Name: Better Than The Snack Bar Baked Chicken Nuggets with all the sauces.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 piece egg (beaten); 3 tablespoons pickle juice; 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders (cut into bite-size pieces); 1 1/4 cups cornflake crumbs; 3/4 cup Panko; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Kosher salt (to taste); extra virgin olive oil (for brushing); 1/4 cup avocado oil mayo; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons pickle juice or lemon juice; cayenne pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; 1 clove garlic (grated); 1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 piece lime (zest and juice); 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1/4 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup hot sauce; 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; black pepper (to taste)

There’s something undeniably comforting about chicken nuggets. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a meal, or a party appetizer, they are a staple that transcends age and taste. But let’s be real, the frozen variety just can’t compete with homemade nuggets. Enter the Better Than The Snack Bar Baked Chicken Nuggets with all the sauces. These nuggets are juicy, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection, making them a healthier and tastier alternative to the ones you find at the snack bar. And the best part? You get to pair them with a variety of delicious sauces that elevate the experience to a whole new level!

Why It Deserves a Spot

These chicken nuggets deserve a spot on your dinner table because they are not only easy to make but also customizable. The combination of spices and sauces makes them suitable for everyone, whether you’re a fan of tangy flavors, spicy kicks, or creamy dips. Plus, they are kid-approved and perfect for meal prep. So why settle for store-bought when you can whip up a batch of Better Than The Snack Bar Baked Chicken Nuggets with all the sauces that are sure to impress family and friends alike?

Ingredient Breakdown

To create these mouthwatering nuggets, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need:

1 egg, beaten – This acts as a binder, helping the coating stick to the chicken.
3 tablespoons pickle juice – Adds a tangy flavor that makes the chicken extra juicy.
2 pounds boneless chicken tenders – Cut into bite-size pieces for easy eating.
1 1/4 cups cornflake crumbs – Provides a crunchy texture.
3/4 cup Panko – Adds extra crispiness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that savory depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the overall taste.
1 teaspoon paprika – Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness.
1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Optional, for those who like a little heat.
Kosher salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil – For brushing the nuggets to achieve that golden finish.

For the sauces:

1/4 cup avocado oil mayo – Creamy base for several sauces.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard – Provides a tangy kick.
3 tablespoons honey – Balances the mustard with sweetness.
2 teaspoons pickle juice or lemon juice – Adds brightness.
Cayenne pepper, to taste – Optional heat for the honey mustard.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Freshens up the mayo sauce.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan – For a cheesy touch.
1 clove garlic, grated – Fresh garlic flavor.
1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce – Sweet and spicy sauce.
2 tablespoons ketchup – Classic dipping sauce.
Zest and juice from 1 lime – Adds a fresh zing.
1/2 cup ranch dressing – Creamy and herby goodness.
1/4 cup BBQ sauce – Smoky and sweet.
1/4 cup hot sauce – For those who like it spicy.
3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil – Adds richness to the BBQ sauce.
1 teaspoon seasoned salt – Enhances overall flavor.
Black pepper, to taste – For seasoning.

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before diving into the kitchen, make sure you have the following gear:

Baking sheet – To bake the nuggets to crispy perfection.
Parchment paper – For easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
Mixing bowls – For marinating and mixing the coatings.
Whisk – To beat the egg and mix sauces.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Cooking brush – To brush olive oil on the nuggets.

Step-by-Step: Better Than The Snack Bar Baked Chicken Nuggets with all the sauces.

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious nuggets:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your nuggets bake evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg and pickle juice. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken tenders and ensure they are well coated. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes to soak in the flavors.

Step 3: Make the Coating

In another bowl, mix together the cornflake crumbs, Panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. This mixture will create that irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, take each piece and coat it thoroughly in the crumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Place the coated chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil

Using a cooking brush, lightly brush each nugget with extra virgin olive oil. This will help achieve that golden-brown color as they bake.

Step 6: Bake the Nuggets

Bake the chicken nuggets in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Step 7: Prepare the Sauces

While the nuggets are baking, it’s time to whip up the sauces! In separate bowls, combine the ingredients for each sauce as follows:

Honey Mustard Sauce: Mix avocado oil mayo, Dijon mustard, honey, pickle juice, and cayenne pepper.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Combine avocado oil mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan, and grated garlic.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Mix sweet Thai chili sauce, ketchup, zest and juice from the lime.
Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite store-bought ranch or make your own from scratch.
BBQ Sauce: Mix BBQ sauce with melted butter or olive oil for richness and season with seasoned salt and black pepper.
Hot Sauce: Simply have your favorite hot sauce ready for serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the nuggets are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Arrange them on a platter with all the sauces on the side. Enjoy dipping and savoring the deliciousness of your Better Than The Snack Bar Baked Chicken Nuggets with all the sauces!

Fresh Takes Through the Year

These nuggets can be adapted to suit different seasons and occasions. Here are some fresh takes:

Summer BBQ: Serve them with a zesty lime cilantro sauce.
Game Day: Pair with spicy ranch and celery sticks for a perfect snack.
Fall Flavors: Integrate pumpkin spice into the coating for a seasonal twist.
Winter Warm-Up: Serve with a creamy garlic dipping sauce for cozy nights.

Steer Clear of These

While making your chicken nuggets, be sure to avoid the following:

Don’t skip the marination step; it’s key to flavor.
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
Don’t rush the baking process; let them get golden brown for the best texture.
Do not use stale breadcrumbs; fresh is best for maximum crunch.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

To ensure your nuggets stay fresh:

Allow the baked nuggets to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for an even crispier texture!

Common Qs About Better Than The Snack Bar Baked Chicken Nuggets with all the sauces.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well. Just make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces for even cooking.

Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cornflake crumbs and Panko with gluten-free alternatives, and use gluten-free sauces as well.

How can I make these nuggets spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper to the coating or try incorporating diced jalapeños into your sauces for an extra kick!

Can I freeze the uncooked nuggets?

Yes, you can freeze the coated nuggets before baking. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

The Takeaway

Crafting your own chicken nuggets at home is not just a rewarding experience; it also allows for complete control over flavor, texture, and ingredients. With the Better Than The Snack Bar Baked Chicken Nuggets with all the sauces, you can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that will have everyone reaching for seconds. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready to impress with these delightful, crispy nuggets and a lineup of scrumptious sauces that will leave your taste buds dancing!