McMama's BakedChicken Fingers

In trying to appeal to the love of chicken nuggets by my husband and myself, and trying to get my toddler to eat chicken (my toddler who eats everything else, even peppers and olives!), I tried a recipe for Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets. If you haven't checked out the Skinny Taste blog, you definitely should. Many healthy recipes that are compatible with Weight Watchers and low-carb diets, but are tasty despite the "Diet" status.

We have eaten these 3 nights this week because my husband and I kept wanting more. Yes, they are that good! A healthy food that's requested by all family members? Can't get much better than that :) My toddler likes them because he can dip them in ketchup, my husband likes them because they're CHICKEN NUGGETS, and I like them because it's real chicken. This recipe technically makes 4 servings, but all were eaten and we were left wanting more (thus the second and third night of chicken nuggets).

Her recipe:

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

(My changes: I didn't have any panko on hand, so I just used 2 Tbsp extra whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Though, I think the panko would have made the chicken flakier. I also added about a Tbsp of a Dipping Blend by Grill Magic Seasonsings that really added a bold flavor that the breadcrumbs alone didn't quite add)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
2. Put olive oil in a bowl.
3. Combine breadcrumbs, panko (if you want), and parmesan in another bowl.
4. Season chicken with salt and pepper (as little or much as you want)
5. Put chicken pieces into the olive oil bowl (several at a time) and liberally cover.
6. Put chicken into the breadcrumb mixture and liberally cover.
7. Place chicken onto baking sheet lightly coated with olive oil.
8. Bake the chicken for 10 minutes. Take the chicken out and flip to the other side. Bake for another 5 minutes. (my oven calls for 5 min or more, just watch until the chicken is crispy).
9. Take out and enjoy!

I suggest serving this with a side of a veggie (like steamed broccoli and sauteed zucchini) and/or a side of Creamy Four-Cheese Macaroni (check yesterday's post).