5 Creative Ideas to Transform Costco Chicken Nuggets into Delicious Meals

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Chicken nuggets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a gourmet meal, but they prove to be an unexpectedly flexible ingredient for quick and satisfying dinners suitable for all ages. My initial purchase of bulk chicken nuggets from Costco began when my children were young, but soon I found that my older kids and husband devoured them before they could even reach the dining table.

Among the various options available at my local Costco, I particularly enjoy the Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks. They feature an excellent ratio of meat to breading and are flavored with seasonings such as paprika and celery powder.

Our usual method for preparation involves air frying them at 350°F for eight minutes, often serving them simply with ketchup or ranch. Eventually, however, I found myself wanting to explore different culinary avenues with these nuggets.

Below are a few creative recipes to inspire you, but don’t hesitate to experiment; I can assure you that no one will turn down chicken nuggets at the table.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

After air frying the nuggets (as mentioned), coat them with your favorite Buffalo wing sauce. I prefer a blend of Frank’s RedHot mixed with melted butter and a hint of celery seed, but feel free to use any store-bought sauce that suits your taste. Pile the seasoned nuggets onto a soft sandwich roll, and complement with a quick celery slaw made from thinly sliced celery, blue cheese, and shredded carrots.

Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

For a more balanced dinner, I prepare the chicken nuggets alongside fresh broccoli florets in the air fryer. I season everything with a simple Asian sauce created from equal parts light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine, which I thicken with a little cornstarch in a pan over medium heat. After adding the cooked chicken and broccoli, serve the dish over rice, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.

Chicken Caesar Salad

Chicken nuggets serve as a simple yet delicious topping for salads, particularly a Caesar salad. Using crisp romaine and crunchy croutons enhances the texture. After chopping the lettuce and toasting the croutons with olive oil and garlic powder, I add the nuggets and mix in a Caesar dressing. You can either use your favorite store-bought dressing or prepare your own for an elevated experience.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

When I created this comforting dish, I was amused by how easy it was to combine a few ingredients and call it dinner. Curiously, my family loved it so much that I now frequently prepare it when delivering meals to friends or new parents. This dish intertwines the beloved components of Chicken Parmesan — breaded chicken, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese — transforming them into a delightful noodle casserole.

To make it, mix cooked chicken nuggets with prepared pasta, jarred tomato sauce, cubes of fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil in a large bowl. Spread this mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish, topping it with shredded mozzarella and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350°F until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted, roughly 30 minutes. Finish by garnishing with more fresh basil.

Chicken Bibimbap

While bibimbap is traditionally associated with beef, we enjoy a chicken version for an easy weeknight meal. We prepare a base of sticky rice, accompanied by kimchi, pickled cucumbers, chicken nuggets, and a fried egg. This setup allows each person to customize their bowl to their liking; my husband and I prefer it with gochujang sauce, while the kids opt for soy sauce to keep things mild.

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