Chicken Fingers and Goldfish?

This recipe came about when I didn’t have any breadcrumbs in my pantry as I was preparing to make chicken fingers. I noticed the “goldfish” cracker container had a layer of crumbs on the bottom. My kids snack on them all the time and so I thought, hmm, maybe I could take a few and crush them finely to make a yummy breading. My kids LOVED it! They thought it was neatest thing they could taste their favorite snack at dinner in the form of chicken fingers. It was such a great recipe and years later my kids still ask for it. Now that’s a winning recipe in my book!

GOLDFISH ENCRUSTED CHICKEN FINGERS
Ingredients:
1 pound chicken breast, cut lengthwise into 1 inch strips
2 cups crushed Goldfish crackers (have your kids give you a hand and put Goldfish crackers into a large plastic bag and have them pound it)
1 egg (whisked) or 1 egg yolk with 2 tbsp water or 1 cup whole milk* (if your child has an egg allergy)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (I use canola)

Dipping sauce ingredients:
¼ cup of agave nectar* or honey
¼ cup and 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 heaping tbsp. sour cream* (optional)

Prepare your chicken breast into strips, pat dry and season with salt and pepper and set aside. In 2 shallow bowls, fill one with the egg or milk mixture and in the other bowl the crushed up Goldfish crackers. You will take each strip and dip them in the liquid mixture to coat both sides and dip them into the Goldfish crumbs making sure to coat all sides and rest on a plate. Continue doing this for all your strips. In a shallow large nonstick pan, coat with oil to coat the entire pan and once it is hot, gently place the chicken strips into the pan. Cook each side for about 4 minutes or until cooked through. Serve immediately with the honey/agave nectar mustard sauce.

*DOUBLE DUTY TIP: You can replace Goldfish crackers with any other cracker (Saltines, Ritz, Cheez-Its and even cereals) to make a delicious breading for your chicken strips.
*You may substitute whole milk for soy milk if your child has a dairy allergy.
*Agave nectar is a great substitute for honey and other sweeteners because of its lower glycemic properties. It’s also vegetarian.
*Sour cream is a great “thinner” if you need to make a sauce lighter and airier.

Twist on Chicken and Apple Sausage

I was trying to figure out ways to make meatballs without using eggs as my son has an egg white allergy. I tried just using egg yokes but he still had a sensitivity to them so I came up with this chicken and applesauce meatball recipe which is a variation on the chicken and apple sausage.

These meatballs are super moist and have a hint of sweetness because of the applesauce I use to bind the ingredients together. I hope you like them!

CHICKEN & APPLE MEATBALLS
Ingredients:
1 Pound ground chicken
1/2 cup of sauteed chopped onion (saute with a pinch of salt)
2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs*
1 cup applesauce
2 tbsps ketchup
1/2 cup grated parmesan or pecorino romano
salt and pepper to taste
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 jars of tomato sauce of your choice

In a deep covered saucepan, simmer the 2 jars of tomato sauce while you prepare the meatballs. In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients except for the olive oil and form into small balls, yields approximately 16 for bite-size portions.

In a shallow saute pan, add olive oil and place meatballs in to sear. Once the meatballs are lightly browned on all sides, transfer them to the tomato sauce to simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Because of the higher sugar content in the applesauce, the meatballs may need to be turned over quickly so as not to burn.

I love to serve shells or penne to serve with the meatballs and don't forget to grate some more cheese to top off your dish!

Hope you like this recipe. I feel like it's a very healthy and kid-friendly version on a classic recipe. These meatballs freeze really well too!

*DOUBLE DUTY TIP where I give tips on how to replace pantry items if you're in a pinch!
When I didn't have bread crumbs in the pantry, I used dried stuffing which I pounded into crumbs. I also have taken 5 pieces of toast and threw them in the food processor to make fresh bread crumbs.