Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Chicken Nuggets

My kids love the dinosaur chicken nuggets.  And for a while there, I was buying them each week, ignoring that little voice that said, "You know you can make these for the girls, and they'd be a heck of a lot healthier."  Yet, I continued to buy them, because life is busy and throwing nuggets in the toaster oven is so easy.   It just became routine.

So I decided it's time for a new routine.

My husband and I strive to eat healthy foods 75% of the time, so why shouldn't my kids?  We tend to think, "They're just kids.  It's no big deal what they eat."  But really, it is a big deal.  I mean, how do YOU feel after eating a fatty, greasy meal?  You feel sluggish and tired.  Sick and whiny.  So I'm guessing my kids food intake has an impact on how THEY feel as well.

So, here is my challenge to you:  if I can research recipes, cook and photograph them, and then blog them here for you, I challenge you to at least try to get rid of the frozen nuggets, hot dogs, and other unhealthy items from your children's weekly menus.

Let's all start good habits together.   And why not start with the nugget.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Chicken breast or tenders
Olive or canola oil
Salt and Pepper
Bread Crumbs or Panko Crumbs
Egg substitute
Whole Wheat Flour



First, cut any visible fat or tendons from the chicken.  Kids hate chewy things in their nuggets.   Then, after cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, dredge them in flour, dip into the egg substitute, and then cover them in breadcrumbs. 


You may have to cook the in batches, but drizzle about a tablespoon of oil onto your frying pan and spread it around.  Let it heat up well, then add your chicken.



I usually let them cook for about 10 minutes, over medium heat, flipping them halfway through.   Test one to make sure it isn't still pink inside.

The panko crumbs are great, if you have them.  They are crunchy and delicious.  You could also use crushed corn flakes for a little bit of a sweet coating.

Use a little bit of honey for dipping.  My kids aren't dippers, though.  They like these nuggets just the way they are!


1 comments:

allbluezoo said...

I do something similar with our chicken nuggets. We use just Olive Oil, bread crumbs, paprika, and garlic salt. Cut up the chicken breast and mix it with the oil. I usually have the bread crumb mixture put into a zip loc baggie - add the chicken to it and shake it. Pop into the oven at 375 for about 20-30 minutes.

Kids love 'em!

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