The Store-Bought Chicken Nuggets That Moonlight As McDonald's Copycats

Parents trying to convince their kids that they have McDonald's-like things at home can finally stop disappointing their little ones. While assembling a burger exactly like McD's is a tall order — you're possibly better off using the McDonald's menu hack for a cheaper Big Mac – the iconic chicken nuggets are much easier to recreate, assuming you've got the right product in stock nearby. A bag of frozen nuggets at home allows you to always have this McDonald's classic on hand and also works out a lot cheaper than ordering it from the restaurant. So, the next time you're stocking up on frozen chicken nuggets, look for Pilgrim's Pride Tempura Style Chicken Breast Nuggets. Again and again, this particular brand and style of nuggets has received the approval of chicken nugget enthusiasts looking for a McDonald's dupe.

It should be said that McDonald's did not invent the chicken nugget. However, the fast food giant did much to popularize it all over the world. Now, former McDonald's corporate chef Mike Haracz has confirmed on TikTok that store-bought Pilgrim's Pride Tempura-Style Chicken Nuggets are almost identical to the real thing. For the full McDonald's effect, you'll have to put in some elbow grease and deep fry them, as the microwave or oven won't give you quite the same tender crispy texture. However, it's still easier, faster, and cheaper than getting those chicken nuggets from your local Golden Arches.

Chicken nuggets aren't rare, but a store-bought variety that tastes like the McDonald's version is. Pilgrim's Pride has a bevy of chicken nugget offerings, but the ones to look for are the tempura-style. You can generally get them at Kroger and Walmart outlets, but availability depends on location. Some Fred Meyer and H-E-B branches also stock them.

On TikTok, former McDonald's corporate chef Mike Haracz confirms the similarities. He also notes that stores often market budget-friendly versions of popular products utilizing in-house store brands. It's easier than creating a specific brand identity and flavor profile that established brands have, while also making the store product popular. Walmart's thin cut fries, for example, taste very close to McDonald's fries. Though Pilgrim's Pride is not a store brand, its tempura-style chicken nuggets seem to have used McDonald's chicken nuggets as a template. Country Pride tempura chicken nuggets are also very close to Pilgrim's Pride and reportedly taste quite close to the fast food kind.

Since many chicken nuggets are frozen raw meat covered in tempura, they must be thoroughly cooked before consumption. The USDA specifies the internal temperature of poultry must be 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe. If you've got the raw variety, skip the microwave and cook the nuggets in the oven, air fryer, or regular fryer. The latter will also give you the most delicious McDonald's-like nugget texture. Unfortunately, you'll still need to hunt down your favorite dip, or maybe try and find some of the McDonald's Szechuan sauce that became a pop culture icon.