McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Crispy Copycat)

This McDonald’s chicken nuggets recipe is the ultimate copycat! Crispy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside, and made with that signature smooth ground chicken texture just like the real thing.

If you’ve ever wondered how McDonald’s nuggets are made, this recipe shows you exactly how to recreate them at home using simple ingredients and the same shaping and coating method.

What are McDonald’s chicken nuggets made of?

McDonald’s chicken nuggets are made from ground chicken, seasoning, and a batter coating that creates their signature crispy exterior and soft, uniform interior texture.

Unlike traditional fast food nuggets made from chunks of chicken, McDonald’s uses a finely ground mixture to achieve their iconic shape and bite.

Why do McDonald’s chicken nuggets taste different?

McDonald’s chicken nuggets have a unique taste because they use finely ground chicken mixed with seasoning and a light batter coating that fries up crispy while keeping the inside soft.

The texture is smoother than regular nuggets, which is why recreating them requires using ground chicken instead of chopped pieces.

Ingredients for Copycat McDonald's Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Chicken: is blended together to create the perfect shaped chicken nugget. I recommend using ground chicken for the best texture. You can use chicken pieces and place them into a food processor if you're unable to find ground meat. 

Eggs: are needed for both creating and breading the chicken nuggets. You will need both yolk and whole eggs. 

Salt: gives your chicken and egg mixture a little bit of seasoning and helps bring out the flavors. 

Cornstarch: makes your McDonald's chicken nuggets a golden brown color and has the best crunchy coating. 

All-Purpose Flour: helps with sealing in moisture that your chicken will give off while cooking. This keeps your chicken nuggets juicy and not tough and dried out. 

Water: helps thin out your batter mixture. 

Black Pepper: adds a hint of spice and woodsy flavoring to your nuggets. 

Paprika: has a peppery yet sweet taste, which pairs well with the other few savory flavored ingredients. 

Garlic Powder: is pungent and savory, adding to the flavor of your chicken crust. 

Onion Powder: has a bit of a savory and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness. 

Vegetable Oil: is used to fry your chicken nuggets. I suggest vegetable oil, but you can also use a different oil, like canola oil. 

How Do I Make Homemade McDonald's Chicken Nuggets? 

1. Mix the egg yolk, ground chicken, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. You can also blend it together for a more emulsified feel. 
2. Line a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet and start shaping the chicken into small one-tablespoon-sized nuggets. Place them on the baking sheet and repeat the process until all the chicken is shaped.

3. Coat each chicken nugget piece with cornstarch and set aside on the baking sheet. Repeat the process until all the nugget shapes are coated with cornstarch.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, water, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and egg. This should make a thick and slightly runny batter. 
5. Using a fork, dip each piece of chicken mix in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the nuggets back on the lined baking tray and freeze for 1-2 hours to allow them to set.

6. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
7. Carefully add the chicken nuggets to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Check with a meat thermometer.

8. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to lift the chicken nuggets from the oil, then place them on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Serve with your favorite sauce.

How do you get the McDonald’s nugget texture?

To get the classic McDonald’s texture:

• Use ground chicken (not chunks)
• Mix until smooth or slightly emulsified
• Shape before breading
• Chill or freeze before frying

Chicken Nugget Copycat Recipe Variations

• Spice it up. Add in some cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes with your flour and spice mixture. 
• Make it sweet. If you like your nuggets a little bit sweeter, add in a dash of honey or brown sugar while you're creating your chicken mixture. 
• Change the meat. You can use this recipe with most ground meats; just be sure to always test the internal temperature before eating. For example, add in turkey instead of chicken for turkey nuggets. 

What to Serve Copycat McDonald's Chicken McNuggets With

You can serve these nuggets in so many different ways! 

• Dip them in your favorite dipping sauce like McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce, Copycat Raising Cane's Sauce, Wingstop Ranch Recipe, or honey mustard.
• Add them to a salad for a quick protein. 
• Serve them with different sides like mac and cheese, fries, apple slices, or some veggies!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Need To Chill The Chicken Nuggets Before Cooking Them?

The simple answer is that you want your chicken nuggets to remain solid and together when you place them into oil. If your batter is runny or at room temperature, there is a good chance your batter will not hang on to your chicken during the frying process.

Freezing your chicken nuggets before cooking is the best way to guarantee your coating will stay crispy while keeping your chicken nice and tender. 

How Do I Store The Leftovers?

I love to make my nuggets in big batches so that I can use them as meal prep for the week or freeze them and eat them later. 

Refrigerate: Refrigerate your leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to three or four days in the fridge. 

Freeze: Freeze any leftovers in a freezer bag or airtight container. The key to freezing these nuggets is to freeze them in single servings or small batches so they're easier to thaw and push the air out of the bag so they don't get freezer-burnt. 

How Do I Reheat My Leftover Nuggets?

Thaw: Thaw your frozen chicken nuggets in the fridge overnight for the nuggets to become completely thawed and ready to cook. 

Reheat: Reheat them in the microwave for a quick snack or meal. Microwave for about a minute and then at 30 securing intervals. You can also put them in the oven at 400 degrees F for a few minutes. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for a crispy outside!

Can I make McDonald’s chicken nuggets in the air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry these chicken nuggets at 375–400°F for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. They won’t be identical to deep-fried nuggets but will still be crispy and delicious.