Chicken nuggets are a popular food, especially with kids. They are made of small pieces of chicken that are breaded and fried. While chicken nuggets are often considered an unhealthy food due to being high in fat and calories, they can also be a good source of protein.
For those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, finding chicken nuggets that are dairy free is important. Many chicken nuggets contain milk or milk derivatives like whey in their breading or batter. Thankfully, there are a number of brands that offer dairy free chicken nuggets.
What makes chicken nuggets not dairy free?
The primary reason that most conventional chicken nuggets are not dairy free is because they contain ingredients derived from milk. Here are some of the most common culprits:
– Whey: Whey is a protein extracted from milk during the cheesemaking process. It is commonly added to breading for crispness.
– Milk: Some batters and breadings include milk or milk powder for flavor and texture.
– Buttermilk: Buttermilk is sometimes used to marinate chicken or as part of a batter. Buttermilk is made from milk.
– Cheese: Grated parmesan or other cheese is occasionally added to the breading for extra flavor.
– Curds: Cheese curds may be used in a crispy coating.
So in summary, chicken nuggets are generally not dairy free due to the common use of milk-based ingredients like whey, milk, buttermilk, cheese, and curds in the coating or batter.
What makes chicken nuggets dairy free?
For chicken nuggets to be dairy free, they must completely avoid any milk-derived ingredients. Here are some examples of how brands make dairy free nuggets:
– Using plant-based milk instead of dairy milk in batters
– Using water instead of buttermilk for marinades
– Using rice flour, corn flour, or almond flour instead of wheat flour in breading
– Using vegetable oil instead of butter in recipes
– Avoiding cheese, whey, and other milk derivatives in the coating
Many dairy free brands will use descriptive terms on labels such as “dairy free,” “vegan,” or “lactose free” to clearly advertise that the product does not contain milk. Choosing certified vegan chicken nuggets is a good way to ensure dairy free status.
Popular dairy free chicken nugget brands
Here are some of the top brands that offer dairy free chicken nuggets:
Quorn Nuggets
– Made from mycoprotein (fermented fungus) instead of chicken
– Vegan certified and gluten free
– Available in Classic and Spicy flavors
– Sold frozen in most grocery stores
Alpha Foods Chik’n Nuggets
– Made from plant-based protein
– Vegan, nut free, soy free, gluten free
– Sold frozen at many grocers nationwide
– Fun shapes like dinosaurs, hearts, rockets
Morningstar Farms Chik’n Nuggets
– Made from vegetarian ingredients
– Vegan, kosher, egg free, nut free
– Sold frozen at most large supermarkets
– Also available as corn dog nuggets on a stick
Beyond Meat Chicken Tenders
– Plant-based chicken made from pea protein
– Dairy free, gluten free, GMO free
– Sold in the fresh meat section at many stores
– Marinated in a vegan honey sauce
Impossible Chicken Nuggets
– Plant-based nuggets made by Impossible Foods
– Sold at select Burger King locations nationwide
– Also available at some grocery stores frozen
– Halal and kosher certified
Trader Joe’s Meatless Chicken Strips
– Breaded strips instead of nuggets
– Made from soybean protein and potato starch
– Sold refrigerated at Trader Joe’s markets
– Also come in fun dinosaur shapes
Tips for cooking dairy free chicken nuggets
Cooking dairy free chicken nuggets is simple and similar to preparing traditional nuggets:
– If frozen, thaw nuggets overnight in the fridge before cooking
– Preheat oven to temperature listed on packaging (usually 400°F)
– Place nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled
– Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot and crispy
– Can also air fry, pan fry, or microwave per package directions
– Check internal temperature to confirm doneness (165°F for safety)
– Toss cooked nuggets in your favorite dairy free sauce, like BBQ or buffalo style
Following package instructions is key as cook times can vary between dairy free chicken nugget brands. With just a few easy steps, you can enjoy crispy dairy free nuggets at home.
Tips for baking crispy dairy free chicken nuggets
Achieving crispy baked chicken nuggets without dairy can take a few simple tweaks:
– Use breadcrumbs labeled gluten free or made from rice or almond flour, which get extra crispy
– Coat nuggets well in flour first, then egg wash substitute, then breading for a crunchy exterior
– Let coated nuggets sit 5-10 minutes before baking so crust adheres
– Brush nuggets with oil before baking for even more crispiness
– Bake at a high temp (425°F) to get breading crisped and browned
– Place nuggets in a single layer on a wire rack on the baking sheet for airflow
– Flip halfway through bake time for evenly crisped coating
– Check frequently to avoid overbrowning since dairy free breading can brown faster
– Let cool briefly before serving so coating sets up
With the right prep and baking technique, you can achieve tender chicken and deliciously crispy coating, even without dairy.
Best sauces and condiments for dairy free nuggets
Here are some mouthwatering dairy free sauces and condiments that pair perfectly with chicken nuggets:
BBQ Sauce
Look for varieties made with tomato, vinegar, and spices only. Sweet Baby Ray’s, Annie’s, and Organicville make dairy free BBQ sauces.
Buffalo Sauce
Frank’s RedHot is the classic buffalo wing sauce and contains just vinegar and cayenne pepper. Mix with vegan butter or oil as a dip.
Ranch
Try making dairy free ranch at home with vegan mayo, plant milk, vinegar, and ranch seasoning. Store-bought options are also available.
Ketchup
All traditional tomato-based ketchups are dairy free. Organic and homemade ketchups make nutritious condiments.
Mustard
Yellow mustard is naturally dairy free. Dijon, honey, and stone ground mustards also avoid dairy as long as they don’t contain buttermilk.
Sriracha
The popular Thai hot sauce contains just chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt. It adds zesty heat to dunking.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Asian sweet chili sauces flavored with ginger and garlic offer a sticky, slightly spicy dip for nuggets. Lee Kum Kee makes a dairy free version.
Best oils for frying dairy free chicken nuggets
To achieve crunchy fried chicken nuggets, choose a high smoke point oil:
Avocado Oil
Has a very high smoke point (520°F) so excellent for frying. Has mild flavor that doesn’t overwhelm.
Peanut Oil
Ideal for frying with smoke point of 450°F. Imparts light nutty flavor.
Safflower Oil
A versatile oil with 450°F smoke point. Adds little flavor making it ideal for stir fries or fries.
Sunflower Oil
Light in color and flavor with smoke point of 440°F. Works well for frying or sautéing.
Grapeseed Oil
Another neutral-tasting oil good for high heat with smoke point of 420°F.
Canola Oil
A budget-friendly option for frying with high 400°F smoke point and mild flavor.
For safety, fry nuggets in 2-3 inches of oil at 350-375°F. Fry in small batches and drain on paper towels when golden.
Best ways to meal prep dairy free chicken nuggets
Meal prepping makes enjoying dairy free chicken nuggets quick and easy any night of the week with these tips:
– Prepare a double batch of nuggets on Sunday to reheat during week
– Let cooked nuggets cool completely before storing airtight in fridge
– Reheat thawed nuggets in a 400 degree oven or air fryer until hot
– Make several dairy free dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ and buffalo to keep on hand
– Cook and cut veggie sides like sweet potato fries, broccoli or cauliflower to enjoy throughout week
– Store nugget meals in individual containers with sauce and veggies for grab-and-go
– Prepare nuggets and place between buns with toppings for easy dairy free chicken sandwiches
– Freeze extra homemade nuggets uncooked and thawed to reheat later in air fryer from frozen
With homemade or store-bought nuggets ready-to-go, you can enjoy quick and easy dairy free meals any night!
Dairy free chicken nugget recipe ideas
Here are tasty recipe ideas for homemade dairy free chicken nuggets:
Baked Almond Flour Nuggets
– Marinate chicken in almond milk and spices overnight
– Coat in almond flour, salt, pepper and nutritional yeast
– Bake until crispy and cooked through
Panko Crusted Nuggets
– Buttermilk substitute: Whisk plant milk with vinegar
– Marinate chicken in buttermilk mixture
– Toss chicken in panko breadcrumbs
– Bake until panko is crispy and browned
Buffalo Style Nuggets
– Marinate chicken in hot sauce and spices
– Coat with crushed gluten free rice cereal
– Bake until cooked and crunchy
– Toss in vegan buffalo sauce
BBQ Oven-Fried Nuggets
– Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce
– Coat with crushed corn flakes and smoked paprika
– Bake on a wire rack until crispy
– Brush with more BBQ sauce after baking
Ranch Chicken Nuggets
– Mix non-dairy milk with ranch powder and spices
– Soak chicken pieces in seasoned milk
– Coat with seasoned gluten free panko crumbs
– Bake until browned and 160°F internally
Nutrition facts for popular dairy free chicken nuggets
Here are the nutrition facts per serving for some popular dairy free chicken nugget brands:
Alpha Chicken Chik’n Nuggets
– Calories: 190
– Fat: 6g
– Carbs: 12g
– Protein: 24g
– Sodium: 370mg
Quorn Chickenless Nuggets
– Calories: 180
– Fat: 7g
– Carbs: 16g
– Protein: 13g
– Sodium: 300mg
Morningstar Chik’n Nuggets
– Calories: 120
– Fat: 2.5g
– Carbs: 8g
– Protein: 12g
– Sodium: 670mg
Beyond Chicken Tenders
– Calories: 140
– Fat: 5g
– Carbs: 3g
– Protein: 14g
– Sodium: 270mg
Impossible Chicken Nuggets
– Calories: 140
– Fat: 7g
– Carbs: 6g
– Protein: 10g
– Sodium: 200mg
As you can see, dairy free options tend to be lower in calories and fat compared to traditional chicken nuggets, since they contain no oil. They can fit into healthy eating plans in moderation.
Are dairy free chicken nuggets healthier?
Dairy free chicken nuggets can be a healthier option compared to traditional nuggets for a few reasons:
– Typically lower in saturated fat and calories since no frying
– Contain no cholesterol if made from plant proteins
– Often have more fiber from ingredients like whole grains
– No dairy means better for those with lactose intolerance
– May have less processing and artificial ingredients
However, nutrition can vary greatly by brand. Some dairy free nuggets may be high in sodium or lower in protein. Check labels and look for options with whole food ingredients and minimal processing for your best bet nutritionally. Moderating portion sizes is also key.
While not health foods, high quality dairy free nuggets can be an occasional healthier choice over traditional options when minding sodium, calories, and ingredients.
Common food allergies and dairy free nuggets
Here are some other common food allergen considerations when choosing dairy free chicken nuggets:
Wheat – Wheat is a common ingredient in breading and batter. Look for gluten free options made with rice flour, almond flour, etc.
Soy – Soy proteins like tofu are used to make some vegan nuggets. Ensure product is soy-free if allergic.
Eggs – Some dairy free nuggets contain eggs as a binding ingredient. Opt for vegan nuggets to avoid eggs.
Tree nuts – Almond flour, coconut flour, and other nut flours can be used as coatings. Avoid if allergic to nuts.
Shellfish – Surimi seafood is an ingredient in some meatless nuggets. Check labels if allergic.
Always read ingredient lists carefully and look for dairy free options that also avoid your other food allergens. Call manufacturers with any questions.
Takeaways on dairy free chicken nuggets
Here are the key takeaways on enjoying chicken nuggets without dairy:
– Check labels closely since whey, buttermilk, and cheese are common ingredients
– Look for brands that are vegan or use terms like dairy free, lactose free
– Popular options include Alpha, Quorn, Morningstar, Beyond Meat, Impossible
– Bake, air fry, or pan fry to crispy perfection with the right oil and technique
– Pair with dairy free ranch, BBQ, Buffalo, honey mustard, or sriracha
– Meal prep baked nuggets and sauces for easy reheating throughout the week
– Try making breaded nuggets at home with almond milk, flours, and seasonings
– Dairy free nuggets can be a healthier choice over traditional when minding sodium, fat, and calories
With an abundance of store-bought options and fun recipes to try, you can still enjoy down home comfort with dairy free chicken nuggets. They provide a healthier way to get your protein and finger food fix!