McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Introduction
These homemade McDonald’s-style chicken nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. With a tender ground chicken interior and a perfectly seasoned batter, they bring fast food quality right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, egg yolk, and salt until well combined. For a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture briefly.
- Step 2: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the chicken mixture into small nuggets, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the sheet.
- Step 3: Coat each nugget evenly with cornstarch and return them to the baking sheet.
- Step 4: In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and the whole egg to create a thick, slightly runny batter.
- Step 5: Using a fork, dip each cornstarch-coated nugget into the batter, shaking off any excess. Place the coated nuggets back on the lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 to 2 hours to help the batter set.
- Step 6: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 7: Fry the nuggets in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 8: Remove the nuggets with a slotted spoon or tongs and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the nuggets in the batter before freezing and frying.
- Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or a mixture of dark and white meat for varied flavor and texture.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature and avoid soggy or greasy nuggets.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy. Alternatively, freeze cooked nuggets for up to one month and reheat directly from frozen following the same oven method.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake these chicken nuggets instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. Baking will yield a slightly less crispy texture but is a healthier alternative.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these nuggets?
Classic choices include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a simple ketchup. Choose any sauce you enjoy for the perfect accompaniment.
PrintMcDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe
This homemade McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken nuggets with a flavorful, seasoned batter. Made from ground chicken, seasoned with a blend of spices, coated in a cornstarch and flour batter, and deep-fried to perfection, these nuggets replicate the iconic fast food favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 nuggets 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 egg
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (about 1 inch depth)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, egg yolk, and salt until well combined. For a smoother texture, you may blend the mixture for an emulsified feel.
- Shape Nuggets: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture each time, shape into small nugget-sized pieces and place them onto the baking sheet. Repeat until all chicken is shaped.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Lightly coat each shaped nugget with cornstarch and place them back on the baking sheet. This helps create a crispy base for the batter adhering process.
- Prepare Batter: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and the whole egg until you get a thick but slightly runny batter.
- Batter the Nuggets: Dip each nugget into the batter using a fork, allowing excess batter to drip off. Return the coated nuggets to the lined baking sheet. Once all are coated, freeze the nuggets for 1 to 2 hours to help the batter set firmly.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil about 1 inch deep into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the proper frying temperature.
- Fry Nuggets: Fry the nuggets in batches without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked nuggets with a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Freezing the battered nuggets before frying helps the coating set and prevents it from falling off in the oil.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and to avoid greasy nuggets.
- You can use a kitchen thermometer to check doneness; internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- For a healthier alternative, you could bake the nuggets, but they may not be as crispy as the fried version.
- Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Keywords: Chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, McDonald’s style nuggets, deep-fried chicken, crispy chicken nuggets
