A Chicken Nugget Above the Rest: The Nugget Spot Opens in Chatham, New Jersey

This is not your parents’ chicken nuggets.

In fact, McDonald’s has nothing on The Nugget Spot, nor does any other fast-food chain out there, in my opinion.

When The Nugget Spot shuttered its doors in its Manhattan location in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners looked for the right spot to serve up its delicious, unique brand of its scrumptious chicken delights.

The owners searched far and wide for a new home, and then finally came to its current post located in the Hickory Tree Mall in Chatham Township, New Jersey, — 641 Shunpike Road.

Today, The Nugget Spot (TNS) celebrated its grand opening, delighting its New Jersey customers with its sandwiches, fries, sauces, and special chicken nugget flavors.

What first caught my eye was The Captain, chicken nuggets coated in Cap’n Crunch cereal for a salty and sweet combination. I hear it is rather good.

Next, there is the Skinny Nugs, grilled, not fried, nuggets, marinated in Cajun seasoning. TNS sauce suggestion: Mambo Sauce.

For more a classic feel, try the Regs, traditional Southern-fried style chicken nugget coated in our homemade seasoned flour. TNS sauce suggestion: Smokin’ J’s BBQ.

My girlfriend Maggie ordered the Regs and loved them.

The Vegetarian–made from mushrooms for that meaty taste, sans the actual meat, and seasoned with sriracha–is my favorite. I found this variety to boast a special kick with a light outside crispiness with a succulent, moist center.

I dipped them in TNS’s secret sauce. I am still attempting to figure out what their secret is, but deliciousness is not one of its mysteries, no way, no how.

TNS offers several nugget offerings, with several different flavors being developed by the day, according to the owners.

It also offered Cinnamon Toast Crunch nugget at its old location. Perhaps the owners will bring that one back? But I digress.

Would you rather try one of its chicken sandwiches? There is its Chicken Sandwich created with seasoned flour served on a King’s Hawaiian bun with mayo and pickles.

Do you need a heat kick? There is the Spicy Sandwich, a spicy chicken sandwich with seasoned flour served on a King’s Hawaiian bun with Mayo and pickles.

So, you need a side, you say? I enjoyed the sriracha-seasoned fries during TNS’s soft opening. Yes, I do love that chili pepper concoction. The fries were savory and bursting with a mouthwatering, appetite-pleasing factor.

I will be back, for sure.

Call (973) 995-0007 for store hours and to order.

— Jerry Del Priore