I don’t know about you but I have to sneak veggies into the foods that my kids eat otherwise they don’t eat any veggies! Here’s a fun recipe for homemade dinosaur chicken nuggets with hidden vegetables. They’re not only kid-friendly but also sneaky healthy. Let’s get started!
Homemade Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Vegetables
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 pound ground chicken breast (or finely chopped chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
- 1/2 cup finely grated zucchini (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach or 1 tsp spinach powder (optional for more greens)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (you can use whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain, depending on preference)
For Cooking:
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Grate the carrot and zucchini. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini.
- Finely chop the spinach (if using).
Mix the Chicken Nugget Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated carrot, grated zucchini, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon.
Shape the Nuggets:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the chicken mixture into nugget shapes. You can use a dinosaur-shaped cookie cutter or dinosaur mold for fun shapes or simply form small patties with your hands.
Prepare the Breading:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each nugget in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Place the breaded nuggets on the prepared baking sheet.
Cook the Nuggets:
- Lightly brush or spray the nuggets with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. You can flip them halfway through for even browning.
Serve:
- Allow the nuggets to cool slightly before serving. They go great with dipping sauces like ketchup, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
Tips:
- If you’re short on time, you can also pan-fry the nuggets in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat until they’re cooked through and golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade dinosaur chicken nuggets! They’re perfect for a fun family meal and a great way to get some extra veggies into the kids.
If you need a dinosaur mold click here or a dinosaur shaped cookie cutter click here.