Turn mealtime into an adventure with these irresistible Orange Chicken Dino Nuggets! This family-friendly recipe combines the crispy, playful charm of dino-shaped chicken nuggets with a rich, tangy homemade orange sauce infused with fresh garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Whether baked, air-fried, or pan-fried for extra crunch, the nuggets are coated in the luscious glaze or served alongside it for dipping fun. Perfect for picky eaters and nostalgic adults alike, this quick and easy dish is ready in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a touch of sophistication, and watch as this flavorful fusion becomes a household favorite!
Preheat the oven according to the package instructions for the dino-shaped chicken nuggets. Bake the nuggets on a cookie sheet until fully cooked and crispy, usually around 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, air fry them for extra crispiness.
While the nuggets are baking, prepare the orange sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
Optional: If you prefer extra-crispy nuggets, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, pan-fry the cooked chicken nuggets for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Once the chicken nuggets are ready, toss them in the prepared orange sauce until coated evenly. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce as a dip on the side for customized dipping.
Plate the orange chicken dino nuggets and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables for a fun and satisfying meal.
Calories |
3681 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 190.1 g | 244% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.2 g | 181% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 480 mg | 160% | |
| Sodium | 7564 mg | 329% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 291.9 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.8 g | ||
| Protein | 165.1 g | 330% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 251 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 9.5 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 2842 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.