There’s something so special about babies. I think babies have the ability to make anyone smile, despite the lack of time and sleep babies may bring with their irresistible cuteness! So often, when I’m running around in the evenings cooking with one hand, talking on the phone or emailing with a work issue with the other, all while tossing Lily’s donut (her most favorite toy ever), I find myself thinking, “HOW THE HECK DO PARENTS DO THIS?!?!!”
Parents are super heroes. That’s all there is to it.
My dear friend, Nikki of Seeded at the Table, is welcoming her second baby boy into the world any day now! Today is a recipe in her honor as a part of her virtual baby shower!
I met Nikki for the first time when we were in San Fran together for a blog conference. The girl is absolutely, positively one of the sweetest, most genuine, most loving people I’ve ever met. My first impression of her was confirmed when we got to hangout again in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Taste of Michigan! We ran around all day eating, drinking (coffee!), and talking blogs, babies, and everything in between.
At that point, Nikki had just started showing her baby bump. She was glowing. Radiant. So excited to be a mom to #2.
Nikki is one of those people that seems to do it all. Being a mom and a talented blogger are only two of her hats — she’s also a fabulous cook and a very skilled photographer. But with baby #2 making his appearance any day, Nikki will likely be running short on time, sleep, and perhaps even pantry items. Quick, simple meals are a must for any busy mom.
The theme of Nikki’s shower is “Sweet Southern Boy” as Nikki resides in Mississippi. When I thought of the south, quick meals for new moms, and my dear friend Nikki, these Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Nuggets only seemed appropriate. 🙂
Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Nuggets from All You
2 cups (3 oz) salted pretzel twists
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp pepper
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 F and coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Place pretzels and Parmesan in a food processor and process until coarsely ground and well mixed, 20 to 30 seconds. Transfer to a shallow bowl. Combine flour and pepper in a separate bowl. Beat eggs with 1 teaspoon water in a third bowl.
Roll a chicken piece in flour mixture, dip in eggs (allow excess to drip off), and transfer to pretzel mixture and turn until thoroughly coated. Place chicken on baking sheet and repeat with remaining pieces of chicken. Bake until lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
Yield: 4 servings
Nutrition Information (per serving): 223 calories; 4.3 g. fat; 105 mg. cholesterol; 410 mg. sodium; 14.3 g. carbohydrate; 0.5 g. fiber; 30.5 g. protein; 0.5 g. sugar
Result: Simple ingredients, simple prep, and simple, yet delicious flavors. I can see where this would be ultimate kid food, but in the meantime it makes for killer husband food 😉 With a mini food processor, this was ready in a snap…I love the short ingredient list of items I always have on hand 🙂 Enjoy!
[/print_this]Be sure to check out the virtual baby shower hosts’ sites for a complete round-up of Nikki’s Sweet Southern Boy delights: Jessica’s blog, Sunny Side Up in San Diego and Kelsey’s blog, Apple A Day!
TGIF!
Be well,
I know Nikki and her boys will love these chicken nuggets. Actually, I think all of us from the shower will be making them soon. They look irresistible! Thank you so much for helping us shower Nikki with love and goodies!
Nicole, thank you for those sweet kind words! I feel the SAME of you!! In fact, I can’t wait until my next visit to my parents’ in Michigan so we can hang out again! 🙂
You’re right, I am really going to need some easy recipes in my line-up after this baby arrives (and even now!) I’ll definitely be making these chicken nuggets. Perfect for me and perfect for my 3 year old! Thank you, Nicole!!!
Nicole- I love your blog! How did I not know about it before today? The chicken nuggets look great. Although my blog is mostly the chronicles of my crazy kiddos, I consider myself to be a foodie also- when time allows. And right now this foodie is on a quest to lose that last 10 lbs…as well as eat healthy! After eating my airplane cookies I will be needing some ‘skinny’ recipes…so I will definitely be coming to visit in the future! 🙂
Author
Hi Callie! I’m so glad you DID find me! I look forward to checking out your blog and chronicles! 🙂 All my best!
These look absolutely DELICIOUS!!! Cant’ wait to try these!
These really are the perfect quick dinner for a Southern mom-of-two! I totally agree with your assessment that Nikki is just a sweet, genuine person. Thank you so much for joining in the fun!
I think I could get my husband to eat this! Thanks for the recipe Nicole – so simple and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Happy Friday!
I could eat these ALL. DAY. LONG., Nicole! They look amazing – so much fun partying with you again! 🙂
These look so good – I love pretzel crusted anything!!
Love the pretzel crust idea. These look amazing. Great addition to Nikki’s shower ; )
I love babies and baby showers 😀
These nuggets look AWESOME, the pretzel idea is brilliant!
Babies, baby showers and girlfriends always bring on the mushiness and cheesy factor, but that’s what we are good at right? Ohhh but more importantly I love how quick and easy these are! Ahhh, and your kind words about Nikki was perfect on the spot. But you are equally ah-mazing and wonderful as well! Miss you!!!!!!!!!
I saw this on “Healthy Aperture” and it sounded so intriguing. I’ve eaten chicken nuggets with a cornflake coating, but pretzels sound even better! So creative and fun. I love their flavor, so I’m sure they add a lot to the traditional “healthy” chicken nuggets!
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Thanks, Amy! You have a great blog – I can’t wait to plow through it deeper! :0)
Thank you; that’s really sweet of you to say! :]
could i use any kind of hard pretzels for these, not just pretzel twists? (:
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yep!