McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about biting into a perfectly crispy piece of fried chicken, and one of my all-time favorites is the classic McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat. Growing up, these little morsels were a treat that always brought a smile to my face. Whether it was a quick meal on a busy weeknight or a special indulgence during road trips, I adored the way they were both crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. But there came a moment when I craved that familiar taste and texture, and I decided it was time to recreate these nuggets in my own kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little love, I found myself on the journey of making my very own version of these beloved nuggets.

What’s In This McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat

Making McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat at home is not only fun but also allows you to choose high-quality ingredients. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect crispy texture and rich flavor. The key players are, of course, fresh chicken, which is the star of the show. Coupled with aromatic spices, a coating of flour, and a light egg wash, these nuggets come together beautifully. Let’s dive into what you will need!

• 3-4 chicken breast fillets: Skinless and boneless, these are the main ingredient that provides the tender meat base for our nuggets.
• 1 egg: This acts as a binding agent, helping the coating stick to the chicken.
• 1 cup water: Used to mix with the egg for a smoother coating.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the primary ingredient for the breading that gives the nuggets their crispy texture.
• 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a savory flavor that elevates the taste of the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard: Provides a subtle tang that complements the other flavors.
• 1/4 tablespoon ground black pepper: A touch of heat that enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a fragrant touch that is simply irresistible.
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• Vegetable oil: For frying, giving that golden-brown finish to the nuggets.

The Process for Making McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat

The process of creating your very own McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat is quite simple and rewarding. Each step builds upon the last, leading to those crispy, delicious bites you know and love. Let’s get started on this journey to nugget perfection!

1. Begin by preparing your workspace. Place the chicken fillets on a wooden board and cover them with plastic wrap. This step is crucial as it helps tenderize the meat. Use a rolling pin to pound the fillets until they are about 1/4 inch thick. You’ll want them to be even for consistent cooking.
2. Once pounded, cut the chicken into smaller, nugget-sized pieces. This is where you can decide the size of your nuggets, so feel free to make them larger or smaller based on your preference.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the water. This mixture will serve as your egg wash, binding the coating to the chicken.
4. Now, take a large Ziploc bag and add the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, and garlic powder. Shake the bag to combine all the dry ingredients. This ensures an even distribution of flavor.
5. Add a few nuggets at a time into the bag with the flour mixture, and shake it to coat them evenly. Make sure each piece is well covered; this is key to achieving that crispy exterior.
6. After coating, remove the nuggets from the bag and place them on a plate. Repeat this step until all the chicken pieces are coated. It’s a bit of a process, but the results will be worth it!
7. Next, dip each nugget into the egg mixture one at a time, allowing any excess to drip off. This step is essential to ensure that the breading sticks well.
8. Now, return the coated nuggets to the Ziploc bag and give them a final shake. This will double coat them for an extra crunchy texture. Do not discard the remaining flour mixture; you’ll need it!
9. Once all nuggets are coated, chill them in the fridge for about one hour. This resting period helps the coating adhere better during frying, ensuring they turn out crispy.
10. After chilling, give the nuggets another coating in the flour mixture to add an extra crunch and flavor.
11. In a deep skillet, saucepan, or fryer, add enough vegetable oil to cover the nuggets. Preheat the oil to 370°F, ensuring it’s hot enough for frying.
12. Carefully fry the nuggets in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for approximately 10 minutes, turning once or twice until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they float and are crispy on the outside.
13. Once cooked, arrange the fried nuggets on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving plate.
14. Serve your delicious homemade nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce for an experience that’s sure to impress!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you’re looking to personalize your McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat, here are some great ideas to consider:

• Storage: Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet before transferring to a Ziploc bag for up to three months. Fry from frozen for a quick snack!
• Pairing: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy ketchup to cater to different taste preferences.
• Baking Option: For a healthier twist, bake the nuggets instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Flavor Fusion: Try adding your favorite seasonings to the flour mixture, like chili powder or Italian herbs, to give the nuggets a unique taste.

Serving Ideas for McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat

When it comes to serving your delicious McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat, the possibilities are truly endless. Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your meal:

• Family Dinner: Serve these nuggets alongside crispy French fries or a fresh salad for a hearty family meal that everyone will love.
• Game Day Snacks: Perfect for gatherings, place them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for a fun and interactive appetizer that will keep everyone satisfied!
• Kids’ Parties: These nuggets are always a hit at children’s parties. Set up a DIY nugget station with different sauces and toppings to let the kids customize their meals.
• Lunch Options: Serve leftover nuggets on a bed of greens for a delicious and satisfying lunch that packs well for work or school.
• Seasonal Pairings: Incorporate seasonal ingredients by serving with fresh corn on the cob or roasted vegetables during summer.
• Easy Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time, freeze, and simply heat them up for quick weekday dinners or snacks.

FAQ

Conclusion

The McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat recipe brings the iconic taste of fast food right into your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy crispy, juicy nuggets without the guilt of preservatives. With the perfect blend of spices and a simple preparation method, these nuggets are sure to become a family favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe tonight and experience the satisfaction of homemade comfort food that everyone will love.

McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat

The ultimate comfort food, these homemade McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Copycat are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to whip up and customizable to your taste. Enjoy them fresh from the fryer or meal prep for quick snacks throughout the week!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizers, Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan

Ingredients

  

• 3-4 fillets chicken breast skinless and boneless
• 1 egg
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt or to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

 

• Begin by preparing your workspace. Place the chicken fillets on a wooden board and cover them with plastic wrap. This step is crucial as it helps tenderize the meat. Use a rolling pin to pound the fillets until they are about 1/4 inch thick. You'll want them to be even for consistent cooking.
• Once pounded, cut the chicken into smaller, nugget-sized pieces. This is where you can decide the size of your nuggets, so feel free to make them larger or smaller based on your preference.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the water. This mixture will serve as your egg wash, binding the coating to the chicken.
• Now, take a large Ziploc bag and add the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, and garlic powder. Shake the bag to combine all the dry ingredients. This ensures an even distribution of flavor.
• Add a few nuggets at a time into the bag with the flour mixture, and shake it to coat them evenly. Make sure each piece is well covered; this is key to achieving that crispy exterior.
• After coating, remove the nuggets from the bag and place them on a plate. Repeat this step until all the chicken pieces are coated. It’s a bit of a process, but the results will be worth it!
• Next, dip each nugget into the egg mixture one at a time, allowing any excess to drip off. This step is essential to ensure that the breading sticks well.
• Now, return the coated nuggets to the Ziploc bag and give them a final shake. This will double coat them for an extra crunchy texture. Do not discard the remaining flour mixture; you’ll need it!
• Once all nuggets are coated, chill them in the fridge for about one hour. This resting period helps the coating adhere better during frying, ensuring they turn out crispy.
• After chilling, give the nuggets another coating in the flour mixture to add an extra crunch and flavor.
• In a deep skillet, saucepan, or fryer, add enough vegetable oil to cover the nuggets. Preheat the oil to 370°F, ensuring it’s hot enough for frying.
• Carefully fry the nuggets in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for approximately 10 minutes, turning once or twice until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they float and are crispy on the outside.
• Once cooked, arrange the fried nuggets on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving plate.
• Serve your delicious homemade nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce for an experience that’s sure to impress!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 2: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a baking sheet before transferring to a Ziploc bag for up to three months. Fry from frozen for a quick snack!
• Tip 3: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy ketchup to cater to different taste preferences.
• Tip 4: For a healthier twist, bake the nuggets instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Tip 5: Try adding your favorite seasonings to the flour mixture, like chili powder or Italian herbs, to give the nuggets a unique taste.

Keyword chicken nuggets recipe, copycat McDonald's nuggets, crispy fried chicken nuggets, Homemade Chicken Nuggets

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.