Copycat Costco Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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If you’re anything like me, Costco chicken nuggets are a household staple—convenient, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.

How to make Costco Chicken Nuggets

Costco Chicken Nuggets are a popular frozen, ready-to-cook chicken product sold at Costco warehouses. They’re known for tasting a lot like fast-food nuggets—crispy outside, juicy inside—but in bulk and at a better value.

Ingredients

• 1 bag of Costco chicken nuggets (Just Bare or any other brand like Tyson or Kirkland Signature).
• Cooking oil spray (optional, for air frying or oven baking).
• Spices for seasoning (e.g., paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or smoked paprika).
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional for added flavor after baking).
• Honey mustard.
• Chick-fil-A-inspired sauce (DIY blends with mayo, mustard, BBQ sauce, and honey).
• Ranch dressing or sriracha mayo for a spicy option.
• Fresh veggies (carrots, celery sticks, or peppers).
• Fries or tater tots.
• Fresh salad greens for a lighter option.

Instructions

There are three main ways to cook these nuggets: in an air fryer, in the oven, or on the stovetop. I’ll cover all methods below:

1. Air Fryer Method (Recommended for Extra Crispiness)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 2 minutes.
2. Prepare the nuggets: Arrange the nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (no overcrowding to ensure even cooking).

Cook:

1. Frozen nuggets: Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Nugget upgrades: Before cooking, lightly sprinkle your choice of seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese).
3. Check crispiness: Remove once golden and crispy. Let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.

2. Oven Baking Method (Great for Larger Batches)

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread the nuggets in a single layer.
3. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Optional upgrades: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra flavor.

3. Stovetop Method (For Quick Cooking or Small Batches)

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1-2 tbsp of cooking oil.
2. Place the nuggets in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally until evenly browned and crispy.
3. Toss with a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning before serving.

Tips for Delicious Nuggets

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Nuggets: If you’re using an air fryer or baking them, spread them out evenly for crispier results. Overcrowding traps the steam, making them soggy.

2. Customize Flavors: While Costco chicken nuggets taste great as-is, seasoning like smoked paprika, cayenne, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after cooking adds some flair.

3. Pair with Creative Dips: A homemade dipping sauce can elevate store-bought nuggets. Try blending mayo, ketchup, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and honey for a Chick-fil-A dupe!

4. Add Sides for Balance: Nuggets pair perfectly with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even mac ‘n’ cheese for a heartier meal.

5. Meal Prep Friendly: Costco chicken nuggets reheat wonderfully, making them a great choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Keep your portions ready in airtight containers.

What to serve with

Costco chicken nuggets are undeniably delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides, dips, and accompaniments can transform your meal into something truly delightful.

• Caesar Salad: Crispy nuggets served with a rich Caesar salad feel indulgent while still being balanced. Add parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing, and top the salad with shredded nuggets for a clever protein boost.
• Coleslaw: A side of creamy coleslaw complements the crunchiness of the nuggets beautifully. Make a classic mayo-based version, or opt for a lighter vinegar dressing for a tangy twist.
• Pasta Salad: If you’re serving nuggets at a party or prepping a picnic meal, chilled pasta salad is a great side dish. Combine cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and Italian dressing for a refreshing, filling pairing.

Final Thoughts

Costco chicken nuggets are incredibly versatile and easy to pair with a wide variety of sides, sauces, and accompaniments.

More Chicken Recipes:

• Copycat Amylu Chicken Meatballs Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
• Copycat Aidells Chicken Meatballs Recipe