Copycat McDonald's Chicken Nuggets Recipe

This McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Recipe recreates the world-famous chicken McNuggets at home in just a few simple steps. I love myself an order of chicken nuggets from the drive-thru—but this homemade chicken nuggets recipe might just have them beat. The nuggets are perfectly seasoned, coated in a light breading, and fried until golden brown and super crispy. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce—I love the Big Mac Sauce—this copycat recipe gives you the same flavor you love from the drive-thru, only fresher and made right in your own kitchen!

Why This is The Best McDonald's Chicken Nuggets Recipe

McDonald’s chicken nuggets are iconic for a reason—they’re crispy, salty, juicy, and pair perfectly with everything from barbecue sauce to honey mustard. They’ve been a favorite for both kids and adults for decades, and with this recipe, you can now recreate that same nugget magic at home.

What makes this homemade version so legit is the attention to detail. These copycat McDonald’s nuggets lock in the juiciness of the chicken while creating that signature crunchy coating. Because they’re homemade, they’re also free from fillers and preservatives, giving you a fresher, more flavorful meal.

I'm sure you already could've guessed this, but these copycat McDonald's chicken McNuggets are perfect for big game day gatherings, as a weeknight dinner, or even as a meal for a kid's birthday party. Really, they're great for any occasion. Make a big batch, freeze them, and fry or bake whenever you need an easy comfort-food favorite meal.

To complete the meal, whip up some other of my fried-food favorites like these fried pickles, jalapeno poppers, and, of course, my McDonald's french fries!

By the way, if you want a spicy version of these chicken nuggets, then you have to make this McDonald's spicy chicken nuggets recipe!

Ingredients

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. Seriously, it's so simple. In fact, you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry waiting for you right now! But if you don't, they're all super easy to find in your local grocery store.

Here's what you'll need to make McDonald's chicken nuggets:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¾  cup water
• ¾ tablespoon onion powder
• ¾ tablespoon garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon paprika
• ¾ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup flour

These nuggets aren’t just great on their own! You can use them to make my McDonald's snack wrap for a classic fast-food favorite or adapt this recipe to make Zaxby's chicken fingers using nearly the same ingredients.

How to Make McDonald's Chicken Nuggets

Step 1: Mix the chicken base

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, one egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated and the texture is slightly sticky — this helps the nuggets hold their shape when frying.

Step 2: Shape and coat in cornstarch

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chicken mixture and shape them into nugget-style pieces. Roll each one thoroughly in cornstarch, coating all sides evenly. This creates a dry base that helps the batter stick and gives the nuggets that signature light, crispy crust. Set the coated nuggets aside on a tray.

Step 3: Make the batter

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, and your seasonings (like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder) until smooth and lump-free. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still drip slowly — similar to pancake batter.

Step 4: Dip and batter each nugget

Using a fork or tongs, dip each cornstarch-coated nugget into the batter, making sure it’s fully covered. Let the excess drip off before placing it into the oil — this keeps the coating light and crisp instead of heavy.

Step 5: First fry — create the coating

Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the battered nuggets into the hot oil in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3 minutes, or until the nuggets float to the surface and turn lightly golden. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel–lined plate.

Step 6: Second fry — get that crispy McDonald’s texture

After the first fry, increase the oil temperature slightly to maintain 350°F–360°F and return the nuggets to the oil for a second fry, about 2 more minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. This double-frying method is the secret to recreating that perfectly crisp, tender texture that makes McDonald’s nuggets so irresistible.

Step 7: Drain and serve

Transfer the cooked nuggets to a wire rack or paper towel to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a minute before serving — the coating will firm up slightly as they cool. Enjoy it with your favorite McDonald’s dipping sauces like sweet and sour, honey mustard, or barbecue.

Expert Tips To Make Perfect McDonald's Chicken Nuggets

• Use finely ground chicken for authentic texture. McDonald’s nuggets have a smooth, uniform texture, and they are bite-sized nuggets. To achieve that at home, use ground chicken breast or pulse raw chicken in a food processor until finely minced. This ensures even cooking and gives the nuggets that signature bite.
• Chill the mixture before shaping. If your chicken mixture feels sticky, pop it into the fridge for 10–15 minutes before shaping. Slightly chilled chicken is easier to handle and helps the nuggets hold their shape while coating and frying.
• Coat in cornstarch before battering. That first cornstarch coating is the key to making the best fast-food chicken nuggets at home— it helps the wet batter stick evenly and forms a thin crust that locks in moisture. Skipping this step can lead to uneven coating or batter that slips off during frying. Be sure to shake off excess cornstarch before dipping each nugget into the batter.
• Whisk the batter until completely smooth. Lumpy batter means uneven coating. Whisk the flour, water, and seasonings until the mixture is lump-free and thick enough to cling to the nuggets. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time; if too thin, add a touch more flour. The ideal consistency is similar to pancake batter.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Adding too many nuggets at once will drop the oil temperature and cause them to absorb oil instead of crisping up. Fry in small batches and let the oil return to 350°F (175°C) between batches for consistent color and crunch.
• Double-fry for that signature crispiness. The two-step frying process is my secret weapon to make these nuggets taste like the real McDonald’s version. The first fry cooks and seals the coating, while the second fry gives it that light, golden-brown crunch. Make sure your oil is hot enough before the second fry — if it’s too cool, the nuggets will turn greasy instead of crisp.
• Use neutral, high-heat oil. I suggest using oils with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These fry cleanly without imparting extra flavor and help the coating develop a uniform golden color. Avoid olive oil — it burns too easily and alters the taste.
• Drain properly to keep the coating crisp. After frying, place nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate underneath and prevents steam from softening the crust. If you’re making multiple batches, keep the rack in a 200°F (93°C) oven to keep them warm and crispy until serving.
• Season immediately after frying. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt or Cajun seasoning over the nuggets right after removing them from the oil. The residual heat helps the seasoning stick, adding an extra boost of flavor to the crispy coating.
• Reheat the right way. If you have leftovers, skip the microwave — it’ll make the coating soggy. Instead, reheat in an air fryer or 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their crunch. They’ll taste just as fresh as when you made them.
• Pair with homemade dipping sauces. For the full McDonald’s experience, serve your nuggets with copycat sauces like Sweet and Sour Sauce, Honey Mustard, or Tangy Barbecue Sauce. For some more sauce ideas, here are a few of my favorites: Raising Cane's sauce, Wingstop ranch, McDonald's breakfast sauce, Alabama white sauce, Sweet chili sauce, Chick-Fil-A sauce, and Tiger sauce.

McDonald's Chicken Nuggets FAQS

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

Yes! The air fryer is a great way to cook these copycat McDonald’s chicken nuggets if you want a crispy texture with less oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the basket — avoid overcrowding so they crisp evenly. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They’ll come out light, crispy, and just as delicious as fried nuggets. Pro tip: Lightly spray the nuggets with oil before cooking to boost browning and enhance that McDonald’s-style crunch.

Can I bake McDonald’s chicken nuggets instead of frying?

Absolutely. While frying delivers the most authentic McDonald’s texture, baking is a great alternative for a lighter, hands-off version. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the coated nuggets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet — this allows the hot air to circulate so they crisp evenly. Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil, then bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The nuggets won’t be quite as golden as when fried, but they’ll still have a crisp coating and juicy interior.

What oil does McDonald’s use for chicken nuggets?

McDonald’s fries their nuggets in a blend of vegetable oils, including canola, corn, and soybean oil, with a small amount of hydrogenated oil to maintain texture and flavor. At home, you can achieve the same crispy, golden result by using canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil. These oils have high smoke points, which prevent burning and give your nuggets a clean, light, crispy coating without greasiness.

Can I use an air fryer for the second fry instead of oil?

If you prefer not to double-fry in oil, you can air fry for the second round. After the first fry or bake, cool the nuggets slightly, then air fry at 400°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp the coating. This hybrid method cuts down on oil but still gives you that satisfying crunch.

How do I store and reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets?

Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, skip the microwave — it makes the coating soft. Instead, air fry or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back their crispy texture. 

Can I freeze homemade McDonald’s chicken nuggets?

Yes! These nuggets freeze beautifully. Once they’ve cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in an air fryer or 375°F oven until hot and crispy — no need to thaw first.

What makes McDonald’s chicken nuggets so crispy?

The signature crispiness comes from the double-fry method — first at a lower temperature to cook the chicken and set the batter, then a second fry at a slightly higher temperature to make the exterior crunchy and golden. This technique, combined with the cornstarch and flour batter, locks in moisture while giving the nuggets that signature fast-food crunch.

Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is easy to make gluten-free. Simply replace the flour and cornstarch with gluten-free all-purpose flour and potato starch. The texture and crispiness will still be excellent, and the flavor remains identical. Just make sure your seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free.

My Final Thoughts on This McDonald's Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Well, that is how to make McDonald's chicken nuggets at home! The original ones are delicious, but this homemade version might be better.

It's seriously crazy that you can recreate the iconic nuggets in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients. And kids, adults, and grandparents —it doesn't matter who tries the chicken nuggets; they'll agree they're the best they've ever had. 

Anyway, I hope I've convinced you by now never to waste time waiting in the McDonald's drive-thru again!

If you gave this copycat McDonald's chicken nuggets recipe a try, leave a comment below and let me know how it went!  And for more recipes, make sure to check out our Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok.

More Copycat McDonald's Recipes

If you love McDonald's, we have tons of McDonald's recipes you can try making! I know I'm biased, but I think all of them are even better than the famous fast-food restaurant.

Give these copycat McDonald's recipes a try next:

• Spicy crispy chicken sandwich
• Big mac
• McGriddle
• Egg McMuffin
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Breakfast burrito
• Iced coffee