The 6 Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets of 2024, According to Our Taste Test

• Value: 20/20
• Quality: 17/20
• Flavor: 18/20
• Crunch: 18/20
• Juiciness: 19/20

TOTAL: 92/100

No shade, but we were kind of shocked to find that Walmart’s store brand came out on top. Incredibly juicy and tender, decently crispy and well-seasoned, these nuggets made from breast and rib meat are bigger and more affordable than many others we tested. Best of all, they’re a steal at 18 cents per ounce, and each bag boasts a whopping 11 servings. Pass the ketchup, will ya?

• Value: 19/20
• Quality: 18/20
• Flavor: 17/20
• Crunch: 18/20
• Juiciness: 18/20

TOTAL: 90/100

One bite of these prehistoric nugs and we’re transported to our elementary school cafeteria. Made from breast and rib meat and without added hormones or steroids, these bites are seasoned with garlic, onion and white pepper for a mild, kid-friendly taste. Affordable, juicy and coated in crispy breading, they’re sure to satisfy even the pickiest (or should we say discerning) tykes at your table. (P.S.: If you value crunch more than anything, dinosaur-shaped nuggets are the way to go. We found that the tiny, craggy legs and heads turned out significantly crispier across the board compared to round nuggets.)

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 17/20
• Flavor: 18/20
• Crunch: 19/20
• Juiciness: 19/20

TOTAL: 91/100

Most chicken nuggets are coated in a wheat-based breading or batter, so if you’re allergic, you’ll need to shop for a gluten-free variety. Luckily, there are a handful to uncover at the supermarket, including this impressively crunchy number. Made with breast and rib meat, the nuggets are coated in a breading of corn, rice and brown rice flours that’s seasoned with garlic and onion. They’re also free of added hormones and steroids and have juicy, succulent interiors.

• Value: 20/20
• Quality: 16/20
• Flavor: 17/20
• Crunch: 15/20
• Juiciness: 19/20

TOTAL: 87/100

This massive five-pound bag from BJ’s is just right for a game-day crowd or large family. The breast-and-rib-meat nuggets are coated in corn flour breading. While they’re super juicy, large and decently seasoned, they lack a bit in the crispness department. Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong with a dinner that costs 46 cents per serving. If you’re looking for a bargain that won’t disappoint flavor-wise, this is it.

• Value: 19/20
• Quality: 19/20
• Flavor: 18/20
• Crunch: 15/20
• Juiciness: 19/20

TOTAL: 90/100

If you regularly douse your chicken nuggets in sriracha or chipotle mayo, these fiery bites are right up your alley. Made with all white meat (and without added hormones or steroids), these nugs are seasoned with a “spice extractive,” aka salt, paprika and celery seed, to satisfy your spicy cravings. These tasted the most like “real” chicken in our opinion, and they’d be great for a wrap or sandwich. They do take 23 minutes to cook through (most nuggets we tested took 10 to 13), but we promise they’re worth the wait—if you can take the heat, that is.

• Value: 18/20
• Quality: 20/20
• Flavor: 17/20
• Crunch: 18/20
• Juiciness: 18/20

TOTAL: 91/100

These frozen chicken nuggets have a whole wheat flour breading that masterfully disguises puréed cauliflower and onion, so you may think your picky eater won’t enjoy them—but we promise they’ll be none the wiser. Made with white meat only, these bites boast a slightly sweet, oniony flavor that’s decidedly kid-friendly. Their small size is also great for younger eaters, while their moist interior and crispy breading appeal to adults just as well.