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)

Banana Bobs
A fork is used to dip chunks of banana into yogurt and then into granola for a simple snack.

Banana Bobs

Easy snack or dessert with creamy yogurt, banana and whole-grain oats. A fun and creative recipe for kids!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 Servings
Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken
Bowl of noodles, broccoli and chicken with a light sauce and sesame seeds.

Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Chicken

Whole-wheat noodles with broccoli and a savory sesame sauce. The perfect meal any night of the week.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Three Sisters Soup
Bean, corn and summer squash soup in bowls.

Three Sisters Soup

Warm and comforting easy-to-make soup with squash, beans and a savory broth.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Baked Tofu
Marinated tofu cubes are baked and combined with stir-fry vegetables and shown over bowls of brown rice.

Baked Tofu

Choose your marinade for a simple and delicious way to prep baked tofu.
Prepare:
1 hour
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Tropical Beets
Bowl of red beets and pineapple.

Tropical Beets

A 15-minute side dish that is tangy, sweet and earthy.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread
Slices of moist zucchini bread.

Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread

A warm and tasty sweet treat that’s packed with veggies, warm cinnamon and crunchy nuts.
Prepare:
15 to 20 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
16 slices