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McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe

4.5 from 77 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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).
  8. 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