The Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets to Satisfy Your Inner Child

Chicken nuggets hold a special place in many of our hearts. Those bite-sized pieces of breaded and fried chicken take us right back to childhood when nuggets were a regular feature on the family dinner table or a special treat during a night out.

As an adult, nuggets may not be a regular part of your dinner, but they are still a delicious comfort food that is great for satisfying cravings and bringing back memories. If you only want a frozen chicken nugget, it’s helpful to know which brands and products taste and feel the best.

With so many options lining grocery store freezer sections these days, how do you know which frozen nuggets are worth your money? By turning to the experts of course!

To find the best frozen chicken nuggets, I looked at reviews and taste tests from well-known food sites such as Taste of Home, AllRecipes, and Today. Food experts say these are the best frozen chicken nuggets:

Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Nuggets

Reviewers praise these organic nuggets for their crispy, golden exterior and tender, tasty chicken interior. The nuggets are made from minced chicken and have a mild flavor profile suited for kids’ palates. However, adults appreciate the high-quality texture and crunch factor. These nuggets are also gluten-free, making them a great option for anyone avoiding gluten.

Whole Foods 365 Crunchy Nuggets

You can count on Whole Foods’ store brand for quality, and their crunchy breaded nuggets don’t disappoint. Testers found these tasted the most natural and fresh, similar to homemade nuggets. There’s a satisfying crunch and plenty of chicken flavor. The mild flavor makes these ideal for kids, but adults love the quality and texture, too.

Banquet Chicken Nuggets

Sometimes you just want an old-school frozen nugget, and Banquet’s deliver. Reviewers say this affordable option offers great umami flavor and a tender, juicy texture similar to fast food nuggets. The thin, uniformly shaped chunks have that familiar seasoned coating nugget fans crave. Pop these nostalgic bites in the oven for a hot, crunchy treat.

Just Bare Chicken Breast Chunks

Food experts all agree that these lightly breaded chunks look a lot like Chick-fil-A’s famous nuggets. These are made from whole chicken breasts and taste and feel like real chicken. There’s a satisfying crunch from the light, crispy batter coating. The premium quality comes through in every tender, juicy bite.

Tyson Naturals Gluten-Free Nuggets

Finding gluten-free nuggets with ultra-crispy coatings can be tough, but Tyson Naturals delivers. These browned panko-style chunks have spices like garlic and pepper baked right in. Reviewers rave about the crunchy texture and flavor packed into each bite. Made with minced chicken, these nuggets will satisfy any gluten-free eater.

Bell & Evans Breaded Nuggets

Fans of nuggets with less breading love these. Bell You get juicy, meaty chicken flavor in every sizable bite. The texture of the chicken is more important than the breading.

Perdue Dinosaur Shaped Nuggets

Sometimes you need a little whimsy with your nuggets, and Perdue’s dinosaur shapes deliver. These feature the iconic kid-friendly dinosaur shapes in a crispy coating. Made from quality all-breast chicken, reviewers say these are tender and flavorful. The cute shapes make these a hit with kids, but the tasty chicken satisfies adults too.

Applegate Organic Chicken Nuggets

If you want an organic nugget made from free-range chicken, Applegate is a great bet. These chunky nuggets are made from whole breast meat with a light, crispy breading. Testers found them juicy and said they had an appealing crunch. While on the chewy side, the chicken and coating flavors get rave reviews.

Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken Nuggets

Fans obsess over TJ’s frozen chicken nuggets, and it’s easy to see why. Reviewers say they have a satisfying crunch and crispy exterior, especially when cooked in the air fryer. The nuggets feature a blend of spices like garlic and onion powder baked into the coating. Testers thought they were some of the tastiest nuggets around.

Pilgrim’s Chicken Nuggets

Don’t overlook this basic frozen brand – their traditional breaded nuggets hold up to testing. Pilgrim’s nuggets feature a crispy, seasoned coating reviewers call “nicely salted” and flavorful. The chicken itself is juicy, tender, and offers good chicken flavor. It’s easy to see why these appeal to kids and adults alike.

Criteria for Judging the Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

When evaluating store-bought frozen chicken nuggets, food experts consider several factors:

Coating – The ideal nugget has a coating that bakes up crispy, crunchy, and golden brown. Seasoning in the breading provides flavor.

Chicken Quality – Whole chicken pieces or minced chicken can both be used. Reviewers want moist, tender chicken with good flavor.

Overall Flavor – The coating and chicken should combine for delicious, crave-worthy flavor.

Special Diets – Having gluten-free and organic options expands the appeal.

Kid Appeal – Nuggets with fun shapes or mild flavors cater to kid preferences.

Price – Budget-friendly frozen nuggets have a place in the freezer alongside premium options.

Tips forCooking Frozen Chicken Nuggets

To get the best results from frozen chicken nuggets:

• Follow package instructions for baking temperature and time.

• Use a baking sheet for crispiest results. Line it with parchment for easy cleanup.

• Bake in a single layer, not overlapping, so they crisp up.

• Brush nuggets with a little oil for extra crispy coatings.

• Flip halfway through for even browning if needed.

• Finish under the broiler if they need extra browning.

• Bake an extra 1-2 minutes for very crispy nuggets.

• Air fry for crunchiest coatings, but follow package guidelines.

• Check for doneness at the minimum cooking time.

Match Made in Heaven: Best Dipping Sauces for Chicken Nuggets

Every good nugget needs an amazing sauce alongside for dunking. Here are ultimate dipping pairings:

• Honey mustard – The sweet tang is a classic nugget partner.

• BBQ sauce – Sweet, tangy, and lightly smoky, it’s an ideal nugget sauce.

• Ranch – Cool, creamy ranch perfectly balances hot nuggets.

• Chili sauce – Spicy and slightly sweet, it adds lots of flavor.

• Honey – For those who like things simple, you can’t beat warm honey.

• Sweet and sour sauce – It provides a bright pop of flavor.

• Marinara – For an Italian twist, go for marinara’s rich tomato flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make your own signature sauces, either. Blend ketchup, mayo, and sriracha for spicy fry dip, or whisk up fast honey mustard sauce.

Satisfy Your Inner Child with the Best Frozen Nuggets

Frozen chicken nuggets might seem like just a kids’ food, but plenty of adults secretly love their comforting flavor too. When only crispy, juicy nuggets will hit the spot, reach for highly rated products like Perdue Organic, Just Bare breaded chunks, or Tyson’s gluten-free options. With the right nuggets and dipping sauces, you can satisfy those childhood comfort food cravings in grown-up style.