My kids get tired of sandwiches for lunch every single week — so we started packing warm chicken nuggets instead and it has completely changed lunch at our house. The secret is a good thermos and a paper towel trick that keeps them warm and crispy for up to 5 hours.
Since my kids enjoy easy chicken nuggets any time of the day, I decided to start packing them in their lunches too. They all love it when they open up their lunch boxes and find chicken nuggets waiting for them instead of the usual turkey or ham sandwiches.
Plus, now that my kids are getting older, they have taken over most of their lunch packing and they love picking chicken nuggets to pack, of course. If you love this easy lunch idea, here are some others that my kids love – Taco Lunchable and Lunch Ideas for kids – Hard Boiled Eggs with Cinnamon Sticks.
Supplies Needed
The most important investment is a good quality insulated thermos — not a plastic one. A stainless steel insulated thermos holds heat significantly better and lasts for years. Once you have a good thermos the whole method takes less than 5 minutes from oven to lunchbox.
How to Keep Chicken Nuggets Warm
Step 1 – Cook your chicken nuggets based on the package instructions or by following your favorite recipe.
Step 2 – Then the secret is to boil some water. First pour the HOT water in the thermos and let it sit for at least one minute. Be careful on this step as the water is HOT and you don’t want to burn yourself.
Step 3 – Then dump the boiling water out of the thermos. Next quickly dry the inside of the thermos out with a paper towel.
Step 4 – Then place your chicken nuggets inside.
Step 5 – Immediately place the lid on and put in your kids lunch box. Packing chicken nuggets have never been easier.
How to Keep Chicken Nuggets Crispy
My kids love that chicken nuggets come out of the oven nice and crispy.
In order to keep the chicken nuggets crispy in their school lunches, place a folded napkin or paper towel in the bottom of the Thermos after the water but before you put the chicken nuggets in.
Then place the chicken nuggets on top of the paper towel or napkin. That paper towel will absorb the moisture and allow your chicken nuggets to remain nice and crispy for when your kids are ready to enjoy them at lunch.
This is my favorite tip as adding this one step keeps the nuggets from getting soggy in the thermos.
What are the Best Chicken Nuggets to Pack?
Generally, I stock up on frozen chicken nuggets when they’re on sale as my kids love them and they never last long. If you’re worried about them being unhealthy, you can always buy the all natural ones or you can make your own.
I love these Copycat Chick-fil-a Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe and this Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe is easy to make and the kids love it too.
Whatever healthy chicken nuggets you decided to use, cook them based on the package instructions or recipe and then follow the thermos process to keep them hot and crispy in their lunch boxes.
What to Pack with Chicken Nuggets?
Keep it simple and budget-friendly alongside the nuggets:
- Sauce packets saved from restaurant takeout — ketchup, barbecue, honey mustard, or ranch make the lunch feel special without any extra cost
- Sliced vegetables in a small container — carrots, cucumber slices, or celery sticks are quick to prep and balance the meal
- Fresh fruit — apple slices, grapes, or a clementine round out the lunchbox perfectly
- String cheese or a small yogurt for extra protein Crackers or chips for a fun side
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to keep your chicken nuggets from getting soggy is to start with a dry thermos. Place a paper towel down in the bottom of the thermos and then top with your cooked chicken nuggets.
Yes, if stored properly in a thermos the chicken nuggets will come out warm and fresh just as if they come right out of the oven.
If the chicken nuggets are stored properly, the chicken nuggets will stay warm and crispy up to 5 hours. Make sure to keep the thermos closed so the stays locked in.
Yes — preheat a good quality insulated thermos with boiling water for 1 minute then add a paper towel in the bottom and place the hot nuggets on top. They will stay warm and crispy for up to 5 hours.
More Easy Lunch Box Ideas
Packing warm chicken nuggets for lunch has saved us so much lunchbox drama — my kids open their boxes excited and actually eat everything instead of trading away their sandwich. With 8 kids finding a lunch everyone loves that is also budget-friendly is one of my favorite wins.
Thank you so much for sharing the tip on keeping a paper towel in the bottom of the thermos! I have tried to send chicken nuggets for my son, and he complained they weren’t crispy anymore. I am totally trying this tomorrow with the paper towel first!
Great idea about the paper towel on the bottom! When you have the boiling water in the thermos for a minute, do you cover it with the lid or just keep it open? Thank you!
I put the lid on while I’m getting the lunch ready. Just to keep it heated up.