Skip to main content

Crunchy Chicken Nuggets

Our quick and easy homemade chicken nuggets use cereal flakes for the breading.
Plate of golden breaded chicken with dipping sauce.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes: 25 Chicken Nuggets
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup barbeque sauce
3 cups cereal flakes

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  3. Mix chicken and barbeque sauce in a large bowl.
  4. Pour cereal flakes into a large plastic bag and crush into small pieces.
  5. Place chicken pieces in the bag, reseal, and toss to coat.
  6. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange coated chicken pieces on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake until crispy and golden brown and chicken is no longer pink inside, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For a dipping sauce, mix ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard.
  • Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.
  • For a home-made barbeque sauce, mix the following ingredients:
    • ¼ cup ketchup
    • ¼ teaspoon each black pepper, salt, oregano, basil and thyme
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon parsley
    • 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
    • 1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • ½ teaspoon minced garlic or 1 pinch of garlic powder

Comments

I made this recipe with a teenage class, and found that we had to cook the nuggets MUCH longer than 18-20 minutes (the chicken was in pretty big chunks) suggested.  Using "no longer pink inside" as a gauge for doneness is not exactly precise.  It was a great teaching segue to "food safety" and the use of meat thermometers though!

I make this recipe with my little cousins. They love it!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Bulgur Salad
Dishes of salad featuring Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries and nuts mixed with a citrus dressing.

Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Bulgur Salad

You'll please everyone with this delicious salad. It's quick to make for a holiday meal or a healthy lunch.
Prepare:
45 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Fried Rice with Pork
Colorful plate of sautéed rice, pork and vegetables with a soy sauce glaze.

Fried Rice with Pork

A simple and adaptable recipe that uses any vegetables you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Cheesy Potato Soup
Photo of Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup

This one-pot soup is creamy, cheesy, comforting and perfect on a cold day.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes
Platter of potatoes stuffed with beans, corn, salsa and sprinkled with melted cheese.

Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes

Potatoes are topped with southwest-style toppings for a simple and tasty microwave meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 potato halves
Whole-Wheat Blueberry Muffins
Plate of fluffy blueberry muffins.

Whole-Wheat Blueberry Muffins

Perfect kid-approved, make-ahead breakfast or snack with fresh or frozen berries.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
Pork Chili
Medium bowl of pork, bean and vegetable soup.

Pork Chili

This pork and bean chili recipe is great for a hearty weekday meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
5 cups