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)

Chicken and Greens Soup
Image of Chicken and Greens Soup

Chicken and Greens Soup

A warming blend of spices with quinoa and vegetables makes this chicken soup comforting and full of nutrients.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Roasted Bell Peppers
Multicolored bell pepper halves with blistered skin in a bowl.

Roasted Bell Peppers

Only 4 ingredients to make these roasted sweet peppers with Italian spices.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Bell pepper halves
Black-Eyed Peas and Greens
Bowl of Black-Eyed Peas and Greens.

Black-Eyed Peas and Greens

Comforting and filling, this recipe is easy to make for New Year’s luck any time of the year.
Prepare:
15 minutes + 6 hours to soak
Cook:
1 hour 10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Carrot Raisin Salad
Photo of Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

Quick and easy side dish with a creamy and flavorful dressing. Only 4 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ Cups
Brown Rice with Corn and Beans
A seasoned mix of brown rice, black beans and corn is shown in a serving bowl.

Brown Rice with Corn and Beans

This kid-approved recipe filled with whole grains, veggies and beans is flavorful, filling and perfect for any meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Chicken Mole
Chicken with a thick, savory sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with rice and broccoli on a plate.

Chicken Mole

A flavorful chicken recipe with a rich and smoky sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups