When it comes to foods that even picky kids will eat, crumbed chicken is probably near the top of the list.
To cater to this market, there is a wide range of crumbed chicken options in supermarkets that appear relatively healthy, especially as an alternative to fried, fast-food options.
BUT…. People who are busy parents might be surprised to learn that some of these 20%E2%80%98chicken%E2%80%99%20pieces may have as little chicken as 20%20chicken, which makes them a bad choice for kids who are growing.
Chicken nuggets are a classic fast food item that kids and adults love for their tasty flavor and fun bite-sized pieces. However, most people who enjoy these fried chicken chunks don’t know how gross and unnatural the process is.
As a fast food blogger and investigative reporter, I chose to look into the shady business of making chicken nuggets. What I found was a disturbing story of low-quality meat that was over-processed and had additives that were not clear. You might not want to eat another batch of nugget sausage after seeing how they are made.
Meat Matters: The Low-Grade Chicken Parts Used
One scary thing about chicken nuggets is that they are made with cheap chicken. Nuggets of chicken aren’t usually made from high-quality breast meat or even whole chickens. Instead, nuggets consist of leftover scraps and trimmings mashed together. This can include bones, cartilage, skin, and connective tissues.
Mechanically separated chicken is commonly used, which is a pulpy paste created after the bone and meat have been forcibly separated by machinery. Skin and fat are also blended in, creating a smooth mush perfect for reshaping into bite-size nuggets. Essentially, chicken nuggets act as a way for companies to profit off meat waste.
Adding Insult to Injury: The Use of Artificial Additives
Besides low-grade chicken, chicken nuggets also contain a host of chemical additives used to enhance flavor, shelf life, and appearance. Artificial flavors and preservatives allow companies to make nuggets taste better and last longer at the cost of your health.
Some common additives found in chicken nuggets include monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial colors, hydrogenated oils, and bleaching agents. MSG improves flavor while dyes like red #40 and yellow #6 make nuggets more vibrant. Meanwhile, TBHQ and citric acid work as preservatives.
These chemicals make nuggets look and taste more juicy and tasty. But regular use has been linked to weight gain, heart disease, and headaches.
Highly Processed Production
The manufacturing process itself also adds to the unnatural nature of chicken nuggets. First, the reclaimed chicken scraps are blended together with the chemical additives into a slimy paste. This mixture is then shaped into nugget pieces, breaded, pre-fried, flash frozen, and reheated at the restaurant.
This extensive processing ensures that any natural nutritional value from the original chicken is long gone. What’s left is a hyper-palatable but empty food product that tricks our brains and taste buds.
Health Hazards of Eating Processed Nuggets
The questionable ingredients and intensive production of chicken nuggets make them a food to enjoy only sparingly, if at all. Studies reveal that frequently eating ultra-processed foods like chicken nuggets can lead to:
- Weight gain and obesity
- High cholesterol and heart disease
- Digestive issues
- Early mortality
The high sodium and trans fat content, lack of fiber and nutrients, and abundant chemical additives create a perfect storm for health troubles. While an occasional nugget may not doom you, making them a regular part of your diet is a risky choice.
Healthier Homemade Chicken Nugget Alternatives
Thankfully, you can still enjoy the fun of chicken nuggets without sacrificing your health or morals. By making homemade baked chicken nuggets, you control the quality of the ingredients.
Some healthier nugget options include:
- Chicken breast nuggets coated in whole wheat panko breadcrumbs and baked.
- Ground turkey or chicken nuggets mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices.
- Adding carrot, zucchini, or cauliflower to ground chicken for added nutrition.
Homemade nuggets skip sketchy additives and frying for a guilt-free, nutritious treat. With a few easy recipes, you can recreate the crispy, savory magic of nuggets in a more wholesome way.
The Bottom Line on Chicken Nugget Production
While chicken nuggets have become a beloved fast food phenomenon, the gross reality behind their manufacturing process may make you reconsider taking another bite. The low-grade mystery parts, excessive processing, and unnatural additives culminate into an unappetizing production method.
If you want to indulge in nuggets occasionally, stick to reputable brands and certified organic options with simpler ingredients. But for improved nutrition and quality, try recreating chicken nuggets at home. With some creativity in the kitchen, you can still enjoy this tasty treat without the mystery meat and chemicals. Just beware of how most chicken nuggets are made – the truth may be hard to swallow.
Is crumbed chicken actually healthy?
Not having a degree in nutrition is not enough to know that pre-crumbed chicken from the freezer section of grocery stores is not as healthy as chicken breast or even chicken that you can crumb yourself at home with just wholegrain bread, egg, and a little flour.
But, let’s be honest, the reality is that not all of us have the time or inclination to make our own crumbed chicken, and kids, especially fussy kids, often love crumbed chicken.
What to check on the packet?
The most important thing to quickly check when grabbing your kids favorite chicken pieces, is the percentage of the ingredients that is chicken.
What may be somewhat shocking to hear is that some of the most popular supermarket brands, that are directly marketed as child-friendly meal options are as low as 30% chicken, and this percentage does not always correspond to the price you pay.
As a general rule of thumb, I would not opt for any product that contained less than 50% chicken, but this is still low, and it is possible to find options that are as high as 70% chicken, and as such a much better product nutritionally offering a much higher amount of protein.
The truth about Tyson – how chicken nuggets are ACTUALLY made.
FAQ
How are chicken nuggets actually made?
To make chicken nuggets, you grind up chicken meat, mix it with other things, shape it, coat it, and fry it.
Are chicken nuggets made from chicken scraps?
Yes, chicken nuggets are primarily made from chicken. They are typically made from a mixture of chicken meat (often including both breast and thigh meat) that is ground or minced, along with other ingredients like breading, seasonings, and sometimes fillers.
Are chicken nuggets made out of chicken balls?
Chicken nuggets are essentially meatballs. Since chicken nuggets are made with finely ground meat, starting with chunks of chicken breast doesn’t give you the same texture experience. You know, like a meatball. The best way to replicate a chicken nugget at home is to start with ground chicken.