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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.

Bella Lopez
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

Copycat Mcdonald's Chicken Nuggets
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

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Mix until well combined.
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
  9. Enjoy!
  10. Love this recipe? Download the Tasty app to save it and discover others like it.

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Copycat Mcdonald's Chicken Nuggets