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!
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.