Are Chicken Nuggets Gluten Free?

Chicken nuggets are a popular food, especially among children. But for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, determining if chicken nuggets are gluten-free is an important consideration.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, gluten doesn’t cause any issues. But for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and more. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.

Why Chicken Nuggets May Contain Gluten

Chicken nuggets are made by taking chicken meat, cutting it into small pieces, battering it and frying or baking it. The problem is that batter often contains gluten.

Common sources of gluten used in batter include:

• Wheat flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Beer batter
• Thickeners like wheat starch

So even though the chicken itself is gluten-free, the coating likely contains gluten

In addition chicken nuggets may be contaminated with gluten during processing if they are produced in a facility that also handles gluten-containing grains.

How to Determine if Chicken Nuggets are Gluten-Free

To find out if a particular brand of chicken nuggets is gluten-free, check the ingredient list and look for statements about being produced in a gluten-free facility.

Here are some things to look for on the label:

• An explicit “gluten-free” claim. This is the most reliable indicator that the product does not contain any gluten.

• Ingredients that contain gluten like wheat, barley, rye or malt. Avoid any products listing these.

• Potentially gluten-containing thickeners and stabilizers like starch, wheat starch, maltodextrin, modified food starch or caramel color. Contact the manufacturer to verify these are gluten-free sources.

• Statements like “Made in a gluten-free facility” or “Made without gluten-containing ingredients.” This indicates there is minimal risk of cross-contamination.

• Certification symbols from organizations like GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) that inspect facilities and test products to less than 10ppm of gluten.

If a product does not have a gluten-free claim or you are uncertain about the ingredients, contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about testing and gluten-free status.

Popular Gluten-Free Chicken Nugget Brands

Here are some brands that offer gluten-free chicken nuggets:

• Bell & Evans – Gluten-free breaded chicken nuggets made with corn flour instead of wheat.

• Applegate – Organic gluten-free chicken nuggets made with almond flour coating.

• Wellshire Farms – Gluten-free breaded chicken nuggets made with panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Ian’s – Gluten-free chicken nuggets battered in a corn flour blend. Certified by GFCO.

• Birdseye – Gluten-free chicken nuggets coated in rice flour.

• Perdue – Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets with a crispy coating made from gluten-free flour and starch.

• Pilgrim’s – Gluten-free breaded chicken breast nuggets fried in gluten-free oil.

• Foster Farms – Gluten-free cornflake coated chicken breast nuggets.

• McCormick – Gluten-free chicken nuggets coated in gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Always carefully read labels and double check with manufacturers about gluten testing even when buying brands marketed as gluten-free. Formulations can change over time.

Making Gluten-Free Homemade Chicken Nuggets

For the best control over ingredients, making homemade gluten-free chicken nuggets is an option. Here are some batter and coating ideas:

• Gluten-free flour – Brown rice flour, chickpea flour, almond flour or coconut flour work well.

• Crushed gluten-free crackers or cereal – Try corn flakes, GF cornmeal cereal or rice Chex.

• Shredded cheese – Parmesan, cheddar or Swiss add flavor.

• Crushed pork rinds or nuts – For crunch.

• Mashed avocado or banana – Instead of egg as a binder.

• Almond milk, coconut milk or seltzer – Thin batter instead of beer.

Dredge chicken pieces in flour, dip in batter, then coat with desired crunchy topping. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Serve with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch or BBQ sauce.

Are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Gluten-Free?

Unfortunately, McDonald’s famous chicken McNuggets contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free. The batter and outer layer of breading includes wheat flour, which introduces gluten.

However, McDonald’s fries are gluten-free as they are only made from potatoes, vegetable oil and salt. McDonald’s also notes other menu items that can be prepared gluten-free by removing bun/wraps/sauces, such as their hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and salads with grilled or crispy chicken.

Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid McDonald’s chicken McNuggets and be cautious about cross-contact when ordering.

Dining Out and Chicken Nuggets

When eating chicken nuggets from a restaurant, be sure to check that they have a gluten-free preparation. Many fried foods like chicken fingers and nuggets are breaded with flour-containing batter.

Here are some tips for ordering gluten-free chicken nuggets when dining out:

• Check menus online in advance for gluten-free options.

• Ask about ingredients and preparation when ordering. Request plain grilled nuggets if needed.

• Verify fryers are dedicated for gluten-free foods only to prevent cross-contact.

• Ask for sauces and condiments to be served on the side.

• Specify any allergy or sensitivity to restaurant staff so they take extra care.

With the rise in popularity of gluten-free diets, more restaurants are offering gluten-free menus and chicken nuggets these days. But it remains important to ask questions to ensure safety.

The Bottom Line

Many chicken nuggets contain gluten due to batter or breading ingredients like wheat flour. But there are brands that make gluten-free chicken nuggets, ensuring the coating and production is free from gluten sources.

When in doubt, check labels carefully for gluten-containing ingredients, research brands online and reach out to manufacturers. Making homemade nuggets can also give you control over keeping things gluten-free. With the right precautions and product choices, chicken nuggets can still be enjoyed on a gluten-free diet.