Copy Cat McDonald's Chicken Nuggets

If you’re a fan of fast food, you know that McDonald’s chicken nuggets are a classic. But did you know that you can make them at home? With this Copy Cat McDonald’s Nuggets recipe, you can enjoy the taste of fast food in the comfort of your own home.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fast food but wants to avoid the drive-thru. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can make these delicious nuggets at home. Plus, they’re perfect for a family dinner or game day snack.

Kitchen Equipment Needed for Nuggets:

Food Processor (if you don’t have one, buy ground chicken)
Deep Fryer or Dutch Oven
Paper towels
Parchment lined baking sheet

Ingredients for McDonalds Nuggets:

Chicken:

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon Knorr chicken bouillon powder
1/4 teaspoon plus a pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 chicken breasts, freshly ground
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Breading:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

Batter:

1 large egg yolk
3/4 cup ice-cold water
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions for McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets:

Cut chicken breasts into chunks and add to a food processor. Mix until the chicken is pureed.
Add ground chicken to a bowl, then add water, oil, flour, bouillon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Begin forming nuggets in any shape and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be careful not to make the nuggets too thick (about 1/4 inch thick is good).
Freeze for 60 minutes or until hardened.
Begin heating the oil for the chicken once it’s been in the freezer for 55 minutes.
Whisk together the breading ingredients in one bowl and the batter in a second bowl.
Dip each frozen nugget into the seasoned flour mixture and set back on the parchment paper. Once each is coated, dip them into the batter or brush on the batter.
Once the oil has reached 350°F (test it by placing the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil, once it sizzles, it’s ready), drop in the nuggets and let them get slightly browned.
Remove from oil and fry them all off.
Add the nuggets back to the oil (a few batches at a time) for the second frying.
Serve with your favorite sauces and sides and enjoy.

To freeze and cook later: Only do the first dry. Let cool then freeze. When you’re ready to serve them, heat your. oil to 350°F and deep fry them for 4-5 min until golden brown.

Chef’s Notes for Chicken Nuggets:

If you don’t have a food processor, you can buy ground chicken from the store.
You can shape the nuggets in any shape you like, but try to make them similar in size for even cooking.
Double-frying the nuggets makes them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Be careful not to overcook the nuggets as they can
become dry.
You can store any leftover nuggets in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
For a healthier option, you can bake the nuggets in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.

FAQ for Chicken Nuggets:

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? A: Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of chicken. However, the taste and texture may be slightly different.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil for frying? A: Yes, you can use any vegetable oil for frying.

Q: Can I use a different type of flour for the batter? A: Yes, you can use any type of flour for the batter. However, all-purpose flour works best for this recipe.

Q: Can I freeze the nuggets before cooking them? A: Yes, you can freeze the nuggets before cooking them. Just be sure to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.

Recipe Swaps and Variations:

For a spicy twist, add some cayenne pepper to the breading mixture.

For a cheesy option, mix in some shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture before forming the nuggets.

For a healthier option, you can bake the nuggets in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.

You can also make a vegetarian version of these nuggets by substituting the ground chicken with crumbled tofu and using vegetable bouillon powder instead of chicken bouillon powder.

Pairings:

These Copy Cat McDonald’s Nuggets are perfect as a snack or as a main dish. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or BBQ sauce, and serve with some crispy fries or a fresh salad.

Final Thoughts

Making fast food at home is not only healthier but also a fun and delicious way to enjoy your favorite treats. With this Copy Cat McDonald’s Nuggets recipe, you can have the taste of fast food in the comfort of your own home. So, give it a try and share the recipe with your friends and family! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more tasty recipes and kitchen tips.