Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
These Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets are crispy, golden, and tender on the inside, with finely blended chicken and a light, seasoned coating. They’re a fun homemade version of the classic fast-food favorite and are perfect for family meals, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner.
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Servings: 20 nuggets
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or tray
- Deep skillet or heavy pot
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1½ teaspoons salt divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper divided
- 2 eggs divided
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Add the ground chicken, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture comes together and becomes smooth.
- Shape the chicken mixture into 20 nuggets. Lightly coat each nugget with cornstarch and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, remaining salt and pepper, remaining egg, and water until smooth.
- Dip each nugget into the batter, coating completely, and place on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 2 hours.
- Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or pot. Fry the nuggets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the nuggets to a paper towel-lined tray to drain. Repeat with the remaining nuggets.
- Serve with fries and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Wet your hands slightly when shaping the chicken mixture if it feels sticky.
- Freezing the battered nuggets helps the coating stay attached during frying.
- The uncooked, shaped nuggets can be frozen for longer storage.