Chicken Nuggets — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 5, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 287 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 18 g | 6.55% |
| Fiber | 1 g | 3.57% |
| Sugars | 1 g | 2% |
| Glycemic Index | 46 | - |
| Protein | 15 g | 30% |
| Sodium | 540 mg | 23.48% |
| Total Fat | 18 | 23.08% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
15 g
🧀 Good Protein Content
46
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Provides protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
- Convenient and portable, offering a quick and easy snack or meal option.
- Can be part of a balanced diet when paired with healthy sides like vegetables or a salad.
Health risks
- High fat content particularly in fried versions, which can contribute to increased cholesterol levels and heart disease if consumed frequently.
- High sodium content in many commercial chicken nuggets, which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks.
- Potential for preservatives and additives in processed chicken nuggets, which may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Low nutrient density as chicken nuggets often contain fillers and breading, providing less nutritional value than whole chicken.
How to choose chicken nuggets
Chicken nuggets should offer a crispy golden exterior with tender, juicy chicken inside. The breading should adhere well without being greasy. Examine the ingredient list for real chicken rather than processed fillers.
Avoid nuggets with a soggy or uneven coating, which can suggest poor quality. Nuggets should taste distinctly like chicken, not just breading and oil, indicating they are made from quality meat.
How to store chicken nuggets
Frozen chicken nuggets should remain in the freezer until use. Keep them in their original packaging or transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, they can last up to six months.
Frequent thawing and refreezing can compromise the texture of chicken nuggets. Ensure they are kept in a sealed container to prevent freezer burn. Cook thoroughly before eating to ensure they are safe. Clean handling practices are crucial to maintain quality and safety.
✅ Extra Tip
How long do they last?
Chicken nuggets can last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To maintain their quality, ensure they are stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover chicken nuggets can be used in a variety of fun and easy dishes. Chop them up and add to salads or wraps for a crispy protein boost, or use them as a filling for tacos with your favorite toppings. Chicken nuggets are also great in pasta dishes with a creamy sauce.
Use chicken nuggets as a topping for pizzas, paired with barbecue sauce, cheese, and onions for a fun twist. If you have a lot of nuggets, consider making a batch of chicken nugget sliders or using them in a chicken and waffle dish with syrup. Chicken nuggets can also be added to a casserole with cheese and vegetables, or served with dipping sauces as a quick snack. For a kid-friendly meal, try mixing chopped nuggets into macaroni and cheese or using them as a filling for quesadillas.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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