Recipe Fridays: Chicken Nibblers

One of the greatest accomplishment in my life has been opening up my darling BF to new food, expanding his palate, and opening his eyes to that no, maybe he won’t like everything I do (which is quite a lot), but perhaps he should try it before he decides. 

This was not one of those nights where I prodded him to keep an open mind, however.  It was the Friday after I’d returned from my West Coast stadium tour, and we missed each other.  So I decided I should come over, cook dinner for both of us, and then we’d go see a movie (Grown Ups, for those keeping track at home).  Anything he wanted!  One guess what he requested…

Yup, a variation on his favorite meal (chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn): chicken nibblers, my name for it – basically, cutting up the chicken first before frying, kind of like chicken nuggets, except… better. 

What is so special about this time?  Well, you see, my baby has been slowly learning how to cook on his own, without any prodding on my part.  I would love to jump right in and teach him how to make all the dishes I’ve made for him that he’s enjoyed, but he is more interested in taking things slow, and I’ve learned that it’s best to let him go at his own pace… lest I freak him out.  But this time, after I bought everything, I asked, “Do you want to help me?” and he said… OK.  So the above?  He actually made himself.  I was so proud… especially because he didn’t burn a single piece, nor did he undercook any (which tends to be one of my problems).  Each piece was perfectly cooked, perfectly juicy and tender, and delicious!!!  Good job, baby!  I am so proud of you, not just for this, but for all your accomplishments this year with regard to cooking (and other, but we’ll stick to cooking here).  🙂 <3

The mashed potatoes were just from a box, and I made creamed spinach from scratch (a little soupier than I’d intended).  Pretty good.

And his preference for creamed corn is just from a can.  Easy enough. 

My plate – yes, I love creamed spinach.  Hahaha.  So good, so easy, all of it, super delicious.  Much better and healthier than McDonald’s, any day! 

Chicken nibblers

Two boneless/skinless chicken breasts (to save money, if you can debone chicken breasts yourself, go for it!)
Italian seasoned bread crumbs
Milk
Parmesan cheese
Vegetable oil for frying

1. Cut chicken breasts into roughly evenly bite-sized pieces. 
   
2. Heat oil in a pan, about a half inch of oil in the pan.  It’s ready for frying when you put a wooden spoon or wooden chopstick in and bubbles come out very quickly. 
   
3. While the oil is heating, start the process of breading:
   
1. Mix the bread crumbs with the grated parmesan in a flat plate.
2. Milk in a bowl
3. Dip a piece of chicken in the milk, then into the bread crumbs, rolling it around
4. Dip the piece of chicken that you just dipped, back into the milk, then into the bread crumbs again
5. Set aside to be fried, and continue with the rest of the chicken
   
4. Fry the chicken in the oil… about 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on how thick the chicken is.  When done, remove to a paper towel covered plate to drain a bit of the oil, and season with a bit of salt. 

Enjoy!!!  No ketchup or sauces needed here… just plain, simple nomming.  So good. 

🙂

Happy eating!!!