Crispy Homemade Chicken McNuggets (McDonald's Copycat Recipe)
Enjoy crispy, golden Chicken McNuggets at home with this fast-food copycat recipe. These homemade nuggets feature a light, crunchy coating and tender, juicy chicken, just like McDonald's! Choose from deep-fried, baked, or air-fried methods for the perfect bite.
Equipment
- Food Processor For smooth chicken texture (optional)
- Mixing bowls For batter and coating
- Whisk To mix wet ingredients
- Deep Fryer or Large Pan For frying (if deep-frying)
- Baking sheet For oven-baked nuggets
- Air fryer For air-fried version
- Tongs For flipping and handling nuggets
- Wire rack For draining excess oil after frying
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast Can use a mix of thighs for juicier nuggets
- ½ cup Buttermilk Helps tenderize the chicken
- 1 Egg For coating
- ½ cup All-purpose flour Forms part of the crispy batter
- ½ cup Cornstarch Essential for a light crispy texture
- 1 tsp Baking powder Helps create an airy coating
- 1 tsp Garlic powder Adds flavor
- 1 tsp Onion powder Enhances taste
- ½ tsp Smoked paprika Gives a subtle smokiness
- ½ tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- ½ tsp Black pepper For seasoning
- 2 cups Vegetable or canola oil For frying skip if baking/air frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken breast into nugget-sized pieces.
- For a smooth, fast-food texture, blend the chicken in a food processor until finely ground.
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces, mix well, and let marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- This dry mix creates the light, crispy exterior of the nuggets.
Step 3: Coat the Nuggets
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture.
- Coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to help the coating stick.
- Dip the nuggets back into the buttermilk mixture, then re-coat in flour for a double-crunch effect.
Step 4: Cooking Options
- 🔥 Deep Frying Method (Best for Fast-Food Texture)
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry nuggets in small batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
- ⚡ Air Fryer Method (Healthier, Still Crispy)
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray nuggets with cooking oil.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- 🔥 Oven-Baked Method (Best for Large Batches)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place nuggets on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway for even crispness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let nuggets cool slightly before serving.
- Pair with barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or sweet & sour sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness: Let the coated nuggets rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
- For a spicier version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (uncooked nuggets can be frozen and fried later).
- Reheating:
- Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving (softens the crispy coating).