If you‘re a fan of McDonald‘s chicken nuggets, you know there‘s just something special about their crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, tender interior. But what do you do when the craving strikes and you can‘t make it to the drive-thru? Fear not, nugget lovers! We‘ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to buying McDonald‘s-style chicken nuggets (and some delicious alternatives) to satisfy your cravings at home.
The History and Popularity of McDonald‘s Chicken Nuggets
Before we dive into where to buy nuggets similar to McDonald‘s, let‘s take a moment to appreciate the history and popularity of these beloved bite-sized snacks. McDonald‘s first introduced chicken nuggets to their menu in 1983, and they quickly became a fan favorite. According to a 2019 report by the NPD Group, McDonald‘s sold over 340 million pounds of chicken nuggets in the US alone.
Over the years, McDonald‘s has made some changes to their nugget recipe and ingredients. In 2003, they removed artificial preservatives and reduced the amount of fat and sodium. In 2016, they announced that their nuggets would be made with 100% white meat chicken and no artificial colors or flavors. These changes reflect a broader trend in the fast food industry towards healthier and more natural options.
Where to Buy Nuggets Similar to McDonald‘s
1. Tyson Tempura Chicken Breast Nuggets
Did you know that Tyson actually supplies McDonald‘s with their nuggets? That‘s right – by purchasing Tyson Tempura Chicken Breast Nuggets, you can get your hands on the closest thing to authentic McDonald‘s nuggets. Food Service Direct offers a whopping 10-pound bag of these tasty morsels for around $50, which may seem like a lot, but hear us out. With 215-235 nuggets per bag, you‘ll have enough to feed your family for weeks (or maybe just yourself – we won‘t judge). Plus, when stored properly, these nuggets can stay fresh for up to a year!
Nutritional Information (per 4 nuggets, 84g):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 440mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 9g
Customer Review: "These are the closest thing to McDonald‘s nuggets I‘ve ever had. They‘re crispy, juicy, and have that same delicious flavor. Plus, the big bag lasts forever in the freezer!" – James L.
2. Perdue Original Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
If you‘re looking for a more affordable option, head to your local Kroger and pick up a 12-ounce package of Perdue Original Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets for just $4.49. These nuggets boast a similar breading and flavor profile to McDonald‘s, and they‘re USDA-process verified, meaning they don‘t contain any icky antibiotics or steroids. Plus, they‘re a breeze to prepare – just pop them in the oven or air fryer for a quick and easy meal.
Nutritional Information (per 4 nuggets, 85g):
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 470mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 12g
Customer Review: "I was pleasantly surprised by how much these nuggets tasted like McDonald‘s. They‘re affordable, easy to prepare, and make a great quick lunch or dinner. My kids love them too!" – Sarah P.
3. Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
For those who prefer to shop at Publix, check out Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets. A 12-ounce box will run you around $5.99, and you‘ll be treated to nuggets made with whole white breast meat chicken and a light, crispy breading that rivals McDonald‘s. The secret to their juiciness? A 6% marinade that keeps the meat tender and flavorful. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you.
Nutritional Information (per 4 nuggets, 85g):
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 12g
Customer Review: "These are my go-to nuggets when I‘m craving something crispy and satisfying. The breading is light and flavorful, and the chicken is always tender and juicy. Plus, I feel good knowing they‘re made with high-quality ingredients." – Rachel D.
4. Applegate Chicken Nuggets
If you‘re willing to spend a bit more for high-quality, ethically-sourced chicken, Meijer‘s Applegate Chicken Nuggets are a fantastic choice. At $12 for a 16-ounce family-sized bag, these nuggets come from humanely raised chickens and contain only white meat – just like McDonald‘s. Plus, with a larger bag, you‘ll have plenty to feed the whole family (and maybe even some leftovers for lunch the next day).
Nutritional Information (per 4 nuggets, 85g):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 410mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 12g
Customer Review: "As someone who cares about animal welfare and ingredient quality, I‘m willing to pay a bit more for Applegate nuggets. They taste great, and I feel good about feeding them to my family." – Kate W.
5. Pilgrim‘s Frozen RTC Tempura Nugget
Walmart shoppers, rejoice! Pilgrim‘s Frozen RTC Tempura Nuggets, sold in a 1.75-pound bag for just $5.32, are a budget-friendly option that doesn‘t skimp on taste. Made with all-white meat chicken and a tempura-style breading, these nuggets are a close match to McDonald‘s in both shape and flavor. Plus, they‘re versatile – cook them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer for a quick and easy snack or meal.
Nutritional Information (per 4 nuggets, 84g):
- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 410mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 11g
Customer Review: "For the price, these nuggets are hard to beat. They‘re crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack. My kids love them, and I don‘t feel guilty serving them since they‘re made with white meat chicken." – Mark T.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect McDonald‘s-Style Nuggets
Now that you know where to buy nuggets similar to McDonald‘s, it‘s time to talk preparation. To achieve that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior, we recommend using an air fryer or oven.
Air Fryer Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the frozen nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches).
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove the nuggets when they‘re golden brown and crispy.
Oven Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Arrange the frozen nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through.
- Remove the nuggets when they‘re golden brown and crispy.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can also cook the nuggets in the microwave. Just be aware that the breading won‘t be as crispy.
Microwave Instructions:
- Place the frozen nuggets in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cook on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas
Chicken nuggets are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve your nuggets with classic dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. For a healthier option, try making your own dips with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.
- Salads: Cut your nuggets into smaller pieces and add them to a salad for a protein-packed lunch or dinner. They pair well with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
- Wraps: Wrap your nuggets in a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a quick and easy lunch on the go.
- Stir-Fries: Cut your nuggets into bite-sized pieces and add them to a veggie-packed stir-fry for a satisfying and easy dinner.
- Nugget Parmesan: Arrange your nuggets in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The Bottom Line
While nothing can quite replicate the experience of biting into a freshly-fried McDonald‘s chicken nugget, these store-bought alternatives come pretty darn close. By opting for nuggets made with white meat chicken, minimal additives, and a crispy breading, you can satisfy your cravings from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you‘re a die-hard McDonald‘s fan or just looking for a quick and easy meal option, these nuggets are sure to hit the spot. So the next time you find yourself longing for those golden arches, head to your nearest grocery store or online retailer and stock up on these tasty McDonald‘s-style nuggets. With a variety of brands and options to choose from, you‘re sure to find the perfect nugget to suit your taste preferences and budget.
And don‘t forget to have fun with your nuggets! Get creative with your dipping sauces, try out new recipe ideas, and enjoy them as part of a balanced and varied diet. With these tips and recommendations, you‘ll be a nugget connoisseur in no time.
Sources:
- NPD Group. "U.S. Consumers Consumed Nearly 1.2 Trillion Servings of Poultry in 2019." NPD, 26 Feb. 2020, www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/news/press-releases/2020/us-consumers-consumed-nearly-1-2-trillion-servings-of-poultry-in-2019/.
- "McDonald‘s USA Ingredients Listing for Popular Menu Items." McDonald‘s, www.mcdonalds.com/content/dam/uk/nfl/pdf/nutrition/allergen-booklet-010320.pdf.
- Maglio, Tony. "We Bet You Can‘t Guess How Many Pounds of Chicken McDonald‘s Buys Every Year." TheWrap, 1 Aug. 2019, www.thewrap.com/mcdonalds-chickens-nuggets/.
){kind=link}