Tom and Jerry Shaped Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

• 500 g Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless; minced in a food processor)
• 1 tsp Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 4 slices Cheddar Cheese (cut into small squares to insert into each nugget)
• 2 large Egg (beaten)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/2 cup Cheetos (crushed finely; used for coating select pieces)
• 1/2 cup Takis (crushed; used for coating other pieces for extra spice)
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep‑frying; use a high smoke‑point oil)

Instructions

1. Prepare Minced Chicken

   Separate the meat from the chicken thighs, discard any skin, and mince the meat in a food processor until fine.

   Time: PT5M

2. Season the Chicken

   Transfer the minced chicken to a mixing bowl. Add chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and let the seasoning rest for 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

3. Insert Cheese and Shape

   Place a small square of cheddar cheese in the center of a portion of seasoned chicken, then shape the mixture around the cheese into a rectangular block (Tom) or a triangular block (Jerry). Repeat until all chicken is used.

   Time: PT10M

4. Set Up Breading Station

   In three shallow dishes, place the beaten eggs, the all‑purpose breadcrumbs, and a mixture of crushed Cheetos and Takis (split 50/50).

   Time: PT5M

5. Coat the Nuggets

   Dip each chicken block first in the egg, then roll in breadcrumbs, and finally press into either the Cheetos or Takis crumbs, depending on the desired flavor. Place coated nuggets on a tray.

   Time: PT5M

6. Heat Oil for Frying

   Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth of about 1‑2 inches. Heat over medium‑high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

7. Fry the Nuggets

   Carefully place the coated nuggets into the hot oil. Fry for 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: 350°F

8. Drain and Serve

   Remove nuggets with tongs and place on a paper‑towel‑lined plate to drain excess oil. Arrange on a serving platter and add eyes, nose, and mouth with edible markers or small pieces of olive/pepper if desired.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

210

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

2 g