Chicken Nugget Bento Box for Kids
35 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
Introduction
These kid-favorite chicken nugget bento boxes deliver golden, crunchy panko-Parmesan nuggets seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic, plus sweet grapes and crisp apple to keep it balanced.
Bento basically means a tidy, compartmented lunch, so everything stays in its lane and you skip the soggy mess.
Perfect for school lunch or busy weeknights, you get real control over ingredients, no deep fryer, and flavors that do not pull their punches.
Ingredients (4 servings)
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Ingredients for the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into nugget-sized pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 lb
- ½ cup all-purpose flour all-purpose flour 0.14 lb
- ½ tsp salt salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper black peppercorns (for freshly ground black pepper)
- ½ tsp garlic powder garlic powder 0.05 oz
- 2 large eggs large eggs 2 ct
- 1 Tbsp water water
- 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs panko breadcrumbs 2 oz
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese grated Parmesan cheese 1.43 oz
- cooking oil spray cooking oil spray 0.4 oz
Ingredients for the Lunch Box Sides:
- 1 cup green grapes green grapes 0.36 lb
- 1 Gala apple, sliced Gala apple 1 ct
How to Make Chicken Nugget Bento Box for Kids
-
Preheat and set up
Heat the oven to 425 F and line a sheet pan with parchment, then set a wire rack on top and spray it lightly with cooking oil.
Set up three shallow bowls for breading so you can move fast and clean.
-
Season the coatings
In bowl one mix the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the seasoning disappears into the flour.
In bowl two whisk the eggs with the water until loose and foamy.
In bowl three stir together the panko and Parmesan so the cheese is evenly dispersed for even browning.
-
Prep and bread the chicken
Pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels so the coating sticks like a champ.
Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour and shake off excess so you do not build a gummy layer.
Dip in the egg just to coat, then press firmly into the panko mix so every side gets a good crust.
Place nuggets on the rack with a little space between them and mist the tops with cooking oil spray for crisping.
-
Bake or air-fry
Oven bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping at the 8 minute mark and spraying lightly again, until an instant read thermometer reads 165 F in the thickest piece.
Air fryer option is 400 F for 8 to 10 minutes in a single layer, flipping once, cooking in batches if needed.
-
Cool for packing
Let nuggets cool on the rack 5 to 10 minutes so steam escapes and the crust stays crisp.
For a hot lunch, preheat a small insulated container with boiling water for 2 minutes, dry it, line with a paper towel, and pack the nuggets right before leaving.
For a cold lunch, chill the nuggets fully on the rack, then refrigerate in a glass container before packing in the morning.
-
Prep the fruit
Rinse the grapes, dry them well, and for young kids halve them lengthwise for safer bites.
Slice the Gala apple and toss slices in cold water with a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt for 2 minutes, then pat dry to slow browning.
-
Pack the bento
Divide nuggets, grapes, and apple into compartments to keep everything from kissing and getting soggy.
Add a small leakproof cup of ketchup, honey mustard, or yogurt ranch, then pack with an ice pack if sending cold.
Substitutions
- Panko breadcrumbs -> Crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko
- Cornflakes crush into flaky shards that fry up super crisp in the oven and taste slightly sweeter, while gluten-free panko keeps the same airy crunch without the wheat.
- Parmesan -> Nutritional yeast or finely grated Pecorino
- Nutritional yeast brings a nutty, cheesy vibe with zero dairy and helps browning, while Pecorino gives a saltier sharpness and a drier grate that crisps beautifully.
- Gala apple -> Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Ambrosia
- Fuji stays juicy and sweet without going mealy, Honeycrisp is snappy and super crisp for maximum crunch, and Ambrosia is low browning with a gentle honeyed flavor kids love.
Tips
- Rack equals crunch
- Baking on a wire rack lets hot air hit all sides so the bottoms do not steam out and the crust stays shatter crisp.
- Season every layer
- The flavor lives in the flour and the crumb, so do not skip salt and pepper in the coatings or your nuggets will taste flat in the middle.
- Toast panko for extra golden color
- For deeper color, toast panko in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until pale gold, cool, then mix with Parmesan before breading.
- Dry hand and wet hand
- Use one hand for dry bowls and the other for the egg to avoid breaded monster fingers and keep the coating even.
- Make ahead and freeze
- Freeze breaded but uncooked nuggets on a sheet until firm, store in a bag, and bake from frozen at 425 F for 15 to 18 minutes so weeknights behave.
- Keep lunchbox nuggets crisp
- Cool on a rack, line the bento compartment with a paper towel, and keep fruit in a separate section so moisture does not sneak in.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 605 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 48 | g |
| Total Fat | 10 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 78 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why is the coating falling off my nuggets?
- Pat the chicken very dry, do not skip the flour step, press the crumbs on firmly, and let the breaded pieces rest on the rack for 5 minutes before baking so the crust adheres.
- How do I keep the nuggets crispy until lunch?
- Cool on a rack, pack in a ventilated section or with a paper towel liner, keep produce in its own compartment, and avoid sealing hot nuggets in an airtight box where steam softens the crust.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
- Yes, cut into equal nugget sizes and add 2 to 3 minutes to the cook time, then check for 165 F because dark meat takes a touch longer but stays very juicy.
- What dip works best for kids?
- Mix equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise for a simple fry sauce, or stir Dijon and honey into Greek yogurt for a creamy honey mustard that travels well.
- How do I prevent the apple slices from browning?
- Soak slices for 2 minutes in cold water with 1 teaspoon lemon juice per cup of water or a pinch of salt, then pat dry and pack.
- Are whole grapes safe for toddlers?
- Halve grapes lengthwise or quarter them for toddlers so they are not a choking hazard, and always pack them dry so they do not wet the nuggets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with a quick yogurt honey mustard dip and a tiny sprinkle of paprika on the nuggets for a little color pop and a whisper of warmth.
Round out the bento with crunchy snap peas or cheddar cubes if you want a little extra protein and texture without crowding the box.
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