Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets and Macaroni and Cheese

Name: Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets and Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag frozen dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets; 1 (7.25 oz) box macaroni and cheese dinner; 1/2 cup cooking oil, for frying; 6 cups water; 1 tsp salt; 4 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup milk; 1 can sweet corn, for serving; BBQ sauce, for dipping

Jump to ingredients

This dinosaur chicken nuggets and mac and cheese combines pan-fried frozen nuggets with creamy boxed macaroni for a complete kid-favorite meal that comes together in under 20 minutes.

🌍American 🏷️Mac and cheese 🏷️Chicken nuggets 🏷️Dinosaur nuggets Kid-friendly

🏷️

🏷️Quick meal

🏷️Weeknight dinner

Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets and Macaroni and Cheese

jenmoralesfam04onTikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

2

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jenmoralesfam04

jenmoralesfam04onTikTok

Ingredients

Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.

9 Ingredients

CookOS may earn a commission from Instacart orders.

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt.
2
While the water is heating, pour cooking oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
3
Carefully place the frozen chicken nuggets into the hot oil. Fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
4
Once cooked, remove the nuggets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5
Add the macaroni from the box to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions, typically 7-8 minutes, then drain.
6
Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the butter, cheese powder packet, and milk.
7
Stir everything together until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8
Plate the macaroni and cheese with the chicken nuggets. Add a side of corn and serve with BBQ sauce for dipping, if desired.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Don't overcrowd the skillet when pan-frying nuggets—cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Keep mac and cheese water at a rolling boil and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even pasta texture.
Add butter and milk to the mac and cheese off heat to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy, smooth sauce.
Pat frozen nuggets dry with paper towels before frying to reduce splattering and improve crust texture.

Substitutions

Cooking oil → vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil (same amount)
Boxed mac and cheese → homemade cheese sauce or store-bought alternative brand (may adjust milk/butter ratios)
Butter → olive oil or dairy-free butter (1:1 ratio for creamy consistency)
Canned sweet corn → frozen corn, fresh corn, or peas

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover nuggets and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat nuggets in a 350°F oven and mac and cheese on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

Common Questions

How do you cook frozen dinosaur chicken nuggets on the stovetop?

Heat 1/2 cup cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then pan-fry the frozen nuggets until golden brown and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Can you use fresh chicken nuggets instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh nuggets will cook faster (5–7 minutes) and may require less oil. Adjust heat to prevent burning.

What can you serve alongside this meal?

Canned sweet corn, steamed vegetables, or simple salad pair well. BBQ sauce is ideal for dipping the nuggets.

How do you store leftover dinosaur nuggets and mac and cheese?

Keep both in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat nuggets in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes and mac and cheese on the stovetop with a splash of milk.