McDonalds Chicken Nuggets are a popular and tasty snack or meal option, known for their crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside. Made from 100% white meat chicken, the nuggets are coated in a light, crunchy batter that delivers a satisfying crunch with each bite. They are perfectly seasoned, offering a savory flavor that pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour, barbecue, or tangy mustard.
The combination of the crispy coating and the tender chicken makes McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets a favorite choice for those looking for a quick, comforting snack or meal. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal, they offer a satisfying and delicious option that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Mcdonalds Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Here’s a detailed recipe for recreating McDonalds Chicken Nuggets at home, capturing the crispy, tender texture and savory flavor of the iconic fast food treat.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (to make the nuggets crispy)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water (or chicken broth for more flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (helps with crispiness)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Sweet and Sour Sauce or BBQ Sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken:
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. For more authentic McDonald’s-style nuggets, aim for small, uniform pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
- Pulse in Food Processor (Optional):
- If you want to achieve a finer, smoother texture like McDonald’s chicken nuggets, you can pulse the chicken pieces in a food processor for a few seconds. This will give you a ground chicken texture, making it closer to the processed nuggets at McDonald’s. Alternatively, you can leave the pieces as is for a more traditional nugget texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Create the Dry Mixture:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder. Mix well.
- In another shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs and cornstarch, stirring them together to form the second layer of coating.
- Make the Wet Batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and water (or chicken broth) together. The batter should have a thin, runny consistency.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Nuggets
- Dip in Flour Mixture:
- Dredge each piece of chicken first in the dry flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip in Wet Batter:
- After the chicken is coated with flour, dip it into the egg batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs:
- Finally, roll the battered chicken pieces in the breadcrumb and cornstarch mixture, ensuring each nugget is fully coated. The breadcrumbs will give the nuggets their crispy texture when fried.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Nuggets
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. The oil temperature should reach around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Fry the Nuggets:
- Once the oil is hot, carefully lower the chicken nuggets into the oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the nuggets in batches if necessary.
- Cook the nuggets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Drain the Nuggets:
- Remove the cooked nuggets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve the homemade chicken nuggets hot with dipping sauces such as sweet and sour sauce, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
Tips for Success:
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko gives a much crispier coating.
- Don’t overmix the batter. The texture of the nuggets comes from the layering of the coatings, so it’s important not to make the batter too thick or overly smooth.
- Fry at the right temperature. Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) before frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken cooks through. If it’s too cool, the nuggets will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier nuggets—if you prefer a more tender and flavorful nugget, chicken thighs work well. However, chicken breasts will also work for a leaner option.
- Freezing Option: You can make a batch of these chicken nuggets ahead of time and freeze them. Simply place the coated, uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag. To cook, just fry them straight from frozen, increasing the cooking time slightly.
This recipe makes a delicious, crispy, homemade version of McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets. Enjoy them fresh and hot for a satisfying snack or meal!
Chicken Nuggets Calories Mcdonald’s
| Item | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken McNuggets (4-piece) | 1 serving (4 pieces) | 190 kcal |
| Chicken McNuggets (6-piece) | 1 serving (6 pieces) | 280 kcal |
| Chicken McNuggets (10-piece) | 1 serving (10 pieces) | 470 kcal |
| Chicken McNuggets (20-piece) | 1 serving (20 pieces) | 940 kcal |
Mcdonald’s Chicken Nuggets Nutrition
McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets are a popular menu item known for their crispy coating and tender chicken inside. Here’s a breakdown of their nutrition:
McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Nutrition (per serving)
- 4-piece serving:
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g (18% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g (8% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 35mg (12% DV)
- Sodium: 360mg (15% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g (5% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
- Calcium: 20mg (2% DV)
- Iron: 0.6mg (4% DV)
- 6-piece serving:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g (28% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g (13% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg (17% DV)
- Sodium: 540mg (23% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g (8% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1.5g (6% DV)
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
- Calcium: 30mg (2% DV)
- Iron: 0.9mg (5% DV)
- 10-piece serving:
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g (46% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 4g (20% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg (28% DV)
- Sodium: 900mg (38% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g (13% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
- Calcium: 50mg (4% DV)
- Iron: 1.5mg (8% DV)
Nutritional Insights:
- Calories: McDonalds Chicken Nuggets are relatively moderate in calories, but the calorie count increases with larger servings.
- Fat: These nuggets contain a fair amount of total fat, with the majority being from vegetable oil used in frying.
- Sodium: The sodium content is high, especially in larger servings, which is common for fried fast-food items.
- Carbohydrates and Fiber: The nuggets have a moderate amount of carbohydrates, but they contain some fiber as well, helping with digestion.
- Protein: Chicken Nuggets provide a decent amount of protein, making them a good source of this macronutrient.
The McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets can be a tasty and satisfying snack or meal, they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their higher sodium and fat content. Pairing them with a healthier side, like a salad or fruit, can help balance the meal.
Q. What are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets made of?
A: McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets are made from a blend of white meat chicken, including chicken breast and chicken tender meat. The chicken is ground into a paste and seasoned with ingredients like salt, pepper, and spices. The nuggets are then battered and breaded with a mixture of flour, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients to achieve their crispy texture.
Q. How are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets made?
A: McDonalds Chicken Nuggets are made by grinding chicken breast and tender meat into a fine paste. This paste is then mixed with seasonings and shaped into bite-sized pieces. The nuggets are dipped in a batter, followed by a coating of breadcrumbs and cornstarch. Afterward, the nuggets are deep-fried until golden brown and crispy, ready to be served with various dipping sauces.
Q. How much is a 20-piece Chicken Nugget at McDonald’s?
A: The price for a 20-piece Chicken Nugget at McDonalds can vary depending on the location, but on average, it costs around $5.00 – $6.00 USD in the United States.
Q. How much are Chicken Nuggets at McDonald’s?
A: The price of Chicken Nuggets at McDonald’s varies depending on the serving size. On average:
- 4-piece: Around $2.00 – $2.50 USD
- 6-piece: Around $3.00 – $3.50 USD
- 10-piece: Around $4.00 – $4.50 USD