You’re never too old to enjoy a chicken nugget, but there’s plenty of discussion to be had about who’s got the very best.
Statista reckons that 30% of Americans will have chicken nuggets each month, so there’s sure to be a broad range of opinions.
If you’re on the fence or otherwise keen for guidance on which nuggets to go for, food expert Amanda Mactas from Eat This, Not That! has all the insights you need.
Starting with the worst and working out way up to the best, let’s see what she had to say about America’s chicken nugget options.
7. Popeyes
Popeyes might be taking the fight to McDonald’s in the chicken wrap scene, but it’s got some work to do where its nuggets are concerned.
"Unfortunately, there wasn't much seasoning on these nuggets and they could really benefit from some pepper or something similar to give them a tiny kick of extra flavor," said Mactas.
She added they were ‘sitting heavy in her stomach’, and that she likely wouldn’t have them again. Ouch.
6. Burger King
Mactas thought her nuggets from Burger King were a little overcooked, and this seemed to let down some otherwise flavoursome bites.
"The texture made me think that they weren't made fresh, but instead sat under a heat lamp for a while," she said.
5. Shake Shack
The competition starts getting stiffer from here, with these nuggets mostly hitting the mark save for some dry chicken and a greasy coating.
"It tasted as though the chicken was seasoned in addition to the breading, which was a smart choice," said Mactas.
"Sadly, however, these were some of the driest bites of the bunch."
4. KFC
You’d think the Colonel would be closer to the top spot, but alas it seems the nuggets can’t quite keep pace with the hot wings, tenders, and drumsticks at KFC.
"These nuggets might have been a bit soggy in their container because there wasn't any crunch to them which was a bit disappointing,” she said.”The meat inside, though, was juicy and tasty, but not quite as juicy as Popeyes' nuggets.”
Flavour-wise, however, Mactas was impressed.
3. McDonald's
McDonald’s is always a reliable bet in the nugget world, and so it proved with this place on the podium.
"I don't know if it's because I grew up with these nuggets, or it's because they're really that good, but I just can't turn down the version at McDonald's,” said Mactas.
"These nuggets are crispy on the outside and both juicy and tender on the inside."
2. Wendy's
Wendy’s aren’t just social media edgelords, they’re also purveyors of fine nuggets. Crispiness, flavour, and a lack of excess grease have served up a silver medal.
"There was a great outer layer of crispiness and breading on these, but not so much as to make the ratio off," she said.
"...To me, they seemed like a more flavorful version of the McDonald's nuggets."
1. Chick-fil-A
After battling through nugget after nugget, Mactas finally landed upon the best of the bunch. Chick-fil-A’s nuggets, she said, were ‘cooked to perfection’ with tender chicken, a crispy coating, and excellent flavour.
According to the expert, Chick-fil-A takes the crown with nuggets 'cooked to perfection'.
"There's a slight tanginess to these chicken bites and the saltiness brings out all of the flavors of the seasoning," said Mactas.
"This won't be the last time I make a pit stop at Chick-fil-A."
Featured Image Credit: Penpak Ngamsathain/Getty Images
Rachael Davis