Healthier Chicken ‘Nuggets’
What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘chicken nugget’?
Likely, something offered up at the drive through window at a fast food place that may or may not actually contain chicken as one of fifty ingredients but certainly is not something that would be considered a healthy option.
For instance, McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets’ ingredients are as follows (1) (interesting to note that their website states there are two recipes)
Chicken Breast Meat (45%), Water, Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Rapeseed), Maize Flour,
Allergen Ingredient: WHEAT Flour (contains Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Starches, Allergen Ingredient: WHEAT Semolina, Breadcrumb (contains Allergen Ingredient:
WHEAT), Natural Flavourings (contains Allergen Ingredient: CELERY), Potassium Chloride, Dried Glucose Syrup, Allergen Ingredient: WHEAT Gluten, Salt, Raising Agents (Sodium Carbonates), Pepper, Allergen Ingredient: CELERY, Dextrose.
OR
Chicken Breast Meat (45%), Water, Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Rapeseed), Maize Flour,
Allergen Ingredient: WHEAT Flour (contains Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Starch,
Allergen Ingredient: WHEAT Semolina, Breadcrumb ( Allergen Ingredient:
WHEAT Flour (contains Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Salt), Natural Flavourings (contain Allergen Ingredient: CELERY), Allergen Ingredient: WHEAT Gluten, Potassium Chloride, Dried Glucose Syrup, Salt, Raising Agents (Sodium Carbonates), Spices (contain Allergen Ingredient: CELERY), Dextrose
Rather than ingesting inflammatory oils. Gluten, natural flavorings and who knows what else, why not make a healthier version at home?
Using only four ingredients, all of which you will be able to identify as food, you can quickly make this protein choice the whole family will enjoy, so be sure to make extra for tomorrow’s lunch!
This can be made with any type of ground protein; consider using game meats to change it up a little. High in CLA, Omega 3s and just as simple to prepare, this is a great way to add some versatility into the mix.
INGREDIENTS
1 # pasture raised, organic chicken
2 oz raw goat’s cheese, cubed
1/4 cup organic almond flour
Avocado or coconut oil for cooking
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine first two ingredients
Shape into small patties
Dredge in almond flour on both sides
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat
Pan sear 2-3 on each side, flipping halfway through
Check internal temperate is at or just over 160 F
Serve with your favorite steamed or sautéed veggies
No need to automatically avoid all condiments, either; thanks to companies such as Primal Kitchen, you can serve this up with ketchup and mayo! (Or make those at home, too!)
Another blessing we get from our kids- constantly being challenged to come up with new an innovative ways to keep the healthy food coming while simultaneously making it fun for them to eat!
(1) https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/product/chicken-mcnuggets-4-pieces.html#accordion-195fbb6d4a-item-fdf905567c
