Perdue chicken nuggets are a popular frozen food item made from chicken meat. But how many nuggets make up a proper serving size? Here are some quick answers to key questions on Perdue chicken nuggets nutrition and serving sizes:
– How many nuggets are in a Perdue serving size? A standard serving of Perdue chicken nuggets is around 5 pieces or 85g.
– How many calories in a serving of Perdue chicken nuggets? Per 5 nuggets or 85g, there are around 190 calories.
– How much protein in a serving of Perdue chicken nuggets? There are around 13g of protein per serving of 5 nuggets.
Nutrition Facts for Perdue Chicken Nuggets
Perdue chicken nuggets are made from all white meat chicken breast meat mixed with seasonings and breaded. Here is the nutrition information for a 85g serving of Perdue fully cooked chicken breast nuggets:
Calories and Macros
– Calories: 190
– Total fat: 10g
– Saturated fat: 1.5g
– Trans fat: 0g
– Cholesterol: 40mg
– Sodium: 430mg
– Total carbs: 13g
– Dietary fiber: <1g
- Total sugars: <1g
- Protein: 13g
Perdue chicken nuggets provide a good source of lean protein, with 13g per serving. They are lower in fat than other nugget brands, with just 10g total fat per serving. The saturated fat and trans fat content are also relatively low.
Vitamins and Minerals
Perdue chicken nuggets also contain some vitamins and minerals, including:
– Calcium: 18% DV
– Iron: 6% DV
– Vitamin A: 0% DV
– Vitamin C: 0% DV
They provide about 18% of the Daily Value for calcium in a serving, to help meet calcium needs. But they are not a significant source of vitamins A or C.
Serving Size Guidelines for Perdue Chicken Nuggets
When determining how many Perdue chicken nuggets make up a serving, here are some general guidelines to follow:
For Children
For children ages 4-8, a serving would be around 3-5 nuggets or about 50-85g. For older children ages 9-13, a serving would be about 4-6 nuggets or 65-100g.
For Adults
For adults, a standard serving according to the nutrition label is 5 nuggets or 85g. Most adults would need 2-3 servings or about 10-15 nuggets for a complete meal.
For Athletes or Active Teens
For teen athletes or very active adults, they may need a larger serving size of about 6-8 nuggets or 100-140g to meet higher calorie and protein needs.
So in summary, a serving for most purposes is around 5 Perdue chicken nuggets or 85g. But this may be adjusted based on age, activity level, and individual calorie needs. Consuming about 10-15 nuggets is common for adults needing a complete meal.
Calories in Different Serving Sizes of Perdue Chicken Nuggets
Here is a table summarizing the calories and protein in different serving sizes of Perdue chicken nuggets:
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 nuggets (85g) | 190 | 13 |
| 10 nuggets (170g) | 380 | 26 |
| 15 nuggets (255g) | 570 | 39 |
| 20 nuggets (340g) | 760 | 52 |
As shown, calories and protein scale linearly with serving size. A 5 piece serving provides 190 calories and 13g protein. Consuming a 10 nugget serving would provide 380 calories and 26g protein. A larger 15 nugget serving boosts this to 570 calories and 39g protein.
Comparing Perdue Chicken Nugget Nutrition to Other Brands
How does Perdue chicken nugget nutrition compare to other popular frozen nugget brands? Here is a nutrition comparison of a 85g serving of various chicken nuggets:
| Brand | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perdue | 190 | 10 | 13 |
| Tyson | 260 | 16 | 12 |
| Foster Farms | 220 | 14 | 12 |
| Pilgrim’s | 210 | 13 | 10 |
Perdue chicken nuggets are one of the lower calorie options, with just 190 calories per serving compared to over 200-260 calories for other brands. They are also lower in total fat at 10g vs. 13-16g per serving. And Perdue provides slightly higher protein at 13g per serving.
So Perdue nuggets can be a better option if you are looking for lower calorie and fat frozen chicken nuggets with decent protein content.
Health Benefits of Perdue Chicken Nuggets
Here are some of the main health benefits that Perdue chicken nuggets provide:
High-Quality Protein
With 13g of protein per serving, Perdue nuggets deliver a good amount of satisfying protein to help meet daily needs. Protein provides amino acids that are important for building and repairing muscle, bone, and tissues.
Lean Source of Meat
Made from all white chicken breast meat, Perdue nuggets are a lean source of protein and meat. They have less saturated fat and calories than many red meat options.
Convenient Source of Nutrition
As a pre-cooked frozen food, Perdue chicken nuggets provide a quick and convenient source of nutrition. They can be heated and served easily for fast meals or snacks.
Kid-Friendly Food Option
With their kid-appealing shape and crunchy breading, chicken nuggets often be a favorite food for children. Perdue nuggets provide an option to get picky eaters to eat lean protein and meat.
Downsides of Perdue Chicken Nuggets
However, there are also some downsides to keep in mind with Perdue chicken nuggets:
High in Sodium
Perdue nuggets contain 430mg of sodium per serving, which is 19% of the daily recommended limit. The high sodium content is something to be aware of.
Contains Filler Ingredients
While made from all white meat chicken, Perdue nuggets also contain fillers like wheat flour and modified corn starch as part of the breader coating. They are not 100% just chicken.
Highly Processed Food
As a frozen processed food product, Perdue chicken nuggets cannot be considered a fresh, wholesome food. They undergo heavy processing and contain additives.
Higher Cost than Raw Chicken
Perdue nuggets may cost 3-4 times more per pound compared to buying raw chicken breast to cook from scratch. The convenience does add to the cost.
Alternatives to Perdue Chicken Nuggets
If you are looking to cut back on processed frozen foods, here are some healthier alternatives to try instead of Perdue chicken nuggets:
Homemade Baked Chicken Nuggets
Make crispy homemade oven-baked chicken nuggets coated in breadcrumbs or panko crumbs. Use fresh chicken breast and control ingredients.
Grilled Chicken Breast
Grilled, baked, or pan-seared seasoned chicken breast provides a lean protein option without extra fillers or sodium.
Chicken Salad
Chicken salad made from roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken is an easy lunch or dinner option. Avoid excess mayo-based dressings.
Other Lean Proteins
Swap chicken for other lean proteins like grass-fed beef, beans, lentils, eggs, or fish a few times per week for more variety.
Perdue Chicken Nugget Recipes
While Perdue nuggets can be eaten on their own, you can also incorporate them into recipes. Here are some recipe ideas:
Chicken Nugget Skewers
Thread nuggets onto skewers with veggies like mushrooms, peppers, and pineapple. Brush with sauce and grill or bake.
Chicken Nugget Salad
Chop Perdue nuggets and toss with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, and light dressing.
Chicken Nugget Sliders
Serve nuggets on mini buns with toppings like pickles, cheese, and condiments for an easy appetizer.
Chicken Nugget Tacos
Warm Perdue nuggets in taco shells or tortillas with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and low-fat Mexican cheese.
Serving Tips for Perdue Chicken Nuggets
Here are some tips for serving Perdue chicken nuggets:
Oven Bake Rather than Fry
Avoid frying and opt to bake Perdue nuggets in the oven for a crisp texture with less excess oil.
Pair with Vegetables
Serve chicken nuggets alongside fresh veggies like carrots, celery, broccoli to balance the meal.
Watch Portion Sizes
Stick to reasonable serving sizes. For adults, 10-15 nuggets is usually sufficient for a meal.
Try Dipping Sauces
Offer dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for added flavor.
Make Fun Shapes
Cut Perdue nuggets into fun shapes using cookie cutters to create stars, dinosaurs, hearts for kids.
Storing and Reheating Perdue Chicken Nuggets
To safely handle and store Perdue chicken nuggets:
Storage
– Store unopened package of Perdue nuggets in freezer at 0°F until expiration date
– Once opened, reseal package tightly and use within 2-3 months
– Do not refreeze thawed nuggets
Reheating
– Refrigerate thawed nuggets and reheat within 2 days
– Reheat frozen nuggets in oven at 400°F for 18-22 minutes
– Reheat thawed nuggets in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes
Proper storage and reheating helps maintain food safety and texture when enjoying previously frozen Perdue chicken nuggets.
Nutrition Tips for Eating Perdue Chicken Nuggets
Here are some nutrition tips when incorporating Perdue chicken nuggets into your diet:
– Enjoy nuggets in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet
– Be mindful of portion sizes – stick to 1-2 servings per meal
– Balance nuggets with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats
– Compare brands and choose lower calorie, lower sodium options like Perdue
– Remove skin or breading and opt for oven-baking instead of frying
– Avoid pairing with fried side dishes or thick, creamy sauces
– For kids, serve with carrot and celery sticks, sliced apples, or yogurt
– If losing weight, account for nugget calories within daily calorie needs
With some mindfulness of portions and preparation methods, Perdue nuggets can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Perdue chicken nuggets can provide a quick, convenient source of protein in the diet. A standard serving is about 5 nuggets or 85g, with 190 calories and 13g of protein. When eating Perdue nuggets, be mindful of portion sizes, and balance with vegetables, fruits, and other wholesome foods for a balanced approach to nutrition. Compare brands and preparation methods to get the healthiest nugget option. Although not a fresh, whole food, Perdue nuggets can fit into an overall nutritious lifestyle when consumed in moderation alongside other sound diet choices.