Healthy Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Do your children love McNuggets? 

Do you cringe when you think of the fat and calories they're ingesting everytime they eat them?  (we do)

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 make ours so much better (in case you need to have a few yourself).

The paprika will give the nuggets just a hint of sweetness, which is balanced nicely by the distinct flavors of the garlic, onion and Italian spice blend.

You can bake the nuggets in the oven for a crispier coating, or make them in the microwave to get dinner on the table in a hurry on those busy nights. 

If they're craving fries with their nuggets, roast up some cubed potatoes to go along side. 

Just drizzle them with some olive oil, and toss on a few teaspoons of the Italian seasoning, to echo the flavor on the chicken. 

Roast them on a rimmed baking sheet for a great side dish.

Once you make this healthy recipe for your kids, they may just forget all about their favorite fast food and the nutrition that goes with it.

4 Servings, about 3 ounces each

Chicken thighs, boneless, skinless 1-1/2 pounds
Ready-to-eat cereal, cornflakes, crumbs 1 cup
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Italian herb seasoning 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon
Onion powder 1/4 teaspoon

PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES
CONVENTIONAL COOKING TIME: 12 TO 14 MINUTES
MICROWAVE COOKING TIME: 6 TO 8 MINUTES

1. Remove skin and bone; cut thighs into bite-sized pieces.

2. Place cornflakes in plastic bag and crush by using a rolling pin.

3. Add remaining ingredients to crushed cornflakes. Close bag tightly and shake until blended.

4. Add a few chicken pieces at a time to crumb mixture. Shake to coat evenly.

CONVENTIONAL METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 400? F. Lightly grease a cooking sheet.

2. Place chicken pieces on cooking sheet so they are not touching.

3. Bake until golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes.

MICROWAVE METHOD:

1. Lightly grease an 8- by 12-inch baking dish.

2. Place chicken pieces on baking dish so they are not touching. Cover with waxed paper and cook on high.

3. Rotate chicken every 2 to 3 minutes. Coo****il tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Note: To remove bone from chicken thighs:
1. Place chicken on cutting board. Remove skin from thighs.
2. Turn chicken thighs over.
3. Cut around bone and remove it.

PER SERVING:

Calories 175
Total fat 8 grams
Saturated fat 2 grams
Cholesterol 67 milligrams
Sodium 127 milligrams