As you know, our menu for a kids' meal is designed for children under the age of 10 and focuses entirely on informal dishes that can be eaten in any order, so there's no need for traditional appetizers and entrées. You can bring everything to the table at once or in waves and let the kids treat it like a buffet.
Sticking with the idea of fan favourites, we prefer to serve what appears to be a popular favourite with kids of all ages and palates: handmade chicken fingers! We prefer to serve these in steel pails with plum dip or ketchup on the side, and even the pickiest eaters will smile when they see them arrive. You may make your own homemade chicken fingers using our recipe but there are also some fantastic, healthy store-bought chicken fingers that work just as well.
Few children will have the appetite to eat every item on the table, so you can include or omit certain dishes based on what your kids like and how many kids you're hosting. If you make a bit extra, don't worry, as adults tend to steal the odd grilled cheese or chicken finger when nobody's looking. 😉
-
yield: serves 6–8; prep time: 25 minutes; cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1½ tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sweet paprika
2 large eggs
Plum sauce and/or ketchup, for serving
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and coat it with cooking spray.
- Cut each chicken breast into finger-sized strips. You should get 4 or 5 strips from each breast.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs. Set the eggs beside the breadcrumbs. Working with 1 strip at a time, dip the chicken into the eggs and then toss in the breadcrumbs. Pat gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, then place on the wire rack.
- Once all the chicken has been breaded and placed on the wire rack, spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray. Bake with the sprayed side down for 15 minutes, then flip over each strip, and bake until golden brown, 10-15 minutes, ensuring that the internal temperature is 165°F.
- Remove the chicken fingers from the oven and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm with plum sauce or ketchup-or both!-on the side.
Whether you whip up your own batch using our easy recipe or opt for healthy store-bought alternatives, this treat is the centrepiece of a delightful buffet-style spread. So tag someone who's always on the lookout for nutritious and delicious choices for their little ones! 🙌