Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets and Homemade French Fries

So many parents tell me their kids want to eat chicken nuggets and french fries.

If this is the case in your household, you can offer your child healthy versions of these favorites, as you are weaning them off only a few foods and onto eating more variety!

Here's the recipe for you to use at home. Happy, healthy cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (about 450g) organic chicken breast, cut into nugget-sized pieces
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup almond flour or coconut flour (for gluten-free breading)
• 2 organic eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for flavor but can be omitted)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or coconut oil for frying

Instructions:

• Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure they are coated well for flavor.
• Dredge in Flour: Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then coat with almond or coconut flour. Ensure each piece is well-covered.
• Cook: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom. Once hot, add the chicken nuggets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Cool and Freeze: Let the nuggets cool completely if you plan to freeze them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To enjoy from frozen, bake in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Here's how to make healthier homemade fries...

Ingredients:

• 2 large Russet potatoes, about 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 pounds
• Yukon gold potatoes can also be used
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil, avocado or melted coconut oil
  
• Optional herbs - garlic powder or chopped garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, mixed Italian herbs or other herbs you prefer

1. Use a chef's knife or a potato cutter, easily purchased online, to cut potato into even sticks.
2. Optional, but it makes fries crispier. Soak cut sticks in cold water for 10 minutes to remove some of the starch.
3. Dry the potato sticks prior to coating with oil and spices.
4. Coat potatoes in oil and spices by putting them into a bowl, drizzling oil and spices onto potatoes and mixing with spoon or hands.
5. Bake in preheated oven at 425 degrees F for 40-45 minutes. Flip fries over after 20 minutes.
6. Let them cool a few minutes and then eat right away.
7. To reheat, put them in the oven at 400 degrees for about 5-10 minutes.
8. If cooking in an air fryer, follow instructions for length of time of cooking.

We help parents help their children day in and day out. If you feel like you need help with picky eating, nutrition, special diets, going gluten-free and casein-free, reach out and let us help!

And make sure to read the blogs here, packed with useful information just for you, Mama! (and Dad too!)