Chicken McNuggets Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Chicken McNuggets Recipe for Snack Lovers

Crispy, golden chicken mcnuggets spark memories of childhood comfort and quick delights.

McDonald’s inspired treats bring restaurant magic straight to your kitchen.

Perfectly seasoned bites promise crunchy satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Homemade versions often taste more authentic and fresh compared to drive-through options.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible for novice cooks.

Marinating chicken ensures maximum flavor absorption and tender texture.

Ingredients For Chicken McNuggets At Home

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breasts that will be transformed into delicious homemade nuggets.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating a crispy and flavorful exterior for the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and complexity to the flour coating.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Milk: These ingredients help the flour coating stick to the chicken and create a golden, crispy crust.
  • Vegetable Oil: The medium for frying that ensures the nuggets become perfectly golden and crisp.

Steps To Make Chicken McNuggets At Home

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Chunks

Grab your chicken breasts and slice them into bite-sized pieces that are roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the nuggets.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Flour Mixture

Gather your dry ingredients in a wide, shallow bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until they are completely combined and create a smooth, light mixture.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Pieces

Dunk each chicken chunk first into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then roll the piece in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it’s completely covered with a thin, even layer of coating.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, bringing it to medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to create a sizzle when a piece of chicken touches it.

Step 6: Fry Nuggets

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Cook in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach a crispy exterior, typically 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer the cooked nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any extra oil and keeps the nuggets crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your homemade nuggets and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful result of your cooking adventure!

Helpful Tips For Chicken McNuggets At Home

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure a tender, juicy texture in your homemade nuggets.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F for perfectly crispy, golden-brown coating without burning.
  • Let nuggets rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them crisp and preventing sogginess.
  • Experiment with different spice blends in the flour mixture to create unique flavor profiles and personalize your nuggets.
  • Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crunchiness, avoiding microwave which can make them soggy.

Fun Takes On Chicken McNuggets At Home

  • Crispy Air Fryer Nuggets: Replace deep-frying with air frying for a healthier version, using minimal oil while maintaining the same golden crunch and flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwestern Nuggets: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the flour mixture, creating a zesty chicken nugget with a kick of heat and southwestern flair.
  • Herb-Infused Parmesan Nuggets: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and grated parmesan cheese into the flour coating for an elevated, aromatic chicken nugget experience.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Crust Nuggets: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour and ground almonds for a protein-rich, gluten-free alternative that delivers a nutty, crispy texture.

Perfect Pairings For Chicken McNuggets At Home

  • Pair Perfectly with Sweet-Tangy Sauces: Combine homemade honey mustard or classic BBQ sauce for a zesty flavor explosion that complements the crispy chicken nuggets.
  • Dip and Drink Delight: Serve alongside a chilled craft beer or sparkling lemonade to balance the rich, golden-brown chicken with a refreshing beverage that cuts through the oil.
  • Crispy Companion Sides: Add crisp coleslaw or quick pickled vegetables to provide a crunchy texture contrast and bright acidity that enhances the nuggets' savory profile.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to introduce a light, green note that lifts the entire dish and adds a touch of gourmet elegance.

How To Store Chicken McNuggets At Home

  • Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Spread cooled nuggets on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F, place nuggets on a wire rack, and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
  • Warm nuggets at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crispy texture.

Chicken McNuggets At Home FAQs

  • Are these nuggets healthier than McDonald's nuggets?

Yes, homemade nuggets let you control ingredients, use fresh chicken, and reduce preservatives compared to fast-food versions.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Turkey or even lean pork work great with the same breading technique for similar crispy results.

  • How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

  • What makes the breading extra crispy?

Double-dipping in egg and flour mixture and maintaining the right oil temperature around 350°F helps create a crunchier exterior.

Why You’ll Love Chicken McNuggets At Home

  • Craft Restaurant-Style Bites: Recreate the beloved McDonald's Chicken McNuggets in your own kitchen, bringing that iconic fast-food experience home with a homemade twist.
  • Master Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare these crispy nuggets using basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture, allowing you to personalize the taste and create a unique nugget experience that suits your palate.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these nuggets offer a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy together, transforming mealtime into a fun and tasty gathering.
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Chicken McNuggets Recipe

Chicken McNuggets Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy homemade chicken McNuggets deliver golden restaurant-style comfort straight from your kitchen. Perfectly seasoned, breaded bites capture childhood nostalgia while offering a healthier, fresher alternative to fast food favorites.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dry Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Coating Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Transform chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized morsels using a sharp knife, ensuring consistent shape and size for even cooking.
  2. Create a seasoned coating blend by mixing flour with aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow container.
  3. Prepare a binding liquid mixture by whisking eggs and milk together in a separate bowl until thoroughly combined.
  4. Dredge each chicken chunk first through the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then generously coat with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
  5. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, reaching approximately 350°F, which creates an ideal frying environment.
  6. Carefully place breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, maintaining sufficient space between nuggets to prevent overcrowding and ensure crispy exterior.
  7. Fry nuggets for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating once, until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Transfer fried nuggets onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  9. Serve immediately alongside preferred dipping sauces, enjoying the homemade version of the classic fast-food favorite.

Notes

  • Customize the seasoning by adding different spices like cayenne for heat or dried herbs for extra flavor complexity.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking, preventing some nuggets from being over or undercooked.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption, guaranteeing perfectly cooked chicken every time.
  • For a crispier coating, double-dip the chicken in egg wash and flour mixture, creating a thicker, more golden exterior.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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