Chicken Nut Bites
Delicious Chicken Nut Bites combine tender chicken and toasted almonds in a savory, seasoned batter, perfect for appetizer platters or snack occasions, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon snipped parsley ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz) can boned chicken, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine chicken broth and margarine; bring to boiling.
- Stir in flour, parsley, seasoned salt, celery seed, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne.
- Cook, beating rapidly until mixture leaves sides of the pan and forms a smooth, compact ball.
- Remove from heat.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until mixture is shiny.
- Stir in chopped chicken and toasted almonds.
- Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until browned.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute margarine with olive oil. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; adding a bit more cayenne can spice things up. Ensure that you beat the eggs in well to achieve the desired shine in the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Nut Bites are delightful as a party appetizer or a snack. Pair them with a side of Sautéed Green Beans for a well-rounded meal. They can also be served with a dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mustard, for added flavor. Enjoy them hot for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their texture. Avoid using the microwave as it may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Nut Bites contains roughly 885 calories, with 31g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (198% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (142% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2167mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked and shredded fresh chicken instead of canned. Just ensure it's well-seasoned and chopped into small pieces to blend well into the mixture. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, as fresh chicken may have a milder flavor than canned.
How can I make these bites gluten-free?
To make Chicken Nut Bites gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I do if the mixture is too dry?
If the mixture appears too dry, add a little more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency. It should be moist but still hold its shape when dropped onto the baking sheet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).