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Which Fast-Food Chain Has The Best Chicken Nuggets?

Because chicken nuggets are not just for kids.

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chicken nuggets and fries
Juanmonino//Getty Images

Growing up, many of us may have looked forward to a trip to the drive-thru where we could enjoy one of our favorite foods — chicken nuggets. Well, chicken nuggets are not just for kids. Whether you are taking a road trip or you are just not in the mood to cook dinner tonight, here are the fast-food chains that have the best chicken nuggets.

1

Carl’s Jr.’s Chicken Stars

chicken nuggets
Courtesy of Carl’s Jr.’s

Channel your inner child with an order of Carl’s Jr.’s Chicken Stars. With a good breading to chicken ratio, Carl’s Jr.’s Chicken Stars are crisp, and the superfun star shape brings joy to children and adults alike no matter what your age is.

2

Checkers’s Chicken Bites

chicken nuggets
Courtesy of Checker’s/Rally’s

“Too much flavor for their own good,” Rally’s Chicken Bites are crispy, juicy and seasoned to perfection. Made with all-white chicken meat, these chicken bites are delightfully poppable in size.

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3

Sonic’s Jumbo Popcorn Chicken

chicken nuggets
Courtesy of Sonic

Sonic’s Jumbo Popcorn Chicken may not be a nugget, but its jumbo size is a feast for your eyes and stomachs. Made with 100% all-white chicken meat and fried to perfection, this popcorn chicken is crispy and crunchy. Plus, the peppered flavor pairs well with almost any dipping sauce.

4

Burger King’s Chicken Fries

chicken nuggets
Courtesy of Burger King

Okay, so these are not technically chicken nuggets and are more like a mix between a chicken nugget and French fry, but hello, what is not to love about that? Made with white-meat chicken, Burger King’s Chicken Fries are coated in a crispy and light breading that is seasoned with a blend of savory herbs and spices. Plus, the fry shape makes them perfect for dipping in a savory or sweet sauce.

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5

Jack In The Box’s Chicken Nuggets

chicken nuggets
Courtesy of Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box may be known for its burgers, but its all-white chicken nuggets are covered in a light batter seasoned with an array of spices, including black pepper, garlic, and onion, making them pretty darn irresistible.

6

Popeyes’s Chicken Nuggets

popeyes’s chicken nuggets
Courtesy of Popeyes

Popeyes’s chicken nuggets are just like their famous chicken sandwich, but shareable. After all, sharing is caring. Boldly seasoned and freshly hand-battered, these all-white chicken nuggets are covered in a delicious, crunchy buttermilk coating and pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce. Choose from 8, 12, 24, or 36 nuggets. Whether you are riding solo or have a car full of family and friends, there are enough options to feed everyone and their appetite.

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7

KFC’s Popcorn Nuggets

kfc’s popcorn nuggets
Courtesy of Kentucky Fried Chicken

KFC is known for its classic Kentucky Fried Chicken, but eating an entire piece of chicken can be an arduous task sometimes. So if you feel like keeping it simple, try KFC’s Popcorn Nuggets. Each piece of popcorn chicken is nice and meaty, giving you a mouthful of flavor with each and every bite.

8

McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets

mcdonald’s chicken mcnuggets
Courtesy of McDonald’s

Ever since McDonald’s upgraded its chicken nugget to all-white meat back in the mid-2000s, it's climbed to the top spots on chicken nugget rankings everywhere. The juicy and tender 100% white-meat chicken nuggets are made without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The crispy and crunchy batter is unbeatable. It is airy, yet flakey, giving nugs the perfect ratio of breading to chicken. Do not forget the classic dipping sauces—they really complement these nostalgic nuggets.

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9

Wendy’s Chicken Nuggets

wendys chicken nuggets
Wendy's

Wendy’s chicken nuggets are made from 100% white-meat chicken and are breaded to crispy perfection. If you want to kick up the heat, order them spicy: The same 100% white-meat chicken is breaded and marinated in Wendy’s fiery and unique blend of peppers and spices. Available in quantities of 4, 6 or 10.

10

Chick-fil-A’s Nuggets

chickfila’s nuggets
Courtesy of Chick-fil-A

Hands down the best fast-food chain with the best chicken nuggets is none other than Chick-fil-A. Bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast are excellently seasoned. Freshly breaded and pressure cooked in 100% refined peanut oil, Chick-fil-A’s Nuggets are crispy, golden brown, and bursting with a mouthful of fresh flavor. The hand-battered coating locks in the chicken’s juicy and tender taste and texture so you can enjoy each and every one until they are gone.

Headshot of Ashley Martens
Ashley Martens
Journalist

Ashley Martens is a wellness writer based in Chicago. With a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley enjoys writing about topics to help people live happier and healthier lives. With a foundation in fitness, food, and nutrition, Ashley covers it all including sexual health and travel topics. Ashley is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.

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