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Homemade Chicken McNuggets Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

This homemade version of McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets offers a crispy, flavorful treat made with ground chicken, seasoned batter, and a double-frying technique to achieve the perfect golden crunch. Ideal for replicating the classic fast-food favorite in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Chicken Mixture

  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Breading & Batter

  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 egg

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying, about 4 cups)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a food processor or mixer, blend the ground chicken, 1 egg, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and paste-like, ensuring an even texture for the nuggets.
  2. Shape the Nuggets: Using a tablespoon, form the chicken mixture into small nugget-sized portions, placing them on a clean plate or tray.
  3. Coat with Cornstarch: Dredge each nugget evenly in cornstarch, fully coating them to create a dry base layer. Set aside the coated nuggets.
  4. Make the Batter: In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, 1 egg, and water. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms without lumps.
  5. Batter the Nuggets: Using a fork, dip each cornstarch-coated nugget into the batter, letting excess batter drip off. It’s easiest to batter about five nuggets at a time.
  6. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat to 350°F (175°C), preparing for frying the nuggets.
  7. First Fry: Fry the battered nuggets in batches of five for approximately 3 minutes or until they float to the surface, indicating they’re cooked through.
  8. Drain the Nuggets: Remove the nuggets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate for about 1 minute to absorb excess oil.
  9. Repeat Frying: Continue frying all nuggets until done, following the same first fry procedure for each batch.
  10. Double Fry for Crispiness: Return all nuggets to the hot oil and fry for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a double-fried crispy exterior.
  11. Cool and Serve: Remove the nuggets from oil, let them cool slightly to eat safely, and enjoy your homemade Chicken McNuggets.

Notes

  • Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for even frying.
  • Double frying is key to getting the quintessential crispy texture like the restaurant version.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option if preferred.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or sweet and sour sauce.
  • Ensure nuggets are cooked through by frying until they float and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/homemade-chicken-mcnuggets-recipe/