Even though fast food restaurants are still vying for the title of best fast food chicken sandwich, we think everyone can agree that McDonald’s chicken nuggets are the most nostalgic fast food chicken item (a k. a. Chicken McNuggets). Nothing takes you back to your childhood like dipping and dunking McNuggets in your favorite dipping sauce. They are moist, juicy, and covered in a light, crispy batter. This fake McDonald’s chicken nugget recipe will take you back to your teenage years. Then try these other fake McDonald’s recipes.
One of the most famous and loved fast food items of all time is the chicken McNugget. These tasty pieces of breaded and fried chicken have been a McDonald’s staple since 1983. Here’s how to make chicken McNuggets at home that taste just like the ones you get at McDonald’s.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These provide the chicken meat that gets ground up into the nugget mixture. Chicken thighs can also be used.
- Eggs – Eggs help bind the nugget mixture together.
- Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs give the McNuggets their crispy coating. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal.
- All-purpose flour – The flour coats the nuggets before the breadcrumb coating.
- Spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder – These add flavor to the nugget mixture.
- Oil for frying – Canola or vegetable oil work best.
Steps to Make Homemade McNuggets
1. Dice and Grind the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes first. Pulse the chicken cubes in the food processor until the texture is smooth, fine, and paste-like. This makes it easier to grind in the food processor.
2. Add Egg, Spices and Mix
In a large bowl, add 1 beaten egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and any other spices you want. Add the ground chicken and mix well until fully combined.
3. Shape the Nuggets
Use your hands to grab portions of the chicken mixture and shape into nuggets, rounds or any other shape you desire. The nuggets should be about 1-2 inches wide or in diameter. Place the shaped nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Coat Nuggets in Flour
Put about 1 cup of all-purpose flour into a bowl. Coat each nugget in the flour, shaking off any excess. Return to the lined baking sheet after coating in flour.
5. Make the Breadcrumb Coating
Add 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a different bowl. And mix them together. It will be thick and wet after you add one beaten egg and two tablespoons of milk or water.
6. Coat Nuggets in Batter and Breadcrumbs
One by one, dip the floured nuggets into the breadcrumb batter, letting any excess drip off. Then place the battered nuggets into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. Return to the baking sheet and repeat for each nugget.
7. Chill Nuggets
Place the assembled nuggets in the fridge or freezer for 1-2 hours until completely chilled and set. This helps keep the coating intact while frying.
8. Deep Fry the Nuggets
Heat 2-3 inches of canola oil to 350°F in a heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Fry the nuggets in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel lined plate.
9. Enjoy Your McNuggets!
Eat the crunchy, juicy homemade McNuggets right away while still warm. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
Tips for Crispy, Juicy Nuggets
- Make sure the oil is at the right 350°F temperature before frying. This ensures the coating gets crispy without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Fry just a few nuggets at a time so they cook evenly.
- Let the nuggets rest for 1-2 minutes after frying to allow the coating to set.
- Double fry the nuggets for extra crispy coating. Fry once at 325°F then again at 350°F.
Recreate the magic of Chicken McNuggets at home with this easy recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy the crispy, juicy deliciousness of McNuggets anytime. Dip them in your favorite sauces and take a bite of nostalgic fast food heaven!
Tips for Making McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
How Are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Made?One of the world’s greatest mysteries: just what exactly is in a Chicken McNugget? Despite what you may have heard, they are not made with pink goo or slime—and that’s just one of the
Yield: 20-24 chicken nuggets
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 cup water
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Dip your hands in water and then grab a little less than 1 ounce of the chicken mixture. Gently shape into a flattened nugget shape of your choice, then set aside onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Repeat until all of the chicken mixture has been shaped into nuggets.
Take the sheet pan of chicken nuggets out of the fridge and put it in the freezer for an hour or two so the batter has time to set.
While you wait, read about the first McDonalds menu ever.
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FAQ
How are chicken nuggets made step by step?
To make chicken nuggets, put the chicken in a food processor and pulse it until it is small pieces. Next, add the spices, cornstarch, and water. Process until combined. Dredge each nugget in the flour to cover, then into the egg, and finally, coat it in bread crumbs.
Are McNuggets fried or baked?
Once in our restaurants, they’re fully fried and served hot to you with a delicious taste that is full of flavor.
How do you make your own chicken nuggets?
Coat each chicken strip first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing firmly and turning to coat on both sides. Set aside on baking paper. If oven-cooking the chicken, brush a baking tray with 1 tablespoon of oil. Place the chicken pieces on the tray and brush generously but lightly with 3 tablespoons more oil.
How much chicken do you need to make Chicken McNuggets?
20 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breast should be cut into small pieces for this copycat Chicken McNuggets recipe. This is another popular chicken breast recipe that you can add to your collection. Besides the chicken, everything else in this recipe is likely something you already have in your pantry.
How do you make homemade McNuggets?
Unsalted Butter: Just one tablespoon of melted butter ensures the interior of your homemade mcdonald’s chicken nuggets are tender and rich. Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs for dredging the nuggets. All Purpose Flour: A cup of all purpose flour (along with the eggs) forms the breading for your mcnuggets.
How do you make Chicken McNuggets?
You’ll need an egg, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, water, and 4 cups of vegetable oil. You’ll also need a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. You read that right — put the chicken in a blender. How else do you think McNuggets get that smooth, creamy texture?
How do you make McDonald’s chicken nuggets taste good?
Spices and Seasonings: A combination of kosher salt, dry parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper all provide robust flavors. Unsalted Butter: Just one tablespoon of melted butter ensures the interior of your homemade mcdonald’s chicken nuggets are tender and rich. Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs for dredging the nuggets.
What is a McDonald’s Chicken McNugget?
Soft and tender on the inside with an unbeatable golden-brown, crispy exterior, this homemade McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets recipe features white meat chicken breast blended with flavorful spices and seasonings – and NO filler or preservative in sight.
How do you make chicken nuggets?
Lauren Habermehl for taste of home Dip your hands in water and then grab a little less than 1 ounce of the chicken mixture. Gently shape into a flattened nugget shape of your choice, then set aside onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Repeat until all of the chicken mixture has been shaped into nuggets.