Homemade McDonald's Chicken Nuggets - Copycat Recipe
Have you ever found yourself craving those deliciously crispy and juicy McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets, but don’t feel like leaving the house? Well, I’ve got some great news for you! With this copycat recipe, you can make your very own Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets right in the comfort of your own kitchen. And let me tell you, they taste just as good (if not better) than the real thing!
Equipment
- 1 food processor (or blender)
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 deep fryer (or large skillet or pot)
- 6 paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1½ tsp salt (divided)
- ½ tsp black pepper (ground)
- 2 pcs large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder
- 1 cup water
- 4-6 cup vegetable oil (for frying, choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken: Cut the chicken meat into small pieces. That is the best way to make sure they grind well.
- Grind the chicken: In a food processor, give the chicken a whirl until it's smooth and ready for nugget stardom.
- Add egg and season: Toss in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, then blend for a well-mixed concoction.
- Shape the nuggets: With wet hands, grab some ground chicken mixture and craft your nuggets. No need for perfection, they'll still taste amazing!
- Freeze: Pop the nuggets on a baking sheet and let them chill in the freezer for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for keeping their shape!
- Prepare the batter: Combine cornstarch, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard powder, remaining salt and pepper, eggs, and water in a mixing bowl. The flavorful fusion begins!
- Heat oil: Warm up your vegetable or canola oil to 375 °F in a pot or deep fryer. A thermometer will ensure the right temperature.
- Coat and fry: Dip the frozen nuggets in the batter, coat them well, then gently place them in the hot oil. Fry until they reach a beautiful golden brown! If you want to be exact, make sure the inside of the nuggets reaches at least 165 °F °F.
- Serve: Scoop out the nuggets with a slotted spoon. Place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, and serve them piping hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your homemade nugget feast!
Notes
- Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't skip the freezing step to help the nuggets hold their shape.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the right oil temperature.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Make them gluten-free by replacing the flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Air frying is possible; preheat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Vegetarian nuggets can be made with mashed chickpeas, tofu, or veggie ground.
- Add heat with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Nuggets can be prepared in advance and frozen.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your nuggets with a selection of dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing, or try making your own Popeyes Sweet Heat Sauce or Sonic Crave Sauce. Pair with fries, salad, or a side of veggies for a complete meal.Storing and Reheating:
- Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!