Description
This Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets recipe delivers crispy, golden, and juicy chicken nuggets made from ground chicken, coated in a flavorful seasoned batter, and double-fried for that perfect crunch. Ideal for a fun homemade snack or meal that closely mimics the fast-food favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Coating and Batter
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ tablespoon (2¼ teaspoons) onion powder
- ¾ tablespoon (2¼ teaspoons) garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon (1½ teaspoons) paprika
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup water
Oil for frying
- Vegetable oil or other neutral frying oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized nuggets. Coat each nugget thoroughly with ½ cup cornstarch and set aside to prepare for the batter.
- Make the batter: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup flour, ¾ tablespoon onion powder, ¾ tablespoon garlic powder, ½ tablespoon paprika, ¾ teaspoon black pepper, and ¾ cup water. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Batter the nuggets: Using a fork, dip each cornstarch-coated nugget into the seasoned batter. Let any excess batter drip off before frying to avoid clumps.
- First fry: Heat oil in a saucepan or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the battered nuggets into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes until they float to the surface and begin to turn a light golden color. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Second fry for crispiness: Return the partially cooked nuggets to the hot oil for a second frying session, about 2 minutes. This step crisps up the coating, resulting in a golden brown, crunchy exterior. Remove and drain again on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Double frying is key to achieving the characteristic crispy texture of McDonald’s nuggets.
- Ensure the oil is maintained at 350°F for even cooking; use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Ground chicken can be substituted with ground turkey if preferred.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
- Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in an air fryer or oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
