Baked Chicken Nuggets (Chicken Scampi)

A few years ago our church published a cook book entitled "Among Friends". They contain recipes shared by the lovely and talented ladies from our church. I have used this cook book often (the wear-and-tear shows!) and have discovered so many delicious recipes. Some of them I return to time and again 'cause my family simply love them. One of the recipes which we've cooked many many times (years, in fact) is the Chicken Scampi by Rebecca Braam. This is such a wonderful chicken dish, beloved by kids and adult alike. It's quite easy to do as well, which I always like in a recipe!

I would normally prepare this with bread crumbs as stated in the original recipe but for this version I  made it low-carb and gluten-free because Mark is trying a gluten-free diet and I am doing a low-carb diet. Works well for us! Instead of bread crumbs, I used ground almonds as substitute. Honestly, I was surprised that it turned out so good! Am glad that whenever we need to go wheat-free, there is this lovely alternative. We don't need to miss out on our favorite chicken dish! Of course, for those who don't need to be wheat-free, feel free to use the bread crumbs. They are both great, either way!

The original recipe called for about 2-3 lbs of chicken breasts but my small family can only manage one so the recipe has been measured to serve a small family of 4 (mine!). Feel free to adjust the amount if you wish to serve it to more people. Enjoy!


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts (about 2), cut into cubes (bite-size nuggets)
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs or 1/2 cup ground almonds  (for gluten-free version)*
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp powdered garlic
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste

*If you don't fancy the wheat-free version, use seasoned dry bread crumbs (like Italian)  for the same amount.

Place the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix. 

Add the chicken and coat with the mix. Alternatively, you may place the chicken with the dry ingredients in a large clear plastic bag. Shake until the chicken parts are fully coated.

For the Garlic Sauce:

3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp oil
3 cloves garlic, pressed


Procedure


Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). In a large baking dish melt the sauce ingredients in the oven as it heats up.

Add chicken and coat with the garlic sauce.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until chicken is tender and fully cooked. Enjoy with, what else? Rice, of course! Serve it with a home-made and very simple thousand island dressing (just ketchup and mayo). Have a lovely meal!

Adapted from Chicken Scampi by Rebecca Braam (Among Friends Cook Book)