Recipe: Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets

If you have kiddos, or have ever been a kiddo, chances are, a chicken nugget or two have crossed your lips....or landed someplace in the dark depths between your car-seats....don't ask. There is pretty much no denying that they are super yummy and in general, are a crowd pleaser with the kiddos. Unfortunately, there is also no denying that the typical fast-food stereotypes also apply to these tasty morsels. Sure, they may be slightly better for you and your littles than that greasy burger monstrosity, but they still have their issues.

So, today, I am super excited to share with you a best-of-all-worlds recipe that was shared with us by one of our readers, the Blohm family in Phoenix, AZ. With all the yumminess and none of the yuckiness of their processed predecessors, you and your family can feel good about bringing these babies to the table! Behold....Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets!! Nom, nom, nom....

Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Gina at Skinnytaste (www.skinnytaste.com)

 

When to Introduce: These are going to be for those self-feeders in your family. Sure, you can always stick them in a food processor for those still eating purees, but, you may just lose the fun of the whole nugget-ness that way. Totally your call!  If you have concerns, always be sure to consult a pediatrician.

 

Why we Love It:  All of the fun and even more of the YUM! These easy to eat nuggets are packed with lean protein and are not fried even for a second. They are juicy and perfect for dipping...and we all know kids LOVE to dip!

 

Ingredients: 

16 oz (2 large) skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into even bit sized pieces
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp olive oil
6 tbsp whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tbsp panko
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
olive oil spray

 

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 425°.

2. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray. 

3. Put the olive oil in one bowl and the breadcrumbs, panko and parmesan cheese in another.
4. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then put in the bowl with the olive oil and mix well so the olive oil evenly coats all of the chicken.
5. Put a few chunks of chicken at a time into the breadcrumb mixture to coat, then on the baking sheet. 

6. Lightly spray the top with olive oil spray then bake 8 - 10 minutes. 

7. Turn over then cook another 4 - 5 minutes or until cooked though.

 

Servings: This will make 4 average servings (about 1 cup each)!