Grain-Free Chicken Bites

Grain-Free Chicken Bites
SERVES 4 TO 6

Kid-friendly “breaded” chicken bites without any grain, nuts or eggs may sound too good to be true but this recipe makes a believer out of the toughest critics. Coated with coconut (high in beneficial lauric acid), these tasty morsels are delicious plain. Children may enjoy them dipped in a little honey (SCD compliant) or in Apricot Sauce (GFCF). The addition of beneficial herbs and spices, especially turmeric which is anti-inflammatory, antifungal and a digestive aid, adds to the nutritional profile. Texture is an issue for many children on the autistic spectrum. If your child prefers softer chicken bites, use raw ground chicken or turkey formed into bite-size pieces, rather than poultry pieces.

1 tablespoon GFCF/SCD Dijon-style mustard,* optional
3 tablespoons olive oil
2½ cups shredded coconut, unsweetened
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or turkey tenderloins

1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk mustard and oil in a small bowl until blended. Set aside.
3. Grind shredded coconut in a blender or food processor until small crumb consistency. Add seasonings and mix well. Place coconut mixture on a plate or waxed paper.
4. Slice chicken breasts in ¼-inch slices. Dip chicken pieces into mustard/oil combination and roll in coconut mixture. Press coconut crumbs to adhere to chicken.
5. Place “breaded” chicken pieces on prepared cookie sheet or on an unlined, ungreased clay baking pan. Place in preheated oven and bake 16 to 18 minutes, turning once. Serve warm with dipping sauce, if desired.

Each serving contains 461 calories, 37g total fat, 19g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 31mg cholesterol, 502mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 13g protein.

*TIP Read labels carefully. Condiments like mustard are allowed on the SCD if the ingredients are SCD-compliant. This means no added sweeteners, additives or thickeners. Most mustards contain ground mustard seeds, distilled vinegar and salt. Avoid malt vinegar. Note: Dijon mustards vary in salt content; adjust salt in recipe to taste.

Apricot Dipping Sauce

MAKES 1 CUP
A dab of horseradish gives sweet apricots a nice flavor that’s not too spicy for young palates. This dipping sauce is ideal for chicken, turkey or fish. For variety, try peach jam. Refrigerate unused portion.
1 (10-ounce) jar apricot or peach jam (preferably fruit juice sweetened)
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon horseradish

1. Heat apricot jam in microwave or on the stove to soften.
2. Mix jam, lime juice and horseradish in a bowl and set aside until ready to serve.

Each teaspoon contains 12 calories, 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 0g protein.