A classic for kids (and kids at heart), McDonalds Chicken McNuggets have been at the top of public scrutiny for decades. Many parents rely on them for quick and easy dinners, but are they really something we should be feeding our children — or eating ourselves?.
Registered dietitian Sarah Pflugradt, RDN, CSCS, says, “The Chicken McNugget has been getting better ever since it was first made in the 1980s.” Though chicken nuggets are fast food and shouldn’t be eaten every day, she says they’re also not the worst thing you could eat.
We took a deep dive into whats actually in a McDonalds chicken nugget and what that means for your health.
McDonald’s chicken nuggets are a fan favorite for people of all ages. These bite-sized pieces of breaded and fried chicken are tasty and convenient But many health-conscious customers wonder – how many calories are actually in McDonald’s chicken nuggets? Let’s take a detailed look
What Are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Made Of?
First, let’s understand what McDonald’s chicken nuggets are made of. According to McDonald’s, their chicken nuggets are made with 100% white meat chicken They are breaded with a simple seasoning blend and then fried until crispy and golden brown.
McDonald’s says that their chicken nuggets don’t have any added flavors, colors, or preservatives. Customers who want to avoid these additives will be happy to hear this. McD’s doesn’t say what kind of vegetable oil blend is used to cook the nuggets, but it’s probably a mix of canola and soybean oils, which are often used for deep-frying.
Calorie Count for McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
Now let’s get to the main question – how many calories are in McDonald’s chicken nuggets? Here is a breakdown of the calorie count:
- 4 piece chicken nuggets: 170 calories
- 6 piece chicken nuggets: 250 calories
- 10 piece chicken nuggets: 420 calories
- 20 piece chicken nuggets: 840 calories
- 40 piece chicken nuggets: 1680 calories
As you can see, the more chicken nuggets you eat, the more calories you will consume. The calorie count ranges from 170 calories for a 4 piece order to 1680 calories for a 40 piece “sharing” size.
The chicken itself is relatively low in calories. The bulk of calories in McDonald’s nuggets comes from the oil used to deep fry them. The breading also contributes some additional calories.
Chicken Nugget Calories Compared to Other McDonald’s Menu Items
How do chicken nugget calories compare to other items on the McDonald’s menu? Here is a quick comparison:
- 4 pc chicken nuggets (170 calories) vs. Cheeseburger (300 calories)
- 6 pc chicken nuggets (250 calories) vs. 6 pc Chicken McNuggets (280 calories)
- 10 pc chicken nuggets (420 calories) vs. Medium Fries (380 calories)
As you can see, chicken nuggets are lower in calories compared to burgers and fries. However, they are slightly higher in calories compared to Chicken McNuggets of the same size.
McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets tend to be lower in calories because they have a lighter breading. The nuggets also come with dipping sauces, which add more calories.
Tips for Enjoying Chicken Nuggets While Managing Calories
Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to eat McDonald’s chicken nuggets and still follow a healthy diet:
-
Stick to small or medium size nugget meals. For one person, the 4 and 6 piece packs make more sense.
-
Skip the dipping sauces or keep it to just one sauce per meal. Sauces like sweet & sour or barbecue can add 50-100 extra calories.
-
Balance nuggets with lower calorie side items like apple slices or a salad instead of fries.
-
Watch your portion of fries or share them with someone else. Fries can quickly drive up calories.
-
Drink water or a diet soda instead of sugary drinks that pile on extra calories.
-
Use nuggets as a snack in moderation rather than as a full meal.
With some smart menu choices, you can definitely still enjoy McDonald’s chicken nuggets as part of a healthy diet. Just be mindful of portions and accompanying items to keep calories in check.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Nuggets
While chicken nuggets are high in calories, oil and sodium, they do provide some nutritional value:
-
Source of protein – the chicken provides protein which helps build muscle and makes you feel full.
-
Contains vitamins and minerals – chicken offers vitamins like B6, B12, niacin and minerals like selenium and phosphorus.
-
No carbs – chicken nuggets contain no carbs, making them a keto-friendly food.
So chicken nuggets can be part of a healthy diet in small amounts since they contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. But for the best nutrition, balance them out with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The Bottom Line
When enjoyed occasionally and in reasonable portions, McDonald’s chicken nuggets can be part of an overall healthy diet. Be mindful of portion sizes, accompanying menu items, sauces and sodas to keep calories under control. A 4 or 6 piece nugget meal with a salad and water is a pretty balanced meal. Just don’t make a daily habit out of a 40 piece nugget extra value meal!
Bleached Wheat Flour
Next in line is bleached flour thats not enriched with nutrients. Flour is bleached so that the texture is finer, lighter and whiter in color. All flour eventually reaches a bleached state as it ages and is exposed to oxygen, but flour thats been bleached with chemicals is labeled as “bleached,” per General Mills Foods.
“Bleached flour is a food that gets a lot of attention. Its impossible to know which type of bleaching agents are used in the flour McDonald uses for their nuggets,” says Pflugradt. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows and regulates nitrogen oxides, chlorine, nitrosyl chloride, chlorine dioxide, benzoyl peroxide, acetone peroxide and azodicarbonamide to all be used as bleaching agents in amounts considered safe.
What Are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Made Of?
If youve ever wondered whats actually in McDonalds chicken nuggets, were breaking down each ingredient and how it can affect your health. The ingredients below are listed in descending order, so the ones used in the greatest amount are first and those that follow are present in fewer amounts.
Food Theory: The Many Lies of McDonalds Chicken Nuggets
FAQ
How many calories are in 1 chicken nugget from McDonald’s?
A single McDonald’s Chicken McNugget contains approximately 47-50 calories, according to nutrition websites.
How many calories in a 10 piece chicken nugget meal from McDonald’s?
A McDonald’s 10 piece Chicken McNuggets meal, including medium fries and a medium Coca-Cola, contains 940 calories.
How many calories are 9 chicken nuggets from McDonald’s?
| Description | Serving Sizes | kCal |
|---|---|---|
| McDonalds Calories, Chicken McNuggets | 4 Pieces | 141 |
| 6 Pieces | 212 | |
| 9 Pieces | 318 | |
| 20 Pieces | 706 |
How many calories are in an 8 piece nugget meal?
For example, if you know that an 8-piece Chick-fil-A nugget meal has 250 calories, you can plan your other meals for the day around that.