It might sound surprising, but you can easily prepare and cook chicken nuggets in the slow cooker, which should take between 2 to 4 hours using just 5 ingredients: chicken breast, butter, eggs, breadcrumbs, and flaxseed meal.

To make Chicken Nuggets in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of beaten eggs and butter, then dredge in seasoned breadcrumbs and flaxseed. Layer in the cooker, cook on high, and voilà!

So, who knew your trusty slow cooker could churn out chicken nuggets? Give it a whirl and don’t forget to drop a comment below on how it turned out—easy peasy slow cooker squeezy!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Nuggets Ingredients

• 4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 4 tbsp of unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups of breadcrumbs (or a mixture of crushed crackers, cereal, and tortilla chips)
• 1 tbsp of flaxseed meal

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Nuggets

1. Prepare Your Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into uniform nugget-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly throughout.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs and melted butter until they are fully combined and smooth.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or your chosen mixture of crumbs with the flaxseed meal, mixing well to ensure even distribution.
4. Coat the Chicken: Now, dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture, making sure it’s completely coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs gently to adhere evenly on all sides.
5. Layer in Slow Cooker: Next, place a single layer of the coated chicken nuggets at the bottom of your slow cooker. If one layer completely covers the bottom, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil.
6. Prepare for Cooking: After placing the foil, poke several holes in it using a fork or skewer to allow steam to escape; continue layering chicken and foil until all the chicken is used.
7. Cook the Nuggets: Finally, insert a wooden spoon handle just under the lid to keep it slightly ajar, which helps in letting steam escape and prevents the breading from becoming soggy. Cook on high for 2 to 4 hours, checking at the 2-hour mark to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.

How Do I Prevent the Chicken Nuggets from Sticking to the Slow Cooker?

To prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the bottom of the slow cooker with a bit of oil or cooking spray before adding the chicken nuggets. This will help in easy removal and maintain the integrity of the breading.

Recipe Tips

• Use a thermometer: To ensure your chicken nuggets are cooked thoroughly and safely, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before they’re safe to eat.
• Keep nuggets crispy: To keep the breading from getting soggy in the slow cooker, make sure the lid is slightly ajar. This allows steam to escape, keeping the breading crispy and not mushy.
• Uniform pieces: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that all nuggets cook at the same rate and no piece is undercooked or overcooked compared to others.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free option: Substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative like crushed gluten-free cereal or almond flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Add some heat: For spicy chicken nuggets, mix a tablespoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite chili powder into the breadcrumb mixture before coating the chicken.
• Herb-infused nuggets: Enhance the flavor by adding dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Cheesy nuggets: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy twist. This adds a nice, savory flavor to the chicken nuggets.

What To Serve With Chicken Nuggets

When I make these Slow Cooker Chicken Nuggets, I love serving them with vibrant, crunchy sides like my Sweet Potato Wedges, coleslaw, steamed broccoli, cucumber salad, or my slow cooker French fries.

You can also pair these delights with dipping sauces like honey mustard or a spicy BBQ sauce.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Nuggets

In The Fridge:

To keep leftover chicken nuggets fresh, first, let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Stored this way, they’ll stay tasty in your fridge for up to 3 days.

In The Freezer:

To freeze, place the cooled nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 2 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Nuggets

To bring back that delightful crunch, reheat your leftover chicken nuggets in an oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, spread the nuggets on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes or until hot and crispy.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Orange-cardamom Slow Cooker Carrots
• Slow Cooker Jiffy Cornbread
• Slow Cooker Beetroot Risotto