Craving everyone’s favorite bite-sized snack but wanting a healthier, faster alternative? Look no further! These Copycat McDonalds Chicken McNuggets are your answer. Packed with flavor, quick to make, and a healthier option than the drive-thru, they’re perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun family meal. I promise, even the pickiest eaters will love them! I remember those late-night study sessions in college, and sometimes, a quick run through McDonald’s felt like the only option. Now, I can recreate that feeling at home, but with a healthier twist!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, Saturday mornings meant cartoons and, if we were lucky, a trip to McDonald’s for Chicken McNuggets. It was a simple pleasure, but one that created lasting memories. These Copycat McDonalds Chicken McNuggets bring back that nostalgic joy, but without the guilt. Now, I get to create new memories with my own kids making these healthier, homemade nuggets.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Other:
- Vegetable oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
- Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder.
- Bread the Chicken: Take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it thoroughly in the breading mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the breading lightly to adhere.
- Bake the Nuggets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with vegetable oil. Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve your Copycat McDonalds Chicken McNuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!
Copycat McDonalds Chicken McNuggets
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Take each marinated chicken piece and dredge it thoroughly in the breading mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the breading lightly to adhere.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with vegetable oil. Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve your **Copycat McDonalds Chicken McNuggets** immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!