Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets

Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets
aka:  The chicken nuggets that my children would have instead of going to McDonalds.

Chicken Nuggets {Baked}

Adjusted from melskitchencafe.com

*Serves 6

2-3 thick slices whole wheat bread (for about 1 cup of crumbs)

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup panko crumbs

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 large (about 2 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch or so sized pieces

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.

In a food processor or blender, place the slices of whole wheat bread and pulse until crumbs form. Add the basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese and pulse until combined. Pour the bread crumbs into a shallow dish (like a pie plate) and mix in the panko crumbs.

Toss the chicken cubes in the olive oil before taking a few of them at a time and rolling them in the bread crumb mixture to coat evenly.

Place the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Using a pair of tongs, carefully flip the nuggets over (taking care not to remove the breading) and bake for 5 minutes longer, or until cooked through (the exact time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces). Serve immediately.