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McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

This homemade McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets recipe replicates the iconic crispy and tender nuggets you love. Made with ground chicken and a flavorful seasoning batter, these nuggets are coated, frozen briefly to set, and then deep-fried to golden perfection for a deliciously crispy outside and juicy inside. Perfect for a fun family meal or party snack, enjoy these nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Coating

  • 1/3 cup cornstarch

Batter

  • 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 deep for frying)

Instructions

  1. Mix Chicken Base: In a large bowl, combine the egg yolk, ground chicken, and salt. Mix thoroughly until just combined, or blend briefly for a smoother, emulsified texture.
  2. Shape Nuggets: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the chicken mixture into small, 1 tablespoon-sized portions and shape them into nugget forms. Place each shaped nugget on the baking sheet.
  3. Coat Nuggets with Cornstarch: Lightly coat each nugget with cornstarch, ensuring even coverage. Place the coated nuggets back on the baking sheet.
  4. Prepare Batter: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and whole egg until you achieve a thick but slightly runny batter.
  5. Batter Dip and Freeze: Using a fork, dip each cornstarch-coated nugget into the batter, shaking off excess. Lay the battered nuggets on the lined baking sheet and freeze them for 1 to 2 hours to allow the batter to set and firm up.
  6. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry Nuggets: Carefully place the nuggets into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them for 4 to 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked.
  8. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried nuggets with a slotted spoon or tongs and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Freezing the battered nuggets before frying helps the batter adhere better and results in a crispier coating.
  • Use a food thermometer to ensure the nuggets are cooked safely to 165°F internally.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for chicken as a leaner option.
  • Adjust seasoning in the batter and chicken mix according to taste preferences.
  • Make sure the oil temperature remains consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked nuggets.

Keywords: McDonald's chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, fried chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, chicken snack, fast food copycat

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/mcdonalds-chicken-nuggets-recipe/