Quick Copycat Grilled Chicken Nuggets: Easy Lunch Idea
A healthy, grilled chicken nugget recipe that skips the breading for a tender, juicy texture. Perfect for quick lunches and meal prep, these nuggets are packed with flavor using a simple lemon-garlic marinade.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1 to 1.5-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey (if using) until emulsified.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Heat a non-stick grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until hot.
- Place chicken pieces in the pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the nuggets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until opaque and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Do not marinate for more than 2 hours as the acid can make the chicken mushy. Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Pat chicken dry before marinating for better flavor absorption. Can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 nugg
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 22
Keywords: grilled chicken nuggets, healthy lunch, meal prep, copycat recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free, high protein