Chicken Nuggets

I prepared these for dinner 2 days ago and I can say that are delicious :* :* :*.

The recipe I took it from Jamie Oliver, but I added some secrets from mama too ;).

Crispy outside and tasty inside...freshly made chicken nuggets can be partnered up with chips, salad or on their own with a saucy dip. A real favorite with the kids! 

You will need:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 150 g ready-made breadcrumbs OR
• 6 slices of cut bread (brown or white)
• 2 eggs
• 100 ml vegetable oil
• 1 tsp basil, parsley or both
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 50 g plain flour
• 1 blender
• 1 deep fat fryer or frying pan
• 1 sharp knife
• 4 small bowls or a tray
• 1 cutting board
• some kitchen paper
• 1 slotted spoon 
• 2 yoghurts

Step 1: Trim the chicken

Take the chicken breast and cut off all excess skin, fat and bones.

Mama's secret: Before I start to prepare the chicken meat (or beef meat) I let it for 2 - 3 hours and after this I take it out on a kitchen paper towel to dry and I pass it through yoghurt.

 Step 2: Chunk the chicken 

Cut the chicken into small chunks so they will fit into the blender. Option: Leave the chicken in chunks or slices if you prefer chicken tenders; in that case do not blend the chicken in step 5. (Me I tried both and I have to say - I love it in both ways).

Step 3: Dry the bread

To make your own breadcrumbs the bread you use needs to be dry. This means stale bread. If you only have fresh bread, then place the slices in the oven at 100 C for one hour until they are dried – not toasted. (I use already bread-crumbs... yeah...I m lazy :P...but I have one beloved husband and I want to learn "secrets" to have time for cooking and enough time for my husband too ;) ).

Step 4: Make the breadcrumbs 

Once the bread is dried, break it up into pieces and place it in your blender. Put the lid on and switch it on to the appropriate setting to make your breadcrumbs. Add any seasoning. Once the seasoning is nicely mixed pour the breadcrumbs into one of the bowls. 

TIP  

You can add any flavouring at this stage. From spices to herbs, garlic, salt to parmesan cheese. This recipe uses just some salt and pepper. I love to put many many many many manyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy condiments :D...

Step 5: Blend the chicken

Wipe out the blender with some kitchen paper and add the chicken breasts. Pulse the chicken until roughly chopped. Now add the herbs and switch on the blender again, making sure the herbs are blended well with the chicken. Once that is done, pour the mixture into one of the bowls.

TIP

You could add herbs at this stage too for example, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, coriander or tarragon and some more salt and pepper.

Step 6: Beat the eggs

Take the 2 eggs, crack them into a bowl and beat them together.

Step 7: Prepare the coating

Line up the chicken mix, the flour, the eggs and the breadcrumbs in the four bowls.

Step 8: Shape the nuggets

Rub your hands with some flour to avoid them becoming too sticky! Then take some chicken mixture and roll it in the palm of your hands to create a smooth ball shape about the size of a ping pong ball.

Step 9: Coat the nuggets

Now take the nugget and roll it in the flour. When totally covered, roll it in the egg. Next, roll the nugget in the breadcrumbs and place it on a plate. Gently press down on it with the flat side of a knife to form the perfect nugget shape.

Step 10: Fry the nuggets

Take your frying pan and put the vegetable oil into it. Heat the pan to medium so that the oil is hot but not smoking. Place the nuggets into the pan and cook gently on a low heat for about 5 minutes turning them every few minutes so they don't burn.

Step 11: Serve and enjoy!

Once cooked place the nuggets on kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. Then serve with salad, chips or a dip.

And that is one healthier chicken nugget done in a perfect way ^___^!