CHICKEN McNUGGETS FROM McDONALD'S...BUT HOMEMADE & WAY BETTER, OMG! | SAM THE COOKING GUY

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Ground turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are often less expensive.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while cornmeal is a budget-friendly alternative.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier, while canola is often cheaper.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko provides a lighter texture, while crushed crackers are economical.

Cut 2 chicken breasts into smaller bits for processing.

Using a food processor with an S blade, pulse the chicken until finely chopped.

Prepare a sheet pan lined with parchment or a Silpat for forming nuggets.

Wet your hands with a little water and form the chicken mixture into nugget shapes.

Place the formed nuggets on the sheet pan and put them in the freezer.

Make the sweet and sour sauce by mixing 1/2 cup apricot jam, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar.

Prepare the sour cream sauce by mixing 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons spicy chili crunch, diced green onion, and a little milk to thin.

Make the hot mustard by mixing dry mustard, salt, pepper, a splash of rice vinegar, and water.

Prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, and 1/8 cup sriracha.

For the dry dredge, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup corn starch, a pinch of kosher salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder.

Take the frozen nuggets and coat them in the dry dredge, shaking off excess flour.

Prepare the wet batter by adding water to the dry dredge until it reaches a medium thickness.

Heat oil for frying and dip the nuggets into the wet batter before frying.

Fry the nuggets in batches for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F).

Remove the nuggets from the oil, shake off excess oil, and repeat with remaining nuggets.

Serve the nuggets with the prepared sauces.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens