Fast Food Made at Home: Chicken Nuggets

Background

I love chicken nuggets. Seriously. If you put a McDonald's chicken nugget in front of my face, I will smile (not as big as if you put a kitten in front of my face, but for different reasons...I'm not going to eat a kitten for cryin' out loud, you people are sick!  I digress). However, if you've never read the ingredients in a McDonald's chicken nugget, don't. Save yourself the feeling that your stomach is turning over and over and instead take a gander at the following recipe.

Aside from overall quality, there are three big differences between the processed, conveyor belt nuggets that are handed out that drive thru window and the ones produced in this recipe. First, I use a breadcrumb coating. Second, these nuggets are baked, NOT FRIED. And third, they are easily seasoned according to your tastes using spices, not sugary, salty, fatty sauces. Note: if you choose to use additional sauces, more power to you, I'm just providing the base here.

Ingredients
1 chicken breast, preferably fresh from a butcher
3/4 C. bread crumbs (I like Progresso Italian Seasoned)
Seasonings to taste

(yep, it's that simple, folks)

Directions
Cut the chicken breast into 1-2" squares, trying to keep the pieces relatively similar in size for even cooking. This is where a fresh chicken breast is much nicer. The frozen chicken breasts have often been pounded flat (as you would to make a roulade) and therefore cut into more of flat disks rather than chunks. In a small bowl, or ziplock bag, pour breadcrumbs and seasonings. If using a bowl, use fingers to coat each chicken piece and then place them on a baking sheet (I put them directly on the sheet, no oil and haven't had sticking problems, but if you're worried, I'd try using foil before adding fat :)). If using a ziplock bag (much more kid friendly), simply dump the pieces into the bag, seal with some air inside and shake to coat (it's Shake 'n' Bake, Daddy!). Bake pieces in a 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes (depending on size of pieces) until cooked throughout.

Let's talk seasonings. This is the fun part, especially if you have children and a variety of spices. I find that at our house, we tend to get in a rut of flavor, using the same spices over and over. So why not try something new? Let your kids smell the different spices you have in your cupboard to see what they might like. Themes we've used and liked:

Taco: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt
Italian: garlic powder, basil, oregano, rosemary, salt, pepper
BBQ: Mesquite Grillers BBQ seasoning, salt

I might also suggest an Asian theme using ginger, garlic and pepper
Perhaps an Indian theme using turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and garlic

The sky's the limit really and it's all about having fun as a family cooking together. Try a few different combos and have a taste test panel! See who can guess each family member's favorite! And by all means, if and when you do, let me know how it turns out.