Chicken Ranch Nuggets

Have you heard of the gluten-free diet?  Gluten is the protein component of wheat, barley, and rye.  Many health conditions can benefit from following a gluten-free diet.  Of course, there is Celiac, an autoimmune disease that is triggered by gluten.  But also any autoimmune disorder, including (but not limited to) the following examples: Ulcerative colitis, IBD, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Addison’s, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, or Graves’ (both thyroid issues) can improve by avoiding gluten.  Gluten can be inflammatory to some people, and removing it from the diet can help the body heal.  

For those following a gluten-free eating plan, here is a chicken nugget recipe that will satisfy you just as much at those great Chick nuggets at that famous fast-food joint. Marinating the chicken in the pickle juice will give it that particular familiar characteristic flavor.  You have to try this recipe!  Try out the tangy dipping sauce too!  As always, if you do not tolerate any of the ingredients in these recipes, leave it out.

Chicken Ranch Nuggets

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken breast (2 large or 3 small) cut into nuggets

1/2 cup dill pickle juice

Chicken coating mix

2/3 cup almond flour

¼ cup cassava flour

¼ cup coconut flour

2 tsp. paprika

½ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. dried basil

Oil for pan frying - coconut oil or avocado oil added to the skillet in small amounts to create a thin layer for pan frying

Instructions

1) Soak chicken breast in pickle juice over night (or at least for one hour).

2) Combine together the chicken coating mixture.

3) Place coating mix on a plate. Using a slotted spoon, scoop chicken nuggets and drain off pickle juice, plate on plate and cover with additional coating mix. Press each nugget into the coating mix with a fork. Repeat with until nuggets are coated with the mix.

4) Heat oil to medium high (7 on a scale of 1-10)

5) Pan-fry nuggets in single layer batches; flipping over as they become golden brown (after 3-4 minutes). This will take 5-6 minutes total

6) Remove from the skillet as the nuggets are done; place on a serving platter in a single layer.

7) Be careful to not overcook. If you are concerned they are not completely cooked place in an oven at 375 for 10-15 minutes

Chicken Ranch Sauce



Ingredients

1 Tablespoon paprika

2 Tablespoons maple syrup

3 Tablespoons coconut aminos or GF soy sauce

1 Tablespoon GF Worcestershire sauce

1 Tablespoon creamy peanut butter

1 Tablespoon yellow mustard or spicy mustard if a bold flavor is desired

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

1 Tablespoon ketchup

dash of salt – ¼ tsp

¼ cup mayonnaise

Instructions

1) Measure each ingredient into a mixing bowl.

2) Whip together with a fork, or briefly blend in blender or food processor.

3) Pour into a pint jar with a lid.

4) Use right away or chill first. Chilling will help thicken the sauce.