Chicken Nugget Bento Box for Kids
35 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 15 min | 35 min |
Introduction
This easy chicken nugget bento box makes lunchtime fun, colorful, and kid-friendly without a drive-thru in sight.
Juicy homemade chicken nuggets with a crispy Parmesan-panko coating feel like a treat, but you know exactly what is inside.
Fresh grapes and crisp Gala apple slices round it out for a simple, no-fuss lunch you can pack in minutes.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients for the Chicken Nuggets:
Ingredients for the Lunch Box Sides:
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How to Make Chicken Nugget Bento Box for Kids
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Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Lightly spray the parchment with cooking oil spray so the nuggets crisp instead of sticking.
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Season the flour coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
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Set up the breading station
In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the tablespoon of water until the mixture looks smooth and light.
In a third shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Arrange the flour, egg mixture, and panko mixture in a row to make coating the nuggets quick and tidy.
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Coat the chicken pieces
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels so the coating sticks better.
Toss a few pieces at a time in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured chicken into the egg, then roll in the panko mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.
Place the coated nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece for better browning.
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Bake the chicken nuggets
Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with more cooking oil spray to help them crisp and turn golden.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway, until the nuggets are cooked through and no longer pink.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy chicken.
Let the nuggets cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes before packing so the breading stays crisp.
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Prepare the fruit sides and assemble the bento boxes
Rinse the green grapes well under cool water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Slice the Gala apple just before packing, or toss the slices with a little lemon water to slow browning.
Divide the cooled nuggets, grapes, and apple slices between lunch boxes, using small cups or compartments to keep items separate.
Substitutions
- Gala apple -> Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Ambrosia apple
- Use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Ambrosia apples if Gala is unavailable, since all have a sweet, crisp, kid-friendly crunch. These varieties hold their shape well in lunch boxes and taste great even after a few hours.
- Panko breadcrumbs -> crushed cornflakes
- Crushed cornflakes give a very similar crunch to panko and stay light and crispy in the lunch box. Use the same amount, and press them onto the chicken so the flakes do not fall off.
- Parmesan cheese -> finely shredded mild cheddar or Colby Jack
- Swap Parmesan for mild cheddar or Colby Jack if your kids prefer a softer, less tangy cheese flavor. The nuggets will taste a bit cheesier and richer, which many young eaters really enjoy.
Tips
- Cut even nugget sizes
- Try to cut the chicken into similar size pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy. Aim for about 1 to 1½ inch chunks for small hands.
- Cool before closing the lid
- Let the nuggets steam off some heat before sealing the lunch box, or condensation will soften the breading. Lukewarm or room-temperature nuggets actually taste great and are easier for kids to eat.
- Use dividers for less sogginess
- Pack the fruit in separate silicone cups or compartments so moisture does not reach the nuggets. Keeping wet and dry foods apart helps everything taste fresher at lunchtime.
- Make-ahead and reheat option
- You can bake a double batch, cool completely, then freeze the nuggets in a single layer before bagging. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for about 10 minutes, then cool again before packing for school.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 338 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 34 | g |
| Total Fat | 8 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 37 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How can I keep the apple slices from turning brown in the lunch box?
- Toss the apple slices in a bowl with a little water and a squeeze of lemon or orange juice. Drain well and pat dry so they do not drip onto the nuggets.
- Can I air-fry the chicken nuggets instead of baking them?
- Yes, you can air-fry them in a single layer at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Flip halfway through and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving or packing.
- What if my child does not like black pepper or garlic flavor?
- You can simply leave out the black pepper and garlic powder for a very mild, plain breaded nugget. The Parmesan and crunchy coating still make the chicken tasty and interesting.
- How long can these chicken nuggets safely sit in a lunch box?
- Packed with an ice pack in an insulated bag, the nuggets should stay safe for about four to six hours. If your child has a very late lunch, consider freezing the grapes so they help keep everything chilled.
Serving Suggestions
This simple bento box pairs nicely with yogurt tubes, cheese sticks, or a small container of hummus for dipping.
For a fun twist, add colorful veggies like cucumber coins or baby carrots for crunch and extra vitamins.
Kids can also help assemble their own boxes, which makes lunchtime feel special and encourages them to try everything.
Reviews
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baker388, New York, NY: These baked nuggets came out perfectly crisp and cheesy thanks to the panko and Parmesan. Easy breading setup, quick bake time, and the grapes and apple made a simple, kid-friendly bento.
: Happy they came out crisp and cheesy for you, and love that the grapes and apple made it an easy bento add-on! 😊
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