I think as a mom dad grandma grandpa or even guardian we can all agree that sometimes kids just don't want to eat what they should. Even if it the best dinner you've tasted a toddler or child can turn their noses up without 1 bite faster than a mongoose jumps on a cobra.
My kids are for the most part , easy eaters . however for both of them there's definitely the things they dont like much. Like broccoli.
I came up with this meal while I was craving chicken fried steak but healthier. I also didn't want a HUGE chicken patty with it as I try to balance our meals as much as possible.
these tenders are actually really easy to make and here's what you will need
To make the complete country friend chicken finger meal.
1 package chicken tenders or breasts.
1 container of bread crumbs (you won't use them all only about a cup)
1 small crown of broccoli pulsed in food processor or chopped as finely as possible.
10 large baby carrots or 2 xl carrots shredded
seasoning of choice (I use garlic powder pepper and season salt.)
5lb bag yellow potatos
Country Gravy (recipe below)
Cheddar Garlic biscuits (recipe below)
Green beans
2 eggs* a optional
1/2 c milk * optional
In a food processor pulse broccoli and shredded carrots then add raw chicken until mushy but not cat food consistency. it should look like chopped or ground chicken.
Shape into tender shapes.
Roll in beaten egg then bread crumbs
Bake on baking sheet covered with 1/4 cup of water spread out on baking sheet bake at 350 for 25 mins.
While that is cooking peel dice and boil yellow potatos
Mash or mix in mixer once tender and drained add salt pepper and 1 tbsp unsalted butter.
Prepare your biscuits and get them baking
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup butter
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
Combine flour, Cheddar cheese, baking powder, salt, in a bowl.
Combine milk, 1/3 cup butter, and egg in a separate bowl. Mix into the flour mixture until chunky; be careful not to over-mix the batter.
Drop battesheet large table-spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Brush melted butter on top and continue baking until golden brown, about 5 minutes more.
Heat green beans in pan.
For the Gravy
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups milk, 2% or whole *Must use milk with a higher fat content
salt to taste * I use 1 tsp
1/2 tsp balck pepper *more to taste
In a small saucepan, over medium heat, melt your butter and add your flour. Whisk together.
Let the flour and butter cook for 2-3 minutes.
Whisk in milk, whisking until smooth. It will start to thicken.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immedietly.
This gravy will thicken as it cools. For reheating just heat over medium-low heat. Add milk as needed if the gravy is too thick when reheating.
Once everything is done. assemble plate and serve. I put gravy on my kids mashed potatos and gravy but I leave the gravy on the side for the tenders as alot of kids dont like gravy unless they decide they want it. it gives them a choice and makes them more likely to eat the meal.
Overall my kids devoured this and I hope others will too. The Hidden veggies aren't noticeable and the biscuit and other sides make it a filling meal with lots of healthy choices for little ones.
