A former McDonald's corporate chef has named the supermarket chicken nuggets he says come closest to the chain's famous McNuggets. Mike Haracz shared his findings on TikTok after comparing McDonald's ingredients and nutritional information with products available in shops.
He explained that finding a close match wasn't easy, as McDonald's combines different components in its ingredient lists, making direct comparisons more difficult. After weighing up the options, he recommended Pilgrim's tempura chicken nuggets for anyone hoping to recreate the fast-food favourite at home.
Where to buy them
While Pilgrim's products can be purchased online in the UK, locating them in supermarkets may prove more challenging. However, Pilgrim's Europe owns Moy Park, whose chicken nuggets are reported to deliver a comparable taste and texture.
British shoppers can find Moy Park's crispy breaded chicken nuggets at Asda, costing between £3 and £5.
What to look for and avoid
In his TikTok clip, Haracz detailed how he investigated the alternatives, explaining: "With all the [options], I had to go on the McDonald's website, look at their ingredient and nutritional information, compare it to a bunch of other retail options."
He continued: "So what you want to do is look for a tempura style chicken McNuggets."
While offering his suggestion, he also provided a caution regarding how to cook the nuggets. Unlike certain varieties that come pre-cooked and merely require reheating, Pilgrim's tempura chicken nuggets contain raw chicken, which means they must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Haracz cautioned against using a microwave, noting that the tempura coating wouldn't achieve the desired result. He said: "You're going to want to at least air fry, but you're probably going to want to deep fry."
He also pointed out the distinction between these nuggets and certain children's dinosaur-shaped options, which are typically pre-cooked and only require reheating as per the packet guidelines. Since Pilgrim's tempura nuggets contain raw chicken, customers should always adhere to the cooking directions on the packaging to guarantee they're safe to consume.
Reaction from viewers
Responding to his video, one user said: "We can finally have McDonald's at home." Another user added: "I really miss dark meat McNuggets of the 90s."
A third user said: "I felt the shade being thrown at me, as an almost 29 year old man, I like my dino nuggets. The breading on them are better than regular nuggets."
