Love Project Edition 2: Cheesy Chicken & Potato Nuggets
Ground chicken blended with mashed potatoes and aged cheddar comes together to create irresistibly tasty homemade chicken nuggets. I packed them in a container, hoping to brighten someone’s day by randomly giving it to a homeless person on the street and wishing them a happy holiday.
The Taste of Winter Energy @ Montreal
12/31/2024
Initially, I thought I might not find anyone to give the meal to on Christmas Eve, as many would likely have gone to shelters for a warm dinner. However, as I exited the metro station, I noticed a young man searching through a garbage bin. I greeted him with a warm “Bonjour,” took the container from my bag, and handed it to him. He accepted it with an innocent smile as I wished him “Joyeux Noël.” I hope he enjoyed the meal and that life offers him the chance to regain comfort and ease once more.
Servings: 20 Pieces
INGREDIENTS
1 kg potatoes, cut into chunks (about 4 cm)
550 g chicken (mix of breast and thigh)
100 g cheddar cheese, shredded
250 g red onion, chopped
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for lightly pan-frying the nuggets)
1 cucumber and a few tomatoes, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Potatoes:
1. Peel and clean the potatoes, then cut them into chunks.
2. In a medium pot, add 3 liters of water and the potato chunks. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let it boil for 20 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat, drain the water, and mash the potatoes until smooth.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
1. Cut the chicken into small pieces and grind it in a food processor.
2. Add the chopped red onion, salt, and black pepper to the ground chicken and mix well.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, seasoned ground chicken, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Shape the Nuggets:
Wet your hands to make shaping easier. Form the mixture into your desired shapes
(e.g., hearts, circles, snowmen, or stars).
Pan-Fry the Nuggets:
1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a thin layer of olive oil.
2. Place the nuggets in the pan and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, just enough to lightly brown and set their shape.
Bake the Nuggets:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Transfer the lightly pan-fried nuggets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip the nuggets and bake for an additional 15 minutes until fully cooked through.
Serve the nuggets with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad as garnish.
Enjoy these delicious, homemade chicken and potato nuggets, perfect for any occasion.