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Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets

Crispy, golden, and tender! These homemade nuggets taste even better than McDonald’s chicken nuggets!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Freezer Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken and seasonings:
  • 1.5 pounds minced chicken or a mix of chicken breast and chicken thighs
  • 1 egg
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 2.5 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2.5 tsp. onion powder
  • 2.5 tsp. paprika
  • 1.5 tsp. black pepper
  • Dry Batter:
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • Wet Batter:
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups club soda
  • 1 egg
  • 2.5 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2.5 tsp. onion powder
  • 2.5 tsp. paprika
  • 2 tsp. salt

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor mix together the chicken and all of the seasonings.
  • When everything is fully incorporated shape into nuggets. This is a very sticky mixture. To make the shaping easier, dip your hands in water before shaping. Once the chicken is formed into nuggets, dip them into the cornstarch. Pat the nuggets in between your hands to get the excess cornstarch off.
  • Freeze the chicken nuggets for 30 minutes to an hour so that they hold their shape and don’t fall apart in the wet batter.
  • In a large bowl, combine all the wet batter ingredients together and whisk until everything is fully incorporated.
  • Dip each nugget into the wet batter so that it is fully coated. Fry until fully cooked and golden brown. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. If you buy minced chicken, you don’t need to use the food processor.
  2. If you don’t have minced chicken, just put a mixture of boneless chicken breast and thighs into the food processor.
  3. If you don’t have club soda, you can use cold water. It won’t turn out as crispy though. 
  4. I also tested this recipe in the air fryer. It wasn’t as good as fried, but still great if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. I air fried it at 420 degrees Fahrenheit for 13-16 minutes.