Hidden Veggie Chicken Nuggets with Sweet Potato Fries

• 1 lb ground chicken breast
• 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
• 1/2 cup finely grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, divided
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional dipping sauce: ketchup or honey mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated carrot, grated zucchini (make sure it’s well-drained), chopped onion, half of the panko bread crumbs (1/4 cup), Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but don't overwork the meat to keep nuggets tender.
3. Form the mixture into small nugget-sized patties, about 1.5 inches wide, and place them on one baking sheet.
4. Lightly coat each nugget with the remaining panko bread crumbs to add a crispy texture. Press crumbs gently to stick.
5. On the second baking sheet, toss the cut sweet potato fries in olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Arrange fries in a single layer for even baking.
6. Bake both sheets in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip the nuggets halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Similarly, flip the fries once around 15 minutes in to crisp up all sides.
7. Once golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C for nuggets), remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
8. Serve nuggets and sweet potato fries with your child’s favorite dipping sauce like ketchup or honey mustard.

Chef tips

• Squeeze excess moisture out of grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent soggy nuggets.
• If panko is unavailable, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can be used with a slightly different texture.
• Sweet potatoes can be swapped for regular potatoes if preferred; adjust baking time accordingly (usually a little less).
• Use a kitchen thermometer to check chicken nuggets’ doneness to keep them safe but juicy.