Mealtime Monday ~ Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Have you been watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on Friday nights on ABC? It has been pretty interesting to see this guy take on people's attitudes toward food in Huntington, WV. And, at times, I have found it pretty eye-opening, like when he breaks down school lunch programs.

The most eye opening (and stomach-turning) part for me was the first week when Jamie had a group of children in a kitchen discussing chicken nuggets. He gave them a pretty gross glimpse of what can go into those processed little bits. The kids were naturally grossed out (as was I) and they said they would NOT eat that stuff. Then he proceeded to make a little nugget shape, roll it in breading and fry it. Amazingly, the kids decided that they WOULD eat that since it was fried and looked like a nugget. UGH!

So, last week during Spring Break my daughter invited a friend to our home for a sleepover and they choose the dinner menu of chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. No problem, I said. However, I just didn't want to throw some processed stuff in the oven or microwave. So, I treated them to some homemade chicken nuggets and mac & cheese and sliced strawberries...they gobbled it up. YUM!

I can't claim that I will never throw some Tyson nuggets in the oven ever again (white meat only, thank you) but we are really trying to make some better eating choices in our home. Quick and easy recipes for good stuff come in handy.

Here is my quick and easy chicken nugget recipe...Enjoy!

Baked Chicken Nuggets

1/2 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (cut into 1 inch pieces)

1/4 cup butter, melted

Combine first 5 ingredients in a heavy-duty zipper plastic bag. Seal bag and shake well to mix dry ingredients.

Dip chicken in butter and shake a few pieces at a time in breadcrumb mixture.

Place chicken pieces in a greased baking dish.

Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until browned.

And here is my previous post for mac & cheese. It's not exactly healthy but...everything in moderation, people!

**This recipe is linked to Jen's Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed With Grace. Check out all of the yummy recipes at both of these blog parties this week!