Are any chicken nuggets prepared at home as good as fast food chicken nuggets? That’s what I wanted to find out as we set out to find the best frozen chicken nuggets. I have eaten approximately 500,000 Wendy’s spicy chicken nuggets, but I’ve never, personally, prepared a nugget. And why would I? Chicken nuggets are almost free at the drive-through. That being said, I love not leaving my house, so grocery store chicken nuggets definitely have some appeal.
Good Mythical Morning writer and chicken nugget lover Kalyn French joined us to make sense of the frozen chicken nugget market and craft this list so you will never buy a bad frozen chicken nugget ever again.
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- Fast Fixin’ Chicken Breast Nuggets
Fast Fixin’ Chicken Breast Nuggets were breathtakingly flavorful. Not only was the coating properly seasoned, the meat had a rich, savory “chicken juice sort of flavor” (Kalyn’s perfect description, not mine). These are one of the few brands of nuggets I’ve ever eaten that, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, might not…need…sauce? I will still dip them, but you don’t need to smother them in sauce to make them flavorful like most other store-bought nuggets. Of the nuggets we tried, these came the closest to tasting like a Wendy’s nugget (the best fast food nugget, in my opinion).
Credit: Ryan Martin / Instacart
- Tyson Panko Chicken Nuggets
Sporked editor-in-chief Justine Sterling loved these because they felt the most McDonald’s-y of all the brands we tried. If you, too, worship at the altar of the golden arches, buy these Tyson Panko Chicken Nuggets. The panko (aka Japanese breadcrumbs) gives them extra crunch, which perfectly compliments the juicy chicken center. Looking for that real fast food crunch? Toss these in the air fryer. All you need is hot mustard and, voila, you’re Ronald McDonald.
Credit: Ryan Martin / Instacart
- Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
If you want Chik-fil-A nuggets without having to patronize Chik-fil-A, say hello to Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets. Unlike processed, formed nuggets, these are just big hunks of chicken in a light breading. Some of our tasters argued that these aren’t technically nuggets because of their shape, but I don’t care about that and I’m the one writing this article. Their flavor is mild, so they are ideal for dipping in the nugget sauce of your choice. I can’t wait to get these into some Buffalo ranch.
Credit: Ryan Martin / Instacart
- Pilgrim’s Tempura Chicken Breast Nuggets
While all our nuggets were reminiscent of different fast food establishments, the Pilgrim’s Tempura Chicken Breast Nuggets were the most like the kind you’re handed in a paper bag through your car window. These have a deep, rich dark-meat flavor that is way more complex than some of the other nuggets we tested. If you are addicted to fast food but need to cut down on your spending, fill your fridge with these.
Credit: Ryan Martin / Albertsons
- Great Value Breaded Chicken Nuggets
As per usual, Great Value is doing great things. They’ve made it possible to buy so many delicious little nuggets for such a low price. If you’re having a birthday party for your third grader and inviting their whole class, two bags of these will do the trick. They’re more like popcorn chicken than full-sized nuggets, so they are the perfect size for tiny little hands. They’re crunchy and savory and meaty and oh so affordable.
Credit: Ryan Martin / Walmart
Best of the Best
Best Crunch
Best for Dipping
Best Fast Food at Home
Best Budget
Rhett & Link’s Pick
Tyson All Natural Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets
When Rhett & Link did their very own frozen chicken nugget taste test, they determined that the Tyson All Natural Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets were their favorite. Rhett said he “could eat a whole plate of these.” They beat out Perdue with their crunchy texture and fun orange coloring. Link liked that “they don’t hide the [natural nugget] flavor with pepper.” If you’re looking for a straightforward, meat-focused chicken nugget, check these out!
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As someone who is nugget obsessed this article is INSANELY helpful
Any fake chicken ones you highly recommend?
We’ll be taste testing them soon!
I have tried a few fake nuggs myself, and many regular nuggs for htat matter, and Ill tell ya the Impossible ones are the way to go.
Shame that this list doesnt mention the Perdue Panko Nuggest as those are stellar
One month I ate nothing but chicken nuggets I don’t remember any of it I call it “Nugget Month”.
This is goals.
What about Dino nuggets?
Best in Fun, for my humble opinion
100% my favorite.
I actually had some of those when I ran out of other nuggets but had a craving and I was very surprised how good they were
If you have not tried them, you need to give Just Bare chicken from Costco a try. They beat out any other chicken nugget I have tried.
Dinosaur chicken nuggets will always be top tier.
Sadly, when compared to other nuggets side by side, they lack in flavor and texture.
Sorry disagree…., Quorn chicken nuggets are #1 but only when they go back to the packaging because cardboard box taste like that now my kid thought it was McDonald’s
These are just real chicken nuggets. Our plant based nugget test will come later!
If you ever decide to revamp this list, the Trader Joe’s chicken drumellas are some of the best I’ve ever had!