why make this recipe
Making McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets at home is fun and rewarding. You can enjoy delicious, crispy, and flavorful nuggets without having to go to the drive-thru. Plus, you know exactly what goes into them, making it a healthier option for you and your family.
how to make McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
- Mix the egg yolk, ground chicken, and salt together in a large bowl. You can also blend it together for a smoother mix.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the chicken mixture into small nuggets, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Coat each nugget with cornstarch and set them back on the baking sheet. Do this until all nuggets are coated.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and egg to make a thick batter.
- Use a fork to dip each nugget into the batter, shaking off any extra. Put the nuggets back on the lined baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours to firm up.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F.
- Carefully add the chicken nuggets to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 4-5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to take the chicken nuggets out of the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve with your favorite sauce.
how to serve McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
Serve your homemade chicken nuggets hot with dipping sauces like barbecue, sweet and sour, or honey mustard. They make a great snack, appetizer, or meal. Pair them with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
how to store McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
If you have leftover chicken nuggets, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
tips to make McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
- For extra crunch, double-dip your nuggets by dipping them in the flour mixture, then back in the egg, and again in the flour.
- Use fresh ground chicken for best flavor, or you can grind your own chicken breast.
- Don’t rush the freezing step. Freezing helps the batter stick better during frying.
variation
You can add your favorite spices to the chicken mixture for different flavors. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a twist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can chop or grind chicken breast into small pieces to make your nuggets.
How do I know when my nuggets are done?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for fully cooked nuggets.
Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
Enjoy delicious, crispy chicken nuggets at home with this easy recipe, perfect for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the egg yolk, ground chicken, and salt together in a large bowl.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the chicken mixture into small nuggets, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Coat each nugget with cornstarch and set them back on the baking sheet.
- Whisk together the flour, water, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and egg to make a thick batter.
- Dip each nugget into the batter, shaking off any extra, and put them back on the lined baking sheet.
- Freeze them for 1-2 hours to firm up.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F.
- Fry the chicken nuggets in batches for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to take the nuggets out of the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For extra crunch, double-dip your nuggets. Use fresh ground chicken for the best flavor.

