Almond-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

as new parents... we got into a HORRIBLE habit of grabbing chicken tenders 🐔 and letting the Gillies (now toddler twins) munch on the tenders while we shop.

this was to allow us to get our groceries and the necessities while having happy wee ones being toted around. #parentingsurvivalmode

well. the other day, I knew we were in trouble... when we pulled up to the grocery store and cheers for "CHICKEN" were exclaimed from the back seat!  🙈🙉🙊 YIKES!!!

nothing like toddlers to keep you HONEST and speak the truth!!!  

so. we decided to make NEW traditions (and healthier habits)... we got chicken tenders to make AT HOME and they helped 😁 SCORE!!!

these chicken nuggets MAY look a wee bit different but they are loaded with goodness... free-roaming, antibiotic free, hormone free (all that jazz) ☺️ chicken tenders which are coated with freshly toasted and crushed almonds.

these homemade chicken nuggets were a HIT... plus, it's another recipe that this mama doesn't feel bad about serving (and took less than 20 minutes!)

did you know ALMONDS were good for BRAIN HEALTH!?!

cool factoids about almonds: 

• almonds are loaded with two key nutrients capable of positively affecting brain function and preventing cognitive decline

• almonds are a great source of vitamin E and antioxidants which will nourish the skin and reduce signs of aging

• almonds also help slow the rate at which glucose is released into the bloodstream

there's alot of other good nutritional tid bits about almonds... but we will leave it there for now! 

GROCERIES: 

• 8 pieces of chicken tenders (uncooked and diced)
• 2 tbsp of grapeseed oil
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts
• 1/2 cup of almonds, unsalted and raw
• 2 eggs, whisked 
• 3 tbsp of almond milk, unsweetened 
• spices of your liking... I used a dash of Tony's along with sage 

NOW WHAT: 

1. you know I like to limit my dishes used, so I grabbed the following:  1 LARGE glass measuring cup, 1 shallow bowl, 1 cast iron skillet, a whisk and a pair of tongs! 
2. in the skillet set on medium heat, gently toast the pine nuts and almonds.  this takes about 3-4 minutes.  once toasted, place in food processor and grind down.  afterwards, place the ground up bits in the shallow bowl and set aside. 
3. in the large glass measuring cup, crack the two eggs and whisk.  then add the almond milk and whisk again.  set aside. 
4. in the skillet, on medium heat, place the grapeseed oil and warm up.  while this is warming, take the chicken and carefully dip into the egg/milk mixture and coat.  once coated with the egg/milk mixture, gently place in the shallow dish with the ground up nuts and coat the chicken.  
5. place the coated chicken on the warm greased up skillet.  I like to arrange the chicken on the skillet so the chicken pieces are all touching one another, it seems to cook faster!  
6. after 3-5 minutes, turn the chicken and allow to cook on the other side.  continue to flip until chicken is THOROUGHLY cooked!  
7. once chicken is cooked thoroughly, set aside on a plate and ENJOY!  

hope you and your family love them as much as we did... I even used the leftovers for a delicious cobb salad the next day! 

love + gumption.

a. 

 The Brain + Gut Health Explorer