Ever wondered what Burger King chicken nuggets are made of?
Burger King chicken nuggets are made of chicken or white meat slurry. This chicken slurry combines chicken and some other ingredients to form a paste with an enzyme that glues them together.
If you want to know more about Burger King’s chicken nuggets, what they are, the ingredients that go into them, and if they are healthy, this article is for you.
About Burger King
Burger King (BK), formally known as Insta-Burger King, is a multinational food restaurant in America. The company started in 1953 and currently has its headquarters in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Due to financial reasons, Insta-Burger King was sold to David Edgerton and James McLamore.
Later, the name was changed to Burger King, and has since been known worldwide with over 17,000 outlets globally. Burger King is currently under the parent brand Restaurant Brands International.
The restaurant chain makes and sells several products such as hamburgers, French fries, milkshakes, desserts, salads, breakfasts, and chicken.
What are chicken nuggets?
Chicken nuggets are chicken pieces that have been deboned, breaded, and battered. Afterward, it is deep-fried or also baked.
This dish was invented in the 1950s by Robert Baker and has since been a staple in many American homes and restaurants.
In some traditions or cultures, chicken nugget is eaten to mark important occasions.
What are Burger King chicken nuggets made of?
BK’s chicken nuggets are made of chicken slurry that is battered and breaded before it is deep-fried. The following is a complete list of ingredients used in making Burger King’s chicken nuggets.
- Chicken breast
- Rib meat
- Water
- Seasoning (such as yeast, flavor, potassium chloride, citric acid, yeast extract, and maltodextrin)
- Salt
- Food starch (that has been modified)
- Sodium phosphate.
The battering and breading ingredients include;
- Wheat flour (modified or enriched with niacin, thiamine mononitrate, iron, folic acid, and riboflavin)
- Wheat starch (modified)
- Corn starch
- Sodium acid phosphate
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Vegetable oil.
What does Burger King chicken nugget taste like?
BK’s chicken nuggets are salty and spicy. However, people believe it tastes better when dipped in salt or honey butter.
Nutritional information on Burger King chicken nuggets
According to the US Department of Agriculture, a 10-pc serving of Burger King’s chicken nuggets.
- Calories: 482
- Fat: 27g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 1006mg
- Cholesterol: 57mg
- Carbohydrate: 39g
- Sugar: 1g
- Saturated fat: 4.3g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Potassium: 402mg
It also contains monosaturated fat, trans fat, calcium, iron, polyunsaturated fat, and vitamins A & C.
Are Burger King chicken nuggets healthy?
Well, BK’s chicken nuggets are not a very healthy addition to any diet. They are high in sodium and fat.
This high sodium and fat content are risk factors for several health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
However, you can eat chicken nuggets without worrying about your health if you eat them in moderation. Also, you can have yours with veggies and salad to create a balanced nutrient profile.
Are Burger King chicken nuggets worth it?
If eaten moderately, BK’s chicken nuggets are worth it. They are also very affordable, and kids love eating them.
Healthy Burger King chicken nuggets alternatives
1. French toast sticks
Burger King’s French toast sticks are healthier than chicken nuggets. 3 pieces and a glass of milk is a very filling combination.
A 3-piece serving of French toast stick holds around 250 calories and 290mg of sodium, which is less than chicken nuggets. With a fair amount of protein, enough to make you feel filled for a while.
2. Burger King hash brown
Hash brown is another healthy chicken nugget alternative you should try. However, it may be less filling, so it’s best taken with a glass of fat-free milk.
A serving of hash brown contains 220 calories, 2g of fat, and 2g of protein. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which your body needs for various essential functions.
3. Croissan’wich
Burger King croissan’wich is a breakfast dish that consists of ham, cheese, egg, and often bacon or sausage. It is one of their lowest-calorie options and a healthy alternative too.
A serving of a croissan’wich contains a fair amount of calories and protein. However, it has a similar sodium level as chicken nuggets.
4. Burger
Hamburger or cheeseburger are also alternatives to try, with calories and fat, which is relatively low. However, you should avoid taking this dish with sauce as it may increase the number of calories.
A serving of Burger King hamburger or cheeseburger contains around 250 calories and 450mg of sodium.
5. Bacon cheeseburger (without the buns)
Bacon cheeseburger without the buns particularly targets those on a keto diet. This is because, without the buns, it contains lower carbs and calories count, which makes it keto diet-friendly.
FAQs
Why are Burger King chicken nuggets so cheap?
They are cheap because the cut or part of the chicken used is relatively affordable. Also, many believe it is a ploy to attract more customers as the competition for chicken nuggets is tough.
Are Burger King chicken nuggets made of real chicken?
Yes, they are. According to Burger King, their chicken nuggets are made of 100% lean meat chicken.
Why do people eat Burger King chicken nuggets so much?
Apart from the pocket-friendly price, the yeast extract and natural flavor it contains effortlessly make it taste irresistible.
Should you stop eating Burger King chicken nuggets?
Not necessarily. If you consume them in moderation, they are a delight to enjoy. Stick to 4 – 6 pieces no more than three times a week, and you will be fine.
Conclusion
BK’s chicken nuggets are made of white meat chicken that is battered, breaded, and then deep-fried. They are not too good for your health. However, moderate consumption is appropriate.
I strongly advise that you always pair your chicken nuggets with veggies and salad. You can also see in this article other Burger King menu options that are healthier to try.
Thank you for reading this article.
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