Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe
This Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets recipe replicates the iconic fast-food favorite with a crispy, golden exterior and juicy, tender chicken inside. Made from ground chicken seasoned and coated in a flavorful breading, these homemade nuggets are perfect for frying to achieve the classic crunchy texture that everyone loves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 20-24 nuggets)
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 2 eggs, divided
Breading and Batter
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup water
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 egg. Mix well until thoroughly combined to create a uniform chicken mixture.
- Form the Nuggets: Shape the chicken mixture into small, bite-sized nugget shapes, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place them on a plate or tray ready for coating.
- Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk remaining 1 egg with 1 cup of water to create a thin egg wash. Then in another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to create the dry mixture.
- Coat the Nuggets: Dip each chicken nugget first into the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Ensure each nugget is evenly coated to achieve a crispy crust when fried.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to reach about 2 inches depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), suitable for deep frying.
- Fry the Nuggets: Carefully place the coated chicken nuggets into the hot oil without crowding. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Remove the nuggets from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F to avoid greasy nuggets.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain the oil temperature and crispiness.
- You can bake the nuggets at 400°F for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative, flipping halfway through.
- Use ground chicken with a bit of fat for juicier nuggets; extra lean can result in dryness.
- Leftover nuggets can be reheated in an air fryer to retain crispiness.
