Quick and Easy Gluten Free Chicken Nugget Salad: Ready in 20 Minutes
If you’re looking for a delicious gluten-free chicken nugget salad that’s ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is for you! Using a bag of pre-chopped salad and gluten-free chicken nuggets, this meal comes together effortlessly. It’s perfect for a quick, easy dinner or a nutritious lunch. Plus, I’ll share how to customize this dish with extra veggies and how to cook your nuggets to perfection—whether you prefer to air fry or pan fry.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bag of chopped salad (complete with dressing and toppings)
- 1 pack of gluten-free chicken nuggets (frozen or homemade)
That’s it! These two ingredients lay the foundation for a simple and flavorful chicken nugget salad. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought nuggets, it’s a convenient meal for a busy weeknight. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding extra veggies and swapping out the dressing to make it your own.
Cooking the Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets
For the perfect crispy gluten-free chicken nugget salad, you have two great options for cooking your nuggets: air frying or pan-frying. Both methods result in crispy, golden brown nuggets that add the perfect texture to your salad.
Air Frying the Nuggets:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange the gluten-free nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through until they’re crispy and golden. Use a food thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Pan Frying the Nuggets:
- In a large skillet, heat avocado oil or olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the nuggets in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Make sure the nuggets are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Whether you air fry or pan fry, both methods will give you crispy gluten-free chicken nuggets that are perfect for your salad.
Assembling Your Gluten-Free Chicken Nugget Salad
Once your gluten-free chicken nuggets are perfectly cooked, it’s time to assemble the salad. Here’s what you’ll need for this quick easy weeknight dinner:
- Pour the chopped salad mix into a large bowl.
- Add the included dressing and toppings, which might include seeds, nuts, or even feta cheese or parmesan cheese.
- Slice the cooked nuggets into bite-size pieces and place them on top of the salad.
- Toss everything together in the bowl of dressing for a delicious and easy meal.
Customizing Your Chicken Nugget Salad
One of the best parts about this gluten-free chicken nugget salad is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap the dressing, or include your favorite toppings, there are plenty of ways to make this meal your own.
Add Extra Veggies:
- Add chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added crunch.
- Include shredded carrots or thinly sliced red onion for extra color and flavor.
- For healthy fats, try sliced avocado or Kalamata olives.
Swap the Dressing:
If you prefer a different dressing, you can always use a caesar dressing, ranch dressing, or even buffalo sauce for a spicy twist. For a dairy-free option, try my homemade dairy-free ranch dressing—it’s a creamy, delicious alternative that pairs perfectly with the crispy gluten-free chicken nuggets.
My Favorite Gluten-Free Chicken Nugget Brands
While homemade nuggets are always an option, sometimes you just need something quick and convenient. These are my go-to brands for store-bought gluten-free nuggets:
- Real Good Foods: Made from juicy premium chicken breasts, these nuggets are high in protein and low in carbs.
- Perdue Simply Smart Organics: Their gluten-free chicken nuggets are made with organic chicken, and they offer a fantastic flavor and texture.
- Applegate Naturals: Known for their organic and gluten-free options, these nuggets are flavorful and free from artificial ingredients.
Tips for Making the Crispiest Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets
If you want to try making gluten-free chicken nuggets from scratch for your salad, here are a few tips from Chef Chris Moyer and Chef Shawn Reese to help you achieve the crispiest, most flavorful results:
- Use a combination of almond flour, tapioca flour, and a pinch of xanthan gum for a crispy coating.
- For extra crunch, coat the nuggets in panko bread crumbs or corn starch.
- Make sure to fry the nuggets in high heat oil like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil.
- If you’re deep-frying, use peanut oil or another hot oil for the crispiest results. Fry the nuggets for 2-3 minutes per side in hot oil until golden brown.
Meal Prep and Nutrition Tips
This chicken nugget salad is perfect for meal prep too! You can cook the nuggets ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for easy weekday lunches. Just toss them into a salad, drizzle with your favorite dressing, and you’re good to go!
For those tracking their daily intake, nutrition information varies based on the dressing and toppings you choose. Adding healthy chicken nuggets to your salad gives you a great source of protein, while using nutrient-dense toppings like avocado and olive oil provides healthy fatty acids that are essential for a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
This quick and easy gluten-free chicken nugget salad is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious meal in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re air frying or pan frying, you’ll get crispy gluten-free chicken nuggets that pair perfectly with fresh veggies and your favorite dressing. Plus, the ability to customize the ingredients makes it a versatile recipe for every taste.
So, next time you’re craving a light, yet satisfying meal, give this gluten-free chicken nugget salad a try. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Quick and Easy Gluten Free Chicken Nugget Salad: Ready in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 bag of chopped salad complete with dressing and toppings
- 1 pack of gluten-free chicken nuggets frozen or homemade
Instructions
- Air Frying the Nuggets:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange the gluten-free nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through until they’re crispy and golden. Use a food thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Pan Frying the Nuggets:
- In a large skillet, heat avocado oil or olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the nuggets in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Make sure the nuggets are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
- Whether you air fry or pan fry, both methods will give you crispy gluten-free chicken nuggets that are perfect for your salad.
- Assembling Your Gluten-Free Chicken Nugget Salad
- Once your gluten-free chicken nuggets are perfectly cooked, it’s time to assemble the salad. Here’s what you’ll need for this quick easy weeknight dinner:
- Pour the chopped salad mix into a large bowl.
- Add the included dressing and toppings, which might include seeds, nuts, or even feta cheese or parmesan cheese.
- Slice the cooked nuggets into bite-size pieces and place them on top of the salad.
- Toss everything together in the bowl of dressing for a delicious and easy meal.
Nutrition
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