy. They are fantastic with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or sweet and sour sauce.

Leftover chicken nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the Nuwave Oven again (for a minute or two), a conventional oven (at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes), or an air fryer (at 375°F for about 3-5 minutes) to restore some of the crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the nuggets soggy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken nuggets. Allow them to cool completely, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen using the methods mentioned above, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	193.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	26 g	14%
Total Fat	2.9 g	4%
Saturated Fat	0.8 g	4%
Cholesterol	105.8 mg	35%
Sodium	2364.5 mg	98%
Total Carbohydrate	33.3 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	0.8 g	3%
Protein	7.6 g	15%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Nuggets: Substitute the all-purpose flour and tempura mix with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Spicy Nuggets: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Herb-Infused Nuggets: Mix in 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme) into the flour mixture.
Buttermilk Nuggets: Substitute the water in the egg wash with buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
Cheese Nuggets: Add a 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for a cheesy twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure the chicken breasts are completely thawed before pounding and cutting them into nugget-sized pieces.

Q: How do I know when the chicken nuggets are cooked through?
A: The chicken nuggets are cooked when they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.

Q: Can I use a different type of seasoning?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. Garlic salt, smoked paprika, or even a pre-made spice blend can work well.

Q: What if I don’t have a Nuwave Oven? Can I use a regular oven?
A: Yes, you can bake the nuggets in a regular oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.

Q: Why is freezing the coated nuggets necessary?
A: Freezing the coated nuggets helps the coating adhere better to the chicken and creates a crispier final product. It also prevents the coating from becoming soggy during cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of homemade chicken nuggets. This Nuwave Oven recipe offers a healthier, convenient way to enjoy this classic treat without sacrificing that crispy, satisfying crunch. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to be transported back to those carefree Friday night dinners. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. For a complete meal, serve these nuggets alongside crispy french fries and a fresh salad. Happy cooking!

Chicken Nuggets – Nuwave Oven Recipe