How Chicken Nuggets Are Made

Meat Selection

Breast meat is collected from chickens grown specifically for their meat and not for their eggs. It is inspected for quality and some of the skin is allowed to remain on it. This meat is ground up and salts are added so that it can be molded and shaped into the particular nugget being made. At home, the meat can just be cut into chunks as the molding process is not necessary.

Breading

Commercial preparation lines add a layer of a breading mixture on top and on the bottom of the nugget as it passes through a conveyor belt. In the home operation, the nugget is dipped in an egg solution and then in seasoned bread crumbs or a flour mixture. Both are allowed to sit for a few minutes before frying to allow the breading to stick to it.

Frying

The breaded nuggets are passed through a chamber of hot oil where they are fried at about 375 degrees F. This is duplicated in the home by frying the homemade nuggets in a deep fat fryer or a heavy duty pot with enough oil to cover the nuggets. They are fried until golden brown and then drained on a rack.

References

• McDonalds USA