Chicken McNuggets

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Chicken (fresh, 93% lean)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
• 1/4 tsp Granulated Sugar (optional, adds slight sweetness)
• 1/8 tsp Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (optional, enhances umami)
• 1/2 cup Cornstarch (divided for first and third dredge)
• 6 tbsp Water (divided for slurry and batter)
• 3/4 cup All‑Purpose Flour (divided for second and third dredge)
• 1/2 tsp Celery Salt
• 1/4 tsp White Pepper
• 1 large Egg (beaten)
• 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep frying, high smoke point)

Instructions

1. Season the Ground Chicken

   Place the ground chicken in a mixing bowl, add the pinch of salt, pinch of sugar, and optional MSG. Mix gently until just combined; over‑mixing makes the nuggets tough.

   Time: PT5M

2. Prepare the Three Dredge Stations

   In three shallow dishes, set up: 1) 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (smooth slurry). 2) 1/2 cup flour, celery salt, white pepper, beaten egg, and 2 tbsp water (batter). 3) 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour, baking soda, baking powder, and 2 tbsp water (final coating). Stir each until just combined.

   Time: PT5M

3. Shape the Nuggets

   With damp hands, scoop about 1‑2 tbsp of seasoned chicken and roll into bite‑size nuggets (approximately 1‑inch cubes). Place them on a tray.

   Time: PT5M

4. Coat the Nuggets

   One by one, dip each nugget into the first cornstarch slurry, then into the flour‑egg batter, and finally into the third cornstarch‑flour mixture. Ensure each layer fully covers the piece before moving to the next.

   Time: PT5M

5. Heat Oil to 350°F

   Fill the frying pan with enough oil to submerge the nuggets (about 2 inches). Heat to 350°F using a thermometer.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: 350°F

6. Fry the Nuggets

   Carefully add a few nuggets at a time. Fry for 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Remove with tongs and place on paper towels to drain.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

7. Serve

   Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (ketchup, honey mustard, or sweet‑chili).

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

15g

Carbohydrates

15g

Fat

12g

Fiber

1g