Do your children love McNuggets? Do you cringe when you think of the fat and calories they're ingesting every time they eat them? It's not exactly news that a certain fast food chain's chicken nuggets are loaded with more than just fat and sugar. Instead of feeding your children god knows what
The next time they're clamoring for fast food, stay home and try our healthy recipe for baked chicken nuggets instead. The crispy coating will remind them of their fast food favorites, but the spice blend makes these so much better (in case you need to have a few yourself).
Once you make this healthy recipe for your kids, they may just forget all about their favorite fast food and the lack of nutrition that goes with it. If you are a busy parent or simply working more hours as many parents do today, consider doubling this recipe and precooking the extras. They freeze for up to 4 months when wrapped up properly. Just be sure to date and label your nuggets!
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup Cornflakes cereal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Directions
1. Remove skin and bone; cut thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. Place cornflakes in a plastic bag and crush them by using a rolling pin. wrap with a clean kitchen towel to avoid popping any holes in the bag.
3. Add the remaining ingredients to crushed cornflakes. Close the bag tightly and shake until blended.
4. Add a few chicken pieces at a time to the crumb mixture. Shake to coat evenly.
CONVENTIONAL METHOD:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a cooking sheet.
2. Place chicken pieces on the cooking sheet so they are not touching.
3. Bake until golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes. Serve with Green Bean ‘Fries' (recipe below).
MICROWAVE METHOD:
1. Lightly grease an 8×12-inch baking dish.
2. Place chicken pieces on the baking dish so they are not touching. Cover with waxed paper and cook on high.
3. Rotate the chicken every 2 to 3 minutes. Cook until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Serve with Green Bean ‘Fries' (recipe below).
Makes 4 Servings, about 3 ounces each
Crispy Green Bean Fries
While potato fries might be one of the greatest things humans have made, they're not exactly the healthiest thing. These green bean fries will mimic the real thing but are packed full of important nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil spray
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray.
2. Combine the breadcrumbs and ranch mix in a medium bowl.
3. Dip the green beans in the egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture to coat.
4. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. When green beans are all coated, lightly spray with olive oil spray.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, flip them, and bake for another 2 to 5 minutes until crispy.