When it comes to frozen chicken nuggets, it’s a staple in households across America, especially with children. In fact, over 73 million Americans enjoyed these bite-sized delights in 2020, and for good reason.
With busy schedules and picky eaters to please, chicken nuggets are an easy, satisfying meal that brings comfort to both kids and adults alike. But with so many brands on the market, how do you choose the best one?
To help make the decision easier, we put eight popular frozen chicken nugget brands to the test, evaluating them based on taste, texture, and appearance. While many were satisfying, one brand blew the others away. Here’s our breakdown and the ultimate winner.
8 Frozen Chicken Nuggets
1. Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets
- Calories (Per 6 nuggets): 190
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Protein: 12g
Applegate Naturals offers a cleaner, feel-good option with humanely raised chicken and no antibiotics, making it a staple in many households. Despite this, its familiar taste led to “nugget fatigue” in my home. The nuggets, while satisfying, didn’t stand out from the crowd in terms of flavor or texture.
Verdict: A reliable option, but for those looking for something new, it falls short.
2. Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
- Calories (Per 3 pieces): 170
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Protein: 10g
Perdue’s nuggets are made with organic ingredients, but the thick, chewy breading was a turn-off, particularly for kids. While the taste was decent, the texture and size didn’t do the nuggets any favors.
Verdict: A healthy choice, but the texture wasn’t kid-approved.
3. Earth’s Best Chicken Nuggets for Kids
- Calories (Per 4 nuggets): 140
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Protein: 6g
Earth’s Best offers a kid-friendly, healthier option, but the spiced breading may be too bold for some children. While crunchy and flavorful, my picky eater found these too intense for her liking.
Verdict: Great for adults, but a bit too seasoned for kids.
4. Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
- Calories (Per 4 oz): 200
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Protein: 16g
Trader Joe’s nuggets were tender and succulent, but the varying sizes made for an inconsistent experience. Despite the juicy meat, the texture wasn’t a favorite with my nugget-loving daughter.
Verdict: Juicy and savory, but the texture might not appeal to everyone.
5. Whole Foods Market 365 Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets
- Calories (Per 4 pieces): 190
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Protein: 17g
Whole Foods’ gluten-free nuggets have a premium feel, with flavorful breading and tender meat. However, the high sodium content and slightly pungent aroma didn’t win over everyone.
Verdict: Flavorful and gluten-free, but might be too salty for some.
6. Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
- Calories (Per 4 oz): 200
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Protein: 21g
These nuggets stand out with their all-natural, clean ingredients, and minimal breading. They tasted the most like real chicken, with the lightest breading of all. However, my child found them lacking in fun and flavor.
Verdict: Authentic taste, but not as exciting for younger eaters.
7. Good & Gather Chicken Breast Nuggets
- Calories (Per 4 pieces): 220
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Protein: 10g
Good & Gather from Target offers a balanced, satisfying nugget experience. While not bursting with flavor, they were enjoyable, and even my picky eater found them to be a decent option.
Verdict: A safe, tasty choice for any household.
8. Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks
WINNER
- Calories (Per 3 oz): 160
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Protein: 16g
Praised for tasting just like Chick-fil-A’s nuggets, Just Bare’s Chicken Breast Chunks had a sweet, slightly spicy flavor that set them apart. With a deliciously savory aftertaste, these nuggets were by far the most flavorful of the group, even if my child found them “too spicy.”
Verdict: The best all-around nugget for adults, and a worthy treat for those who love flavorful chicken chunks.
Conclusion:
For households with picky eaters or nugget enthusiasts, Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks emerged as the clear winner in this frozen nugget showdown.
Whether you’re looking for a close Chick-fil-A alternative or simply want a more flavorful frozen nugget, this one tops the list. If you’re after clean, simple ingredients, Bell & Evans is a strong runner-up, offering a more natural taste.