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)

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
Roasted Onions
Caramelized onion quarters on a baking sheet.

Roasted Onions

Tender roasted onions with a mild sweet flavor.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Garbanzo Bean and Vegetable Salad
bowl of bean and vegetable salad

Garbanzo Bean and Vegetable Salad

This colorful salad comes together fast for a lunch or a side to share with others.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Watermelon Cooler
Glasses filled with pink juice.

Watermelon Cooler

A refreshing, kid-approved drink with only 2 ingredients.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Wild Rice with Salmon Stew
Bowl of rice with a salmon and vegetable topping.

Wild Rice with Salmon Stew

Filling and flavorful meal combining fish, vegetables and whole grains with herbs and lemon.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad
Big bowl of spiral pasta with vegetables.

Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad

Crisp vegetables, hearty whole-wheat pasta and Italian dressing make the perfect summer pasta salad.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups