School is back in full swing and ensuring your kiddos are eating an energy-packed and yummy lunch is so important. I recommend packing a lunch from home because it gives you the flexibility to monitor what your kids are eating and add a little creativity that will surely make their tummies happy.

When preparing a homemade lunch, think about what would be fun for kids to eat. The first thing that comes to mind is finger foods that can be dipped into sauce. And you can’t beat chicken nuggets – a treat for both kids and parents. To make it interesting, I passed on the traditional nuggets served with ranch and instead made Chicken Parmesan Nuggets. It makes for a delish Italian treat and a wonderful surprise.

Pack these savory nuggets hot in a thermos so when lunchtime comes they are warm and ready to eat with your kid’s favorite marinara sauce. Lastly, add a few cherries and Oreos for a sweet ending. I hope your kids enjoy their lunch!

Chicken Parmesan Nuggets
Serves 4

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, diced into 20 pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs, whisked
1 cup panko Japanese breadcrumbs
1 tsp dried oregano
1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese, shredded
Favorite marinara sauce

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Set up an assembly line using 3 bowls. Fill one with flour, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix. In another bowl, add the whisked eggs. In the remaining bowl, mix together the panko, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 salt, oregano and cheese.

Toss the diced chicken in flour and shake off the excess. Then coat with egg and bread with the panko mixture.

Place the breaded chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Finish browning under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serve with marinara sauce.