Active Time: 15 mins
Totaly Time: 25 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 (24-oz.) pkg. frozen chicken nuggets (such as Just Bare)
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 large [3/4-oz. each] scallions), plus more for garnish
- 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1 tsp. fresh ginger (from 1 [1-in.] piece)
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
- 3 large garlic cloves, grated (about 1 Tbsp.)
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 2 tsp. cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- Sesame seeds
- Hot cooked white long-grain rice
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Gather all ingredients.
- Spread chicken nuggets in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until chicken is heated through and crispy, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir together brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, scallions, vinegar, ginger, crushed red pepper (if using), and garlic in a small saucepan over medium. Stir together water and cornstarch in a small bowl until well combined; whisk into brown sugar mixture in saucepan and bring to a boil over medium. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is starting to thicken, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butter until melted and sauce is emulsified.
- Pour half of sauce evenly over chicken on baking sheet and toss to coat. Garnish with additional scallions and sesame seeds; serve with rice. Drizzle remaining sauce over each serving of chicken and rice.
Recipe Tips for Honey-Garlic Chicken Nuggets
- We don't recommend making this dish ahead of time. The chicken nuggets will lose their crispiness, but you can make the honey-garlic sauce ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The butter might solidify, so it might need to be reheated.
- Serve with coconut rice and lime wedges.
- Serve with broccoli, peas, or carrots for a stir-fry feel.
Credit:
By Kimberly Holland
Kimberly Holland is a writer and editor with 17 years of experience in food, lifestyle, travel, and health content. She is an Editorial Director for Southern Living.
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Published on August 4, 2025