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)

Harissa Spice Mix
Small bowl of a red spice mix.

Harissa Spice Mix

This homemade spice blend is great on meats and veggies.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 Tablespoons
Zucchini Tomato Bake
Baking dish with layers of zucchini rounds coated with tomatoes and cheese.

Zucchini Tomato Bake

Warm and flavorful vegetable bake topped with creamy cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
Sikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)
bowl of dip with vegetables

Sikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)

Enjoy this Mayan-inspired dip with fresh veggies or whole-grain chips.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Superhero Shepherd's Pie
Plate of a ground beef and vegetable mix with a layer of mashed potato on top.

Superhero Shepherd's Pie

Try this mix of vegetables and ground beef topped with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy oat and raisin cookies are shown on a serving plate.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

A great grab-and-go snack with sweet raisins, warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. No sugar added and kid approved!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
14 Cookies
Harissa Roasted Butternut Squash
Wooden bowl of seasoned butternut squash, pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs.

Harissa Roasted Butternut Squash

Thanks to Chef Nephi Craig for this beautiful recipe for seasoned squash sprinkled with seeds, nuts and herbs.
Prepare:
25 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 cups