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Paleo Chicken Nuggets Recipe with Almond Flour for Toddlers

Crispy, mild-flavored chicken nuggets made with almond flour — a healthier, toddler-friendly alternative to store-bought nuggets.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 nuggets
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 45

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

1 lb. ground chicken (or finely cut chicken breast)

1 large egg, divided½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder Pinch of salt (optional, adjust for toddler's age)

For the Coating

½ cup almond flour

¼ cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot flour)

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

For Cooking

2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil (for pan-frying, or light spray for baking)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken — In a bowl, mix the ground chicken with half of the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt if using.
    Shape the nuggets — Using a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small, flat, toddler-sized nugget patties.
    Set up the coating station — Whisk the remaining egg in one shallow bowl. In another, combine the almond flour, tapioca flour, and seasonings.
    Coat each nugget — Dip each patty into the egg, then coat evenly in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
    Choose your cooking method — Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, air fry at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, or pan-fry in oil over medium heat until golden on both sides.
    Check for doneness — Confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F using a meat thermometer.
    Cool before serving — Let the nuggets cool for a few minutes before serving to toddlers, and cut into smaller pieces if needed for younger children.

Notes

  • Almond flour alone can brown quickly without getting crispy — combining it with tapioca or arrowroot flour helps achieve a crunchier texture.
  • Not suitable for children with tree nut allergies; substitute coconut flour for a nut-free version.
  • Flatten nuggets before cooking and consider cutting cooked nuggets into smaller pieces for younger toddlers, in line with general choking-prevention guidance.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze cooked or uncooked nuggets for up to 3 months.