Chicken McNuggets are one of the most iconic and beloved fast food items of all time These tasty morsels of breaded and fried chicken have been a McDonald’s staple since they were first introduced in 1983 Here’s a step-by-step guide to making chicken McNuggets at home that taste just like the real thing from McDonald’s.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These provide the chicken meat that gets ground up into the nugget mixture. Chicken thighs can also be used.
- Eggs – Eggs help bind the nugget mixture together.
- Breadcrumbs – Breadcrumbs give the McNuggets their crispy coating. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal.
- All-purpose flour – The flour coats the nuggets before the breadcrumb coating.
- Spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder – These add flavor to the nugget mixture.
- Oil for frying – Canola or vegetable oil work best.
Steps to Make Homemade McNuggets
1. Dice and Grind the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes first. This makes it easier to grind in the food processor Pulse the chicken cubes in the food processor until the texture is smooth, fine and paste-like.
2. Add Egg, Spices and Mix
In a large bowl, add 1 beaten egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and any other spices you want. Add the ground chicken and mix well until fully combined.
3. Shape the Nuggets
Use your hands to grab portions of the chicken mixture and shape into nuggets, rounds or any other shape you desire. The nuggets should be about 1-2 inches wide or in diameter. Place the shaped nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Coat Nuggets in Flour
Put about 1 cup of all-purpose flour into a bowl. Coat each nugget in the flour, shaking off any excess. Return to the lined baking sheet after coating in flour.
5. Make the Breadcrumb Coating
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Add 1 beaten egg and 2 tablespoons milk or water and mix into a thick, wet batter.
6. Coat Nuggets in Batter and Breadcrumbs
One by one, dip the floured nuggets into the breadcrumb batter, letting any excess drip off. Then place the battered nuggets into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. Return to the baking sheet and repeat for each nugget.
7. Chill Nuggets
Place the assembled nuggets in the fridge or freezer for 1-2 hours until completely chilled and set. This helps keep the coating intact while frying.
8. Deep Fry the Nuggets
Heat 2-3 inches of canola oil to 350°F in a heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Fry the nuggets in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel lined plate.
9. Enjoy Your McNuggets!
Eat the crunchy, juicy homemade McNuggets right away while still warm. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
Tips for Crispy, Juicy Nuggets
- Make sure the oil is at the right 350°F temperature before frying. This ensures the coating gets crispy without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Fry just a few nuggets at a time so they cook evenly.
- Let the nuggets rest for 1-2 minutes after frying to allow the coating to set.
- Double fry the nuggets for extra crispy coating. Fry once at 325°F then again at 350°F.
Recreate the magic of Chicken McNuggets at home with this easy recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy the crispy, juicy deliciousness of McNuggets anytime. Dip them in your favorite sauces and take a bite of nostalgic fast food heaven!
Tips for Making McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
How Are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Made?One of the world’s greatest mysteries: just what exactly is in a Chicken McNugget? Despite what you may have heard, they are not made with pink goo or slime—and that’s just one of the
Yield: 20-24 chicken nuggets
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 cup water
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Dip your hands in water and then grab a little less than 1 ounce of the chicken mixture. Gently shape into a flattened nugget shape of your choice, then set aside onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Repeat until all of the chicken mixture has been shaped into nuggets.
When all the chicken nuggets are coated in batter, transfer the sheet pan to the freezer and let the nuggets chill for 1 to 2 hours until the batter is set.
While you wait, read about the first McDonalds menu ever.
McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets #chicken #nuggets #easyrecipe
FAQ
How are chicken nuggets made step by step?
How to make Chicken Nuggets Place the chicken in the food processor and blend until the chicken is minced. Next, add the spices, cornstarch, and water. Process until combined. Dredge each nugget in the flour to cover, then into the egg, and finally, coat it in bread crumbs.
Are McNuggets fried or baked?
Once in our restaurants, they’re fully fried and served hot to you with a delicious taste that is full of flavor.
How do you make your own chicken nuggets?
Coat each chicken strip first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing firmly and turning to coat on both sides. Set aside on baking paper. If oven-cooking the chicken, brush a baking tray with 1 tablespoon of oil. Place the chicken pieces on the tray and brush generously but lightly with 3 tablespoons more oil.
How much chicken do you need to make Chicken McNuggets?
To make this copycat Chicken McNuggets recipe, you’ll need chicken — 20 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breast (add it to the ever-growing list of popular chicken breast recipes) which should be cut into small pieces. Other than the chicken, the rest of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples you probably already have at home.
How do you make homemade McNuggets?
Unsalted Butter: Just one tablespoon of melted butter ensures the interior of your homemade mcdonald’s chicken nuggets are tender and rich. Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs for dredging the nuggets. All Purpose Flour: A cup of all purpose flour (along with the eggs) forms the breading for your mcnuggets.
How do you make Chicken McNuggets?
You’ll need an egg, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, water, and 4 cups of vegetable oil. You’ll also need a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. You read that right — put the chicken in a blender. How else do you think McNuggets get that smooth, creamy texture?
How do you make McDonald’s chicken nuggets taste good?
Spices and Seasonings: A combination of kosher salt, dry parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper all provide robust flavors. Unsalted Butter: Just one tablespoon of melted butter ensures the interior of your homemade mcdonald’s chicken nuggets are tender and rich. Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs for dredging the nuggets.
What is a McDonald’s Chicken McNugget?
Soft and tender on the inside with an unbeatable golden-brown, crispy exterior, this homemade McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets recipe features white meat chicken breast blended with flavorful spices and seasonings – and NO filler or preservative in sight.
How do you make chicken nuggets?
Lauren Habermehl for taste of home Dip your hands in water and then grab a little less than 1 ounce of the chicken mixture. Gently shape into a flattened nugget shape of your choice, then set aside onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Repeat until all of the chicken mixture has been shaped into nuggets.