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Listen y’all. Before I became a mom I thought I knew how to be the perfect parent. I knew I would never let my kids eat fast food. In fact, I was sure they would only eat what we were eating. Well, I’m here to tell you — motherhood is humbling for a variety of reasons. But the one that was the hardest pill to swallow (no pun intended) is how picky kids can be about food. Remy is currently going through her worst picky phase ever. And the only thing she will eat is McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. I realize that these are not good for her (or anyone). So I created a SUPER MOM HACK — keep a chicken nugget box and create this Copycat McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets Recipe.
What you’ll need for this copycat recipe
This recipe is way easier than you’d think. It uses real chicken (hooray for knowing what’s in your nuggets!) and other whole-food ingredients! Here are the ingredients:
- ground chicken
- eggs
- kosher salt
- cornstarch
- water
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- paprika
- black pepper
- flour
That’s it! Real, whole ingredients so you can feel confident that you’re feeding your kids the best of the best.
How to make Copycat McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets
Copycat McDonald's Chicken McNuggets
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ground chicken
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 1 cup of water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of pepper
- 1 cup of flour
Instructions
INGREDIENTS -
STEP 1 -
In a food processor or Vitamix, blend the chicken, 1 egg and salt until chicken resembles a paste.
STEP 2 -
Form the chicken into tablespoon sized nuggets. Dredge the nuggets in cornstarch to fully coat. Set aside.
STEP 3 -
In a mixing bowl, mix the flour, seasonings, egg and water. Mix well until a smooth batter form.
STEP 4 -
Place a nugget on a fork to dip into the batter. Let excess batter drip off.
STEP 5 -
In a saucepan or deep skillet, bring oil to 350° and place battered nuggets into fry. Fry for 3 minutes until nuggets are floating and remove to a paper towel to let rest. Return nuggets to oil for 2 more minutes to double fry.
STEP 6 -
Allow nuggets to cool before eating.
STEP 7 -
ENJOY!
I suggest pairing these nuggets with a family fun night. Need a list of ideas for what to do? Check these out!
PIN FOR LATER
well, those look super easy! I bet a lot healthier as well. thanks
oh my gosh yum!!!!! I wanna try making this but gluten free, these look to die for. what would be a good egg sub ?
I have done it, the cornstarch is a little difficult to work with if you try to make it a liquid, just mix the seasonings and cornstarch dry, dip the chicken in beaten egg and place it in the cornstarch.
Ooo yes we need to try these because we LOVE the mcnuggets. We are at McDonald’s weekly, I won’t even lie 😉
McNuggets are the second best thing on their menu, after their fries. Our kiddos used to love these growing up. I’m sure they would love to reminisce with this recipe. Thanks!
Oh my gosh I bet my nephew would LOVE these.
They look pretty much like the real thing – my granddaughter loves those of Mc Donald
It’s a definitely cool recipe to make the nuggets at home!
These look delicious! My kids always want chicken nuggets so I’m going to try these!
Ooohhh. My son super loves nuggets. I need to copy this.
awesome recipe! I love nuggets when I was little but as an adult, I am not sure if I like lack of control over oil. I’d better make it at home
I would definitely love to learn how to make some chicken nuggets and that is looking quite delicious!
Oh my, what a delicious treat 😍 Thanks for sharing this recipe, I’ve gotta try it soon! Love McNuggets❤️
My daughter would definitely enjoy making these nuggets. I will share the recipe with her.
Easy and delicious! Also made patties for chic parm.
I actually came across this today and made them! They are absolutely delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
I made them many times! My husband requests them often! One of his favorite recipes! They are really good. I do add a couple of tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon Chicken flavor to the meat. Extra juicy! Great chicken McNuggets flavor! Thank you for this recipe!
Yummy I like this I want to make this now but I think I don’t have some ingredients that are shown in the ingredient book.
So I think you shall teach me how and also share me some ingredients cause I’m just a kid and I like nuggets so please 🥹.