Delicious Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets Recipe
Attention home chefs and party throwers! Have you ever been to a Chinese restaurant and tried orange chicken? It’s sweet, tangy, and deliciously crispy. What if I told you that you can enjoy the same mouth-watering taste with every bite of dino nuggets? That’s right! In this recipe article, I’ll show you how to make Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets – the perfect combination of childhood nostalgia and grown-up flavor.
Nowadays, people crave comfort food, but they also want to elevate their meals. That’s why these dino nuggets will satisfy your inner kid while providing the gourmet touch that will leave an impression on your guests. Trust me; no one can resist these yummy dino nuggets. Even picky eaters won’t be able to say no to the crispy exterior or the tangy orange glaze that brings all the flavors together.
Moreover, these chicken nuggets are versatile and easy to make. You can air fry or bake them in the oven. You can also use store-bought nuggets or make them from scratch using chicken breast. With a few tweaks and adjustments, you can turn this recipe into a healthy snack or a hearty stir-fry dinner.
So what are you waiting for? Get your appetite ready, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a fun and flavorful addition to your dinner table? Look no further than this Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets recipe! You’ll love this unique twist on classic chicken nuggets because it’s both delicious and playful. The dino-shaped nuggets add a touch of childhood nostalgia to your meal and are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
But these nuggets aren’t just fun; they’re also bursting with flavor. The combination of zesty orange, savory soy sauce, and spicy Sriracha sauce creates a taste sensation you won’t forget any time soon. And with the addition of scallion, ginger, and garlic, these nuggets have a depth of flavor that sets them apart from your typical fast-food chicken nuggets.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it can be customized to fit any dietary needs or preferences. You can use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option or adjust the amount of spice to make them more or less fiery. And best of all, they’re baked in the oven or prepared in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional fried nuggets.
Overall, this Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets recipe is the perfect addition to any family dinner or party spread. With its unique shape and bold flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds (and inner child) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need to make Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets. The recipe makes about 24 dino nuggets, before mentioning substitutions or variations.
Chicken Dino Nuggets:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- A pinch of black pepper and salt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Orange Sauce:
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- Freshly grated ginger (thumb size)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (or any hot sauce)
You can find these ingredients in any grocery store or online, and some you might even have already in your pantry or fridge. If you plan on making substitution and variation to the recipe to either fit a dietary requirement or change the flavor profile, check out the next section to find out what other ingredients you can use instead!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter- preparing the Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets recipe. This recipe is relatively simple and easy to follow, so don’t be intimidated by the number of ingredients. Just follow along with me step by step, and you’ll have delicious dino nuggets in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into dino nuggets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 Tbsp water or milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking oil or oil spray
Instructions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add water/milk. Set aside.
- Take each chicken dino nugget and coat it generously with the dry flour mixture.
- Once all the nuggets are coated with dry mixture, start dipping each one in the egg mixture followed by tossing them in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each nugget is well coated.
- Place a greased wire rack on top of a baking sheet (or use parchment paper) and place each coated chicken nugget on it spaced apart nicely.
- Lightly spray or brush each nugget with cooking oil.
- Bake for 10 minutes before flipping each one over to bake for another 5 to 6 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
There you have it—a perfectly cooked batch of Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets! Don’t forget to let them cool down a bit before you dive in because hot melty cheese can be a serious burn hazard. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Have you ever tried a recipe and realized that you don’t have some of the ingredients it calls for? Fear not, for there are several substitutions and variations you can make to the Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets Recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using tofu instead of chicken breast. This will give you a vegetarian option that’s just as delicious.
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can adjust the recipe by reducing or removing the sriracha sauce altogether. You can also substitute it with a less spicy hot sauce if you prefer. Additionally, if you want to add more flavor, you can experiment with different types of hot sauces or even add some sesame seeds to the panko breadcrumb mixture.
Looking for a gluten-free option? You can easily swap out the wheat flour with an all-purpose gluten-free flour mix available in most grocery stores. For those following a low-carb diet, try using almond flour instead of wheat flour and reduce or remove the brown sugar from the recipe.
If you prefer not to use an egg wash when coating your chicken nuggets, try using buttermilk or milk instead. This will give your nuggets a slightly different texture but still result in crispy and delicious dino-shaped nuggets.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some extra ingredients to your taste. For example, scallions and ginger make excellent additions to stir-fry dishes and will give your dino nuggets an Asian-inspired twist.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making adjustments based on personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to try new things in the kitchen- who knows what delicious culinary creations await!
Serving and Pairing
The best way to serve these mouthwatering orange chicken dino nuggets is piping hot, straight out of the air fryer or oven! They make for an impressive and fun appetizer that both kids and adults will enjoy. Serve them up on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing or in small paper cups for a quick and yummy snack.
For a complete meal, pair them with some cooked white rice and stir-fried veggies. Create a balanced plate by adding some leafy greens like bok choy or broccoli, or add some crunch with sugar snap peas or water chestnuts. You can also serve them over a bed of rice noodles, making it look like you ordered take-out from your favorite Chinese restaurant!
To take things up a notch, whip up a quick dip such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce mixed with honey and sesame oil. The contrasting flavors will complement the heat and sweetness of the orange chicken dino nuggets beautifully.
If you’re in the mood for something spicier, a side of sriracha sauce is perfect for dipping! The heat from the hot sauce goes extremely well with the crispy exterior of the chicken dino nuggets.
As for beverages, I recommend serving ice-cold beer or iced tea which perfectly balances out the hotness in the meal. You can add some lemon and honey to your tea to make it extra refreshing.
In short, these orange chicken dino nuggets are an easy crowd-pleaser that can be paired with various dishes or be enjoyed on their own for a fun snack. Get creative with your dips and sides, and serve them in fun ways to make it more appealing – because after all, who doesn’t love eating dino-shaped food?
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have whipped up a batch of these delicious orange chicken dino nuggets, you may be wondering how best to store them for later consumption. The good news is that there are several options available to you depending on your preferences and circumstances.
If you want to prepare the orange chicken dino nuggets in advance, they can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. This way, you can easily reheat them as needed and still enjoy their crispy crunchiness and tantalizing flavor.
For those who want to savor the dino nuggets over a longer period, they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to let them cool completely before transferring them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent moisture from building up and causing the chicken nuggets to become soggy after thawing.
When you’re ready to reheat, there are several options available. If you want to preserve the crispy exterior of the dino nuggets, try reheating them in an air fryer for five minutes at 400°F until they become golden brown once again. Alternatively, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can pop them in a conventional oven set at 400°F for eight to ten minutes until hot all the way through.
No matter which reheating method you choose, make sure that the nuggets are heated through before eating. Also, keep in mind that reheating multiple times may cause them to lose texture and flavor gradually over time. So it is advised to consume them within three days of preparing or freezing for optimal taste.
By following these simple storage and reheating procedures, you can extend the life of your orange chicken dino nuggets while still preserving their delectable taste and texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking chicken dino nuggets, there are a few tips that will make your dish stand out from the rest. Firstly, preheating your oven or air fryer is crucial to get evenly cooked nuggets – nobody wants burnt edges! Additionally, by making a few ingredient substitutions and changes in technique, you can customize this recipe according to your taste.
To up the crunchiness factor in the outer coating of the nuggets, add Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. Another thing that works wonders is adding garlic powder and dried oregano to the mix. This brings out an Italian twist and gives a boost of flavor.
For those who prefer a bit more spice, increase the amount of Sriracha sauce in your dipping sauce or add chili flakes to the batter mixture. If you want to sweeten things up, add honey or maple syrup along with brown sugar to give a sweet and sour glaze.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, go for Baked rather than Fried. For baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place nuggets on top in a single layer for even cooking. Using an air fryer is another great way to enjoy crispy chicken dino nuggets with fewer calories.
Finally, make sure not to overcook the nuggets as it can dry them out and take away their juiciness. To check if your nuggets are cooked perfectly, cut one open – it should be equally juicy with no pink liquidation remaining. Now that you have these simple tips and tricks up your sleeve, get ready to create perfect chicken dino nuggets every time!
FAQ
Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about the Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets recipe. These are some common doubts that people have regarding certain ingredients and steps in the recipe. By addressing these concerns, you’ll be able to avoid any mistakes and make the perfect batch of chicken dino nuggets every time. So, let’s dive right into it!
What are the ingredients for dino chicken nuggets?
The key ingredients for this recipe are boneless, skinless chicken breasts with rib meat, whole wheat flour, wheat flour, corn starch, dried garlic, dried onion, dried yeast, flavorings, natural flavor, chicken broth, paprika extract, soybean oil, spice, sugar, and yellow corn flour. These ingredients in harmony will create a delicious and flavorful dish that your guests are sure to enjoy.
How do you make yummy dino nuggets?
To start, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking sheet and spread out your food in a single layer. Pop the sheet in the center of the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Don’t forget to flip your food halfway through the cooking process to make sure it’s heated evenly on both sides.
How do I get crispy dino nuggets?
Are you a fan of chicken nuggets? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got a tasty and easy recipe for you! First, heat up your Air Fryer to 400°F. Then, grab 8 frozen Dino Nuggets and place them on the air fryer tray or basket in a single layer. Cook them for 10 minutes, shaking or rotating them halfway through. Don’t want to burn those tasty bites! After they’re done, let them cool for a bit before you dip them in your favorite sauce for a scrumptious snack!
Are dino nuggets baked or fried?
Our chicken nuggets are prepared using a combination of frying and baking methods. They are first quickly fried to set the breading, then they are baked in a large oven until fully cooked.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets is a must-try for anyone who loves fun and flavorful food. Not only are these nuggets easy to make with readily available ingredients, but they can also be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fun meal for the kids, this recipe is perfect for all occasions.
But don’t just take my word for it, try making these Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets yourself and see how delicious they are. You’ll be surprised at how much better they taste than regular chicken nuggets from the store. Plus, with the option to bake or air-fry them, you can enjoy them guilt-free as a healthy snack or meal.
What’s more, this recipe is versatile and allows for substitutions and variations, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. You can also make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer for easy reheating later on.
So why not try making these dino-shaped nuggets the next time you’re looking for a fun and easy meal? You won’t regret it!
Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
FOR DINO NUGGETS
- 1 lb chicken
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons plain fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (or any hot sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
FOR COATING
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil, for frying
FOR ORANGE SAUCE
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 orange, zested
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger, finely minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup scallion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
FOR SERVING
- cooked white rice, dill, broccoli (for garnish)
Instructions
- To make Dino Nuggets:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, buttermilk, sriracha, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt and black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Take a cookie sheet that will fit into your freezer and line with parchment paper. Arrange dinosaur cookie cutters on the cookie sheet. Take tablespoon sized chunks of the chicken mixture and use your fingertips to push the chicken into the cookie cutters in an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. You may need to add more or less chicken mixture to each cutter depending on the size. Lift away the cookie cutters. Repeat to fill the tray with dinosaur shapes (they can be very close together). Freeze for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Place the flour in a wide, shallow dish. Crack egg into a second wide, shallow dish, add the milk and whisk together with a fork. Place panko breadcrumbs into a third wide, shallow dish.
- Lift each frozen dinosaur shape off the cookie sheet then dip into the flour, turning to coat well. Then dip into the egg mixture, turning to coat. Lastly dip into the breadcrumbs, turning to coat.
- Fill a large, deep skillet halfway with vegetable oil. Heat to 350 degrees F. Once the oil is hot, lower in a few nuggets at a time and fry until golden on one side 3-5 minutes. Flip and let the other side cook to golden brown – about another 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer to plate lined with paper towel to drain the excess oil.
- To make the Orange Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, orange zest and orange juice.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over a medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic, ginger and pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Pour in the soy sauce mixture, the rice wine vinegar and scallions and stir through. Bring to the boil then turn down to simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl then pour that into the skillet too, stirring it in thoroughly, until thickened. Add the fried nuggets to the sauce in the pan then gently flip them over and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Mould the rice using small bowls into mounds on a plate. Garnish with the broccoli to make a ‘Jungle’ scene. Arrange the hot nuggets in the scene, garnishing with dill or cilantro if desired.
- Tools:
- Tools:
- Buy the dino nugget cutters on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Cookie-Cutter-Set-Triceratops/dp/B01GVUYREW.
- Buy the dino nugget cutters on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Cookie-Cutter-Set-Triceratops/dp/B01GVUYREW.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!