Chicken Nugget Bento Lunch
This Chicken Nugget Bento Lunch looks simple, but I promise it is perfect! You can make it ahead of time and just grab it on your way out the door in the morning or whip up a batch before bed so they’re ready for lunch tomorrow!
Your kids will love having their own copycat chicken nugget Lunchable and you will love the cost! 🙂 When you make your own bento boxes as opposed to buying premade, you save tons of money! You can also replace the one thing your kid doesn’t like with things they do. LOL!
If you’re like me, when it comes to lunchtime with your kids, you want them to be happy but most importantly fed. I’m not a fan of the cafeteria food at school and I don’t always have time to pack my own lunch for them either.
Between packing a lunch that is nutritious and delicious, finding time to cook, and making sure there are enough leftovers for dinner or tomorrow’s lunch (or both!), it’s hard to find the time to do anything else! The solution? A bento box packed with chicken nuggets, a cheese stick, dipping sauce, and pudding – all in an easy-to-carry container.
It takes less than ten minutes to assemble this yummy lunch option while you’re prepping dinner so you have one less thing on your plate during your busy school morning.
Add this to your list of must make simple chicken recipes!
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Bento Box Tools Needed:
In order to make all the exact pieces we used for this box, you will need the following Bento Box supplies. We have linked (affiliate links) to the tools on Amazon to help you understand exactly what they look like.
- Bento Lunch Box (exact one pictured & includes fork!)
- Condiment Containers we just used these plain ones, but I am also in love with these Kawaii character containers!
You can also find all of our choices for the best Bento Box tools and accessories here and a few of our best picks below!
Boxed Lunch Ingredients:
You can find a printable recipe with instructions and ingredients below, but I like to show the ingredients list with (affiliate) links to help you see what we used for this box.
This one is very simple:
- Chicken Nuggets
- Dipping Sauce (we like Ranch, but this Chickfila Sauce is a favorite too!)
- Pudding Cup
- Cheese Stick
We may not have included all ingredients for the easy chicken nugget bento box above, like pantry staples. So be sure to reference the entire recipe card below!
What is the point of a Bento Box?
Bento boxes, also known as lunch bento boxes or lunchboxes, are a widely popular type of boxed meal. These perfect-sized containers come with separate compartments for sorting your food and keeping it fresh throughout the day.
The idea behind Bentos is that everything has its own section so that you can mix and match according to what you’re craving at any given time.
Plus, Bento Boxes come in many shapes and sizes with different colors to help you make your child’s lunch more fun!
What makes bento boxes so popular?
Bento boxes have become increasingly popular in recent years, both in Japan and worldwide. The reason behind their popularity lies in their convenience and versatility.
Bento boxes are essentially pre-packaged meals, typically consisting of rice, vegetables, and protein, often in the form of fish or meat.
What makes them so appealing is the combinations that can be created, making for a diverse range of meals in a single box.
Additionally, bento boxes are easy to transport and often come in cute packaging, making them attractive to both adults and children.
In Japan, bento boxes are a staple of office and school lunches, and there is a strong cultural tradition surrounding their preparation and presentation.
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Overall, bento boxes offer a convenient, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing meal option.
Do I have to keep bento boxes cool?
Bento boxes are a popular and convenient way to pack a meal on the go. Many people wonder if these boxes should be kept cool in order to ensure food safety. The answer depends on what you are packing in the bento box and how long it will be out of refrigeration.
Foods that can spoil quickly, such as dairy products, meat, and cooked rice, should be kept cool to prevent bacterial growth.
However, if you are packing non-perishable items such as fruits, vegetables or sandwiches, they can be safely stored at room temperature for a few hours.
It is important to always use your best judgment when deciding whether or not to keep a bento box cool, and to follow general food safety guidelines to prevent illness.
What to look for when buying a bento box?
When shopping for a bento box, know what to check before buying. First, pick a size that matches your appetite and items.
Next, consider compartments; more compartments offer more food variety. Then, choose the material. Plastic is durable and easy to clean, while metal may keep food hot longer.
Finally, look at design and appeal, as you’ll use it often and it should please you. By considering these factors, you’ll find a bento box that suits your needs.
Is the bento box only for lunch?
Bento box is a traditional Japanese lunch box that typically consists of rice, protein, and vegetables. While it is commonly served as a lunchtime meal, it is not strictly limited to that time of day.
In fact, bento boxes can be enjoyed at any mealtime, and can even be used for snacking.
The compartmentalized design of the bento box makes it easy to portion out an assortment of foods, allowing for a satisfying and well-rounded meal, no matter the time of day.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for a snack or packing an on-the-go meal, consider bringing along a bento box for a convenient and delicious option.
Important Tips for this Bento Box Idea:
While we didn’t, because my kids are weirdos who love cold nuggets, you could use a thermos in the lunch box, to keep their lunch warm until they are ready to eat at school!
- Step One – Heat up your chicken nuggets in the microwave.
- Step Two – Stick your nuggets in a thermos, they will stay warm for several hours and be ready for your child to eat at lunch time.
- Step Three – Be sure to send dipping sauce, napkin and silverware to use in their lunch.
Did you make this recipe? We’d love it if you’d rate it below!
Chicken Nugget Bento Lunch Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Chicken Nugget Bento Lunch Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- Chicken Nuggets
- Dipping Sauce
- Pudding Cup
- Cheese Stick
Instructions
- Heat up your chicken nuggets in the microwave.
- Stick your nuggets in a thermos, they will stay warm for several hours and be ready for your child to eat at lunchtime.
- Pack the remaining items into their Bento Box.
Nutrition
More Bento Lunch Ideas:
More Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids:
- Hawaiian Tortilla Roll Ups
- Adorable Tuna Canoes for Snack or Lunch
- Chicken Avocado Wraps
Just curious, how long does the chicken nuggets keep in the bento box before your kids eat it?
Generally when I pack my child’s lunch, he won’t eat it until 5 hours later, but reading online it says to only keep nuggets out for 2 hours max? Worried about him getting sick. I want to pack something else other than sandwiches
Hi there! Great question, and I completely understand your concern about food safety. When packing chicken nuggets in a bento box, it’s important to keep them at a safe temperature. Using an insulated lunchbox with a couple of ice packs is a good way to keep the food cool and safe until lunch. Additionally, if your child has access to a microwave at school, you could pack the nuggets cold and include a note to warm them up before eating. If these options aren’t feasible, you might consider packing alternatives like wraps, hard-boiled eggs, or even a thermos with hot food that stays warm until lunchtime. I hope this helps ease your worries!
Thanks for sharing. My daughter makes creative lunches for her children. I am going to share this with her. In fact, I will link to you from my blog.
Thanks so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday. Have a great weekend and hope to see you soon!
Miz Helen