For decades, McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets have been the center of attention for kids and kids at heart. Many parents rely on them for quick and easy dinners, but are they really something we should be feeding our children — or eating ourselves?.
“The Chicken McNugget has been constantly improving since its creation in the 1980s,” says registered dietitian Sarah Pflugradt, RDN, CSCS. Though chicken nuggets are fast food and shouldn’t be eaten every day, she says they’re also not the worst thing you could eat.
We took a deep dive into whats actually in a McDonalds chicken nugget and what that means for your health.
People of all ages love McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Many health-conscious customers want to know how many calories are in McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Let’s take a closer look. This is a bite-sized piece of breaded and fried chicken.
What Are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Made Of?
First, let’s understand what McDonald’s chicken nuggets are made of. According to McDonald’s, their chicken nuggets are made with 100% white meat chicken They are breaded with a simple seasoning blend and then fried until crispy and golden brown.
McDonald’s states that their chicken nuggets contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. This is good news for customers looking to avoid these additives. The nuggets are cooked in a vegetable oil blend, which McDonald’s does not specify but is likely a mix of canola and soybean oils commonly used in deep frying.
Calorie Count for McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
Let’s get to the main question: how many calories are in McDonald’s chicken nuggets?
- 4 piece chicken nuggets: 170 calories
- 6 piece chicken nuggets: 250 calories
- 10 piece chicken nuggets: 420 calories
- 20 piece chicken nuggets: 840 calories
- 40 piece chicken nuggets: 1680 calories
You will take in more calories if you eat more chicken nuggets, then. The calorie count goes from 170 for a four-piece order to 1680 for a forty-piece “sharing” size.
The chicken itself is relatively low in calories. The bulk of calories in McDonald’s nuggets comes from the oil used to deep fry them. The breading also contributes some additional calories.
Chicken Nugget Calories Compared to Other McDonald’s Menu Items
How do chicken nugget calories compare to other items on the McDonald’s menu? Here is a quick comparison:
- 4 pc chicken nuggets (170 calories) vs. Cheeseburger (300 calories)
- 6 pc chicken nuggets (250 calories) vs. 6 pc Chicken McNuggets (280 calories)
- 10 pc chicken nuggets (420 calories) vs. Medium Fries (380 calories)
Burgers and fries have more calories than chicken nuggets, as you can see. They do have a few more calories than Chicken McNuggets of the same size, though.
McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets tend to be lower in calories because they have a lighter breading. The nuggets also come with dipping sauces, which add more calories.
Tips for Enjoying Chicken Nuggets While Managing Calories
Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to enjoy McDonald’s chicken nuggets as part of a healthy, balanced diet:
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Stick to small or medium size nugget meals. The 4 piece and 6 piece packs are more reasonable for one person.
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Skip the dipping sauces or keep it to just one sauce per meal. Sauces like sweet & sour or barbecue can add 50-100 extra calories.
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Balance nuggets with lower calorie side items like apple slices or a salad instead of fries.
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Watch your portion of fries or share them with someone else. Fries can quickly drive up calories.
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Drink water or a diet soda instead of sugary drinks that pile on extra calories.
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Use nuggets as a snack in moderation rather than as a full meal.
With some smart menu choices, you can definitely still enjoy McDonald’s chicken nuggets as part of a healthy diet. Just be mindful of portions and accompanying items to keep calories in check.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Nuggets
While chicken nuggets are high in calories, oil and sodium, they do provide some nutritional value:
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Source of protein – the chicken provides protein which helps build muscle and makes you feel full.
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Contains vitamins and minerals – chicken offers vitamins like B6, B12, niacin and minerals like selenium and phosphorus.
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No carbs – chicken nuggets contain no carbs, making them a keto-friendly food.
So in moderation, chicken nuggets can be part of a nutritious diet providing protein, vitamins and minerals. However, balance them out with plenty of veggies, fruits and whole grains for optimal nutrition.
The Bottom Line
When enjoyed occasionally and in reasonable portions, McDonald’s chicken nuggets can be part of an overall healthy diet. Be mindful of portion sizes, accompanying menu items, sauces and sodas to keep calories under control. A 4 or 6 piece nugget meal with a salad and water is a pretty balanced meal. Just don’t make a daily habit out of a 40 piece nugget extra value meal!
Bleached Wheat Flour
Next in line is bleached flour thats not enriched with nutrients. Flour is bleached so that the texture is finer, lighter and whiter in color. All flour eventually reaches a bleached state as it ages and is exposed to oxygen, but flour thats been bleached with chemicals is labeled as “bleached,” per General Mills Foods.
“Bleached flour is a food that gets a lot of attention. Its impossible to know which type of bleaching agents are used in the flour McDonald uses for their nuggets,” says Pflugradt. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows and regulates nitrogen oxides, chlorine, nitrosyl chloride, chlorine dioxide, benzoyl peroxide, acetone peroxide and azodicarbonamide to all be used as bleaching agents in amounts considered safe.
What Are McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Made Of?
We’re going to list every ingredient in McDonald’s chicken nuggets and talk about how they might affect your health. The ingredients are listed from most to least common, so the ones that are used the most are at the top and the ones that come next are used less.
Food Theory: The Many Lies of McDonalds Chicken Nuggets
FAQ
How many calories are in 1 chicken nugget from McDonald’s?
A single McDonald’s Chicken McNugget contains approximately 47-50 calories, according to nutrition websites.
How many calories in a 10 piece chicken nugget meal from McDonald’s?
A McDonald’s 10 piece Chicken McNuggets meal, including medium fries and a medium Coca-Cola, contains 940 calories.
How many calories are 9 chicken nuggets from McDonald’s?
| Description | Serving Sizes | kCal |
|---|---|---|
| McDonalds Calories, Chicken McNuggets | 4 Pieces | 141 |
| 6 Pieces | 212 | |
| 9 Pieces | 318 | |
| 20 Pieces | 706 |
How many calories are in an 8 piece nugget meal?
For instance, if you know that an 8-piece Chick-fil-A nugget meal contains 250 calories, you can plan the rest of your day’s meals accordingly.