Chicken nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a type of chicken product made from chicken meat that is breaded or battered, then deep-fried or baked. They are commonly served as a snack, appetizer, or fast food worldwide.

History

The chicken nugget was invented in the 1950s by Robert C. Baker, a food science professor at Cornell University, and published as unpatented academic work. This invention made it possible to form chicken nuggets in any shape.

Production

Chicken nuggets are made from the meat of a chicken, typically the breast, which is ground and then shaped into small pieces. The nuggets are then coated in a mixture of flour, water, and seasonings to create a batter. This batter is then fried or baked to create the final product.

Nutritional value

Chicken nuggets are high in protein and, when baked, can be part of a healthy diet. However, they also can be high in fat and sodium, especially when deep-fried. Some chicken nuggets may also contain additives and preservatives.

Health concerns

There have been health concerns over the ingredients in chicken nuggets. Some brands have been found to contain less than 50% chicken meat, with the rest made up of fat, blood vessels, nerves, cartilage and bones. In addition, the high levels of fat and sodium can contribute to obesity and heart disease.

See also

• Fast food
• Chicken (food)
• Robert C. Baker
• Cornell University