Not Your Ordinary Chicken Nuggets

My oldest son used to love to eat broccoli and other vegetables. When he was 18 months old, he would walk around with a stalk of broccoli and just chow down. Well something happened and now it seems like I have to force him to eat his vegetables.

The one thing I never have to force him to eat is chicken nuggets. What kids don't like chicken nuggets? Even I love to have a good chicken nugget every now and then. I think the recipe below causes my son to enjoy what he is eating, and I am still happy because he is eating healthy ingredients.

As I was making these today, my son looked at the pan and said, "Those are my favorite chicken nuggets." Then as I was trying to take a picture of them, he kept saying, "Mommy, hurry up!" I guess that tells you how much he likes them.

I adapted this recipe from the cookbook Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld.

Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat, white or panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flaxseed meal
1 tbl grated Parmesan
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 large egg
Milk
Salt
1 lb boneless skinless chicken cut into small chunks
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tbl olive oil

Directions:

• In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, flaxseed, Parmesan, paprika, garlic and onion powder.
• In another bowl, lightly beat egg and add a small amount of milk.
• Sprinkle the chicken with salt, coat them in the egg mixture and then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set it on medium high heat. When it is hot, add the oil.
• Place the breaded chicken into the skillet being careful not to get the pan too full and cook until crisp and golden brown. About three to four mintues on each side, depending upon how thick your chicken pieces are.
• Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy.

Variation:
I have also made this recipe with Italian bread crumbs instead of plain and served them with pizza sauce.