Chicken nuggets are the ultimate fast-food choice. They’re savoury, filling, delicious, and offer a bit of childhood nostalgia all at once.
Whether craving them after a night out or looking for an easy weeknight dinner after a long day at work, nuggets usually hit the spot every time.
If you’re passionate about nuggets, then this is perfect for you. We will be investigating which fast-food joint has the best nuggets on the market.
9. Jack In The Box
Coming in at ninth place, we’ve got one of the most underrated nugget options out there. Jack in the Box’s chicken nuggets landed in the top half of the Thrillist 2023 ranking. These all-white meat nuggets stand out for their crispy texture and well-seasoned classic flavor.
But before you head out to Jack in the Box, we still have eight more options that may be even more delicious.
8. Arby’s Premium Chicken Nuggets
This may come as a bit of a shocker as Arby’s isn’t known for its chicken but its classic roast beef. However, a blind taste test by Insider and The Takeout ranked Arby’s in the top 5 for “real chicken feel” and crispness.
A nine-piece serving of these freshly made nuggets has approximately 470 calories, but the golden, crispy treat is worth it.
7. Carl’s Jr. / Hardee’s
Depending on where you live, you either call it Carl’s Jr. or Hardee’s. But no matter what you call it, the nuggets are still a tasty treat. This fast food joint revamped its nugget recipe and has since received rave reviews for its light, crispy breading and unique flavor.
A 2023 Reddit nugget thread described this savory snack as “shockingly good”.
6. McDonald’s
In 1983, McDonald’s introduced its chicken nuggets, and to this day, they’re one of its best-selling menu items worldwide. This shows that the classic iconic recipe is still working and is a familiar favorite that almost everybody loves.
More than 2,500 McDonald’s nuggets are sold every minute globally. That’s no surprise given the consistent quality and legendary sauce lineup to go with it.
5. Wendy’s Spicy Nuggets
This flavor might not be suitable for everyone’s heat tolerance, but it has proven to be a fan favorite. There was a massive public outrage in 2017 when Wendy’s discontinued its spicy nuggets. Even celebrities like Chance the Rapper demanded the return of this cayenne pepper-infused delicacy.
The flavorful spice mix and crunchy breading really turn up the heat with customers. They’re a pleasant change from regular/bland nuggets.
4. Shake Shack
Shake Shack isn’t your typical fast-food joint, but leaving them off the list wouldn’t be right. Their chicken nuggets have received high praise from Eater, Thrillist, and Bon Appétit for their elevated flavor and feel.
These nuggets are made from whole muscle antibiotic-free chicken, featuring seasonings like black pepper, sea salt, and herbs. They’re on the pricier end of the scale at $5.79 for six pieces, but critics say they’re worth it.
3. KFC Nuggets
KFC is a legend in the fast-food world, and it seems like its nuggets are finally living up to its reputation. Their Original Recipe Nuggets are made with real chicken breast and seasoned with the Colonel’s famous 11 herbs and spices.
These hearty, flavorful nuggets have received some great reviews, with FoodBeast saying that they were like “the return of the king.”
2. Popeyes Nuggets
Popeye’s is known for its flavorful sandwiches, and now it’s also known for its incredible nuggets. These nuggets are marinated for 12 hours in buttermilk and Louisiana spices before being fried till crispy and golden.
A 2023 QSR Magazine blind test ranked these cajun-style nuggets in the top 2 spot for overall nugget quality. And the good news is there’s something for everyone as they come in either mild or spicy.
1. Chick-fil-A Nuggets
The coveted number one spot goes to… Chick-fil-A. This fast-food joint consistently provides great taste, quality, and customer satisfaction, so it’s no surprise they’re in the top spot. Chick-fil-A’s nuggets are made from whole chicken breasts and marinated in pickle juice for that unique flavor.
The best part is that 12 pieces of these decadent nuggets are only 390 calories. The viral Chick-fil-A Sauce is an added bonus and pairs perfectly with the nuggets.
Even High-End Restaurants Are Getting On The Nugget Train
Chefs in fine-dining restaurants have taken on the challenge of elevating the humble chicken nugget for their high-end customers.
NYC’s The Nugget Spot is one of the places that has done this particularly well, with its chicken nuggets stuffed with bleu cheese or wrapped in bacon.
Michelin-starred chefs like David Chang and Grant Achatz have also gotten in on the action and whipped up their own upscale version of this fast-food staple.
Conclusion
Chicken nuggets may be simple and affordable, but when they’re made right, they can be a delightful meal.
While this list is subjective and dependent on personal preferences, these are some great fast-food joints to try if you love chicken nuggets.
Which fast-food spot do you think has the best chicken nuggets ever?