Let’s face it, EVERY mom DREAMS of hearing her children say how very much they appreciate and enjoy her cooking. We mothers often wait in anticipation, hoping that this meal will be the delight of her family. Other times, we give up knowing that the award of “favorite” is often bestowed upon an undeserving restaurant that probably just zaps the food in a microwave or pumps it full of unpronounceable things that read like a science experiment. Although at times I have given up, the hope still lingers!
Today that hope was no different. I had a day off from work so, as a special treat for my family, I decided to make homemade chicken nuggets for lunch. I used the organic chicken we buy and cut it into small pieces, and then covered them with our homemade organic bread crumbs. Granted, they don’t look like anything I’ve eaten in a restaurant, but the taste was out of this world, fresh with only a few simple ingredients!
better than any Happy Meal!
I asked my children if they wanted some. My eager 7 year old, who is not afraid to try anything, was quick to say, “Sure!” His response will long live in my memory and be cherished in my heart. He said, as only a 7 year old boy can say with a mouth full of chicken, “Mom, this is SO good, it tastes BETTER than McDonalds!” Now to some of you, my son’s comment may sound offensive, but as any mother of a 7 year old boy would know, it was music to my ears!
Not wanting to miss out, the girls joined in as well. “Mmmm” was chorused around the table. Their response was childhood honesty, the highest compliment a mom could get, and my husband’s response was very encouraging as well. He came home from work, straight to the kitchen, telling me that he could smell something good before he ever made it in. What a wonderful way to greet your hubby!
The chicken was so easy, it is almost embarrassing to pass on!
1 lb of fresh chicken cut in small chunks
2 eggs
Bread crumbs
1 Tbs Italian Seasoning
1 tsp garlic salt
Beat eggs in bowl & set aside. In another bowl, place bread crumbs. I simply use frozen leftover, crushed pieces of my whole wheat bread, but in a pinch you can use store bought bread crumbs. Add seasoning & salt and mix well. Coat chicken chunks with eggs, then dip in bread crumbs, being sure to coat all sides evenly. I place a small amount of olive oil, coating the skillet, and cook until browned on both sides. Be sure it is fully cooked on the inside. Time to cook will depend on the size of your strips.
Be careful, because once your family smells them, they will start popping these nuggets in before you ever make it to the table! I am sure I will make these again after the strong positive response I received from each member of my family. Not only were they pleased, but it keeps the hope and dream alive that, at least to my kids, mom’s cooking can beat any restaurant!
They look delicious! Don’t ever be embarrassed to pass on a great recipe, the best ones are always the easiest. My mother made a 2 egg cake for us when i was growing up, it was simple, quick and simply delicious! Hugs, Cousin Jewel
Hi Jewel – Thanks! Would love to get that 2 egg cake recipe! Can you send it to us? 🙂
For a variation, try real butter and lard, its out of this world…got the suggestion from a story I heard Ricky Skaggs tell once.
Thanks! We’ll have to give it a try. Sounds like true southern home cookin’!