What Are Chicken Nuggets Made Of?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Chicken nuggets are a versatile food product made from minced chicken meat, often enhanced with various binders, antioxidants, and alternative protein sources. The inclusion of ingredients like rice flour, golden snail meat, and chicken eggshell powder can improve the nutritional profile and sensory qualities of the nuggets. The method of cooking and reheating also plays a significant role in determining the final quality of the product.

Primary Ingredients

Chicken nuggets are primarily made from chicken meat, which can include both breast and thigh portions. The meat is often minced and formed into nugget shapes. In some formulations, spent hen meat is used, which is combined with other ingredients to enhance texture and flavor1 4.

Binding Agents

Binding agents are crucial in maintaining the structure and texture of chicken nuggets. Common binders include various types of flour such as wheat, rice, and tapioca. These flours help in water retention and improve the overall texture of the nuggets. For instance, rice flour has been found to be an acceptable substitute for wheat flour, especially for individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergies2 3.

Additives and Enhancements

Antioxidants

Antioxidants like rosemary, sage, and tea catechins are often added to chicken nuggets to improve their shelf-life and oxidative stability. These antioxidants work synergistically with vitamin E to reduce lipid oxidation, which helps in maintaining the quality of the nuggets during storage1.

Calcium Fortification

Chicken eggshell powder is sometimes added to fortify nuggets with calcium, enhancing their nutritional value. This addition significantly increases the calcium content without adversely affecting the taste and texture when used in appropriate amounts7.

Alternative Ingredients

Golden Snail Meat

In some innovative formulations, golden snail meat is combined with chicken meat to create nuggets with higher protein content. This combination has been shown to produce nuggets with good sensory qualities, such as color, texture, and flavor, especially when up to 50% of the meat is replaced with golden snail meat5.

Chicken Intestines and Breadfruit Flour

Another alternative ingredient is chicken intestines, which can be used in combination with breadfruit flour. This combination has been found to produce nuggets with distinct organoleptic properties, including aroma, texture, and taste, making it a viable option for nugget production6.

Sensory and Quality Characteristics

The sensory quality of chicken nuggets, including taste, texture, and color, can be influenced by the method of cooking and reheating. For example, frying generally improves sensory acceptability compared to baking. However, baked nuggets retain better quality when reheated in an oven rather than a microwave3.