Crispy Chicken Nuggets (McNuggets Copycat)
Looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both fun and delicious? Try these Crispy Chicken Nuggets, a delightful homemade alternative to the popular McNuggets! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these nuggets are not only easy to make but also allow you to customize flavors to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or serving snacks for game day, these crispy bites will leave everyone asking for more. Plus, they’re a healthier option without any fillers or additives—just wholesome ingredients you can feel good about serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people (20 nuggets) 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 egg
- 1½ cups cornstarch
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Blend chicken breasts in a food processor until finely chopped. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and one egg; process until smooth.
- Shape the mixture into nugget forms and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes.
- In separate bowls, prepare cornstarch and mix water, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, pepper, and flour to create a batter.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Coat each nugget in cornstarch then dip into the batter before frying them in hot oil for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- For extra crispiness, allow nuggets to drain briefly before double-frying for an additional five minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 nuggets (150g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg