Canned Chicken Nuggets
Published July 18, 2026
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If you've been side-eyeing canned chicken, this recipe might just change your mind. With just 4 simple ingredients, you can turn it into crispy, juicy chicken nuggets that are high in protein, low in carbs, and ready in the air fryer in minutes.
I know canned chicken can be a little polarizing, but hear me out…this recipe is one of the easiest ways to turn a pantry staple into something you’ll actually crave. With just a 12-ounce can of chicken, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and an egg, you can make crispy, golden chicken nuggets that are packed with protein and naturally low in carbs. I always keep canned chicken in my pantry because it’s affordable, convenient, and perfect for those nights when I don’t have time to thaw meat or make a trip to the grocery store.
The secret to these nuggets is the cottage cheese. Once everything is mixed together, it melts right into the chicken, helping create a tender, juicy center while adding extra protein without making the nuggets taste like cottage cheese. The shredded cheese gives the outside that irresistible golden crust in the air fryer, so you get crispy edges without any breadcrumbs, flour, or pork panko. They’re gluten-free, family-friendly, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
I’ve made a lot of recipes with canned chicken over the years, and this is one I come back to again and again because it’s so simple and consistently turns out well. Whether you need a quick lunch, an easy weeknight dinner, or a high-protein snack, these chicken nuggets come together in minutes with ingredients you may already have on hand. If you’ve never been a fan of canned chicken before, this is the recipe I’d recommend trying first.
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Ingredients
12.5 oz can chicken, drained well -
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
-
1/3 cup cottage cheese (4% milkfat)
-
1 large egg
-
optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Combine ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the drained chicken and use a fork to break it into smaller pieces. Add the cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and egg, then stir until well combined. Mix in seasoning if using.
- 12.5 can of chicken, drained well
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- seasoning (optional)
Shape the nuggets
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, portion the chicken mixture into oval-shaped nuggets about 1 inch wide. Place them in a single layer in an air fryer basket or on an air fryer tray. If baking, arrange the nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. From into 16 nuggets.
Bake
Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. Or bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the nuggets are lightly golden and cooked through.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros + Recipes →Frequently Asked Questions
Do the nuggets taste like canned chicken?
Not at all. The cheese does most of the heavy lifting, and air frying gives the nuggets a crispy exterior that makes them taste much more like traditional chicken nuggets than you'd expect.
Can I use fresh cooked chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes. Use about 1 cup of finely shredded cooked chicken in place of one 12-ounce can of canned chicken. The mixture should hold together well before shaping into nuggets.
Can I make these dairy-free?
I don't recommend it for this recipe. Both the cottage cheese and shredded cheese help bind the nuggets together and create the right texture, so dairy-free substitutions may not give the same results.
Can I add seasonings or spices?
Definitely. This recipe is easy to customize. Try garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a little hot sauce mixed into the batter for extra flavor.
Why are my nuggets falling apart?
Make sure you drain the canned chicken really well before mixing. Too much moisture is the most common reason the mixture won't hold together. If needed, let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before shaping the nuggets.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Monterey Jack?
Yes! Monterey Jack melts beautifully and gives these nuggets a mild, creamy flavor, but Colby Jack and cheddar cheese are both great substitutes. Just be sure to use a good melting cheese so the nuggets hold together and develop that crispy, golden exterior.
