Copycat Mcdonald's Chicken Nuggets
There’s no need to drive over to McDonald’s for a late night snack–just make your favorite chicken nuggets at home with this copycat recipe.
Tasty Team
August 14, 2023
78% would make again
Total Time
56 minutes
56 min
Prep Time
50 minutes
50 min
Cook Time
6 minutes
6 min

Total Time
56 minutes
56 min
Prep Time
50 minutes
50 min
Cook Time
6 minutes
6 min
Ingredients
for 4 Servings
- 1 lb ground chicken (425 g)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- vegetable oil, for frying
Batter
- 1 cup all purpose flour (125 g)
- ¼ cup cornstarch (30 g), plus 1 tablespoon
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 1 large egg
- 1 ⅓ cups soda water (320 mL)
- Dipping sauce of choice, for serving
Preparation
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Mix until well combined.
- Scoop the chicken mixture into 1-inch balls and flatten into nugget shapes. Place on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Fill a medium pot a little more than halfway with vegetable oil and heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (180°C).
- Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Whisk in the egg, then add the soda water a little at a time so it doesn't overflow. The batter should have a slightly loose consistency, similar to crepe batter.
- Remove the chicken from the freezer. Working in batches of 4–5 at a time, dip each chicken nugget in the batter twice, then transfer to the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes, or until tan in color. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Return the nuggets to the oil in batches and fry again for 2 minutes more, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a clean paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Enjoy!
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