One of the best-selling items on the McDonald’s menu has to be their famous chicken nuggets. If you are a true fan of these chicken nuggets but are also someone who tries to watch what they eat, you’re at the right place. Let’s look at McDonald’s chicken nuggets’ calories and determine if they are healthy!

A portion of 4 pieces of McDonald’s chicken nuggets has about 170 calories. McDonald’s chicken nuggets come in 5 different sizes, which are four pieces, six pieces, ten pieces, 20 pieces, and 40 pieces, all with a separate calorie count.
Although people have had concerns about the nuggets from McDonald’s, since they are fried, they are still not as unhealthy as most people think. But, if you still have concerns, try a healthier version of McDonald’s chicken nuggets with this recipe.
In this informative post, we will discuss what exactly goes about in these nuggets and how they can be considered healthy. So, read on till the end!
McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Ingredients

We will discuss the nutritional values of McDonald’s chicken nuggets very soon. However, before we do that, you must understand what happens in these nuggets. Once you know the ingredients, it will be much easier to determine whether or not these nuggets are healthy!
Here are the ingredients used to make McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets:
- White Boneless Chicken,
- Water,
- Vegetable Oil (canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil),
- Enriched Flour (bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid),
- Bleached Wheat Flour,
- Yellow Corn Flour,
- Vegetable Starch (modified Corn, Wheat, Rice, Pea, Corn),
- Salt,
- Leavening (baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Calcium Lactate, Monocalcium Phosphate),
- Spices,
- Yeast Extract,
- Lemon Juice Solids,
- Dextrose,
- Natural Flavors.
How Many Calories In McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets?

Now that you are familiar with the ingredients used to make these nuggets, we can look at the calories and other nutritional content of these chicken nuggets. McDonald’s serves chicken nuggets in five different sizes, and here we will take a look at the calories of all the sizes offered.
Nutrient | 4-Piece | 6-Piece | 10-Piece | 20-Piece | 40-Piece |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Calories | 170 cal | 250 cal | 410 cal | 830 cal | 1660 cal |
Carbohydrates | 10 g | 15 g | 26 g | 51 g | 102 g |
Protein | 9 g | 14 g | 23 g | 46 g | 92 g |
Fat | 10 g | 15 g | 24 g | 49 g | 99 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 2.5 g | 4 g | 8 g | 16 g |
Cholesterol | 25 mg | 40 mg | 65 mg | 130 mg | 255 mg |
Sodium | 330 mg | 500 mg | 850 mg | 1670 mg | 3350 mg |
Potassium | 140 mg | 220 mg | 360 mg | 720 mg | 1450 mg |
Fiber | 0 g | 1 g | 1 g | 2 g | 4 g |
Sugar | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
Look at this detailed article on McDonald’s menu nutrition to know the entire menu’s calories and other nutritional values.
Are McDonald’s Nuggets Healthy?

Yes, McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets are a healthy option. They can be considered beneficial since they are packed with protein, and a small portion does not have as many calories.
The saving point for these nuggets that make them healthy is that they are loaded with protein. Moreover, they also do not have any added sugar, which is undoubtedly a bonus. But, regardless of that, it is also important to remember that the nuggets are eventually fried.
So, that increases the fat content to a high extent. This is something that anyone who likes McDonald’s chicken nuggets should be aware of. Although a small portion is not too high in calories, it is best to stick to such moderate amounts. Try not to eat too many chicken nuggets from McDonald’s at a time; you should be all right.
Conclusion
McDonald’s chicken nuggets can be considered a healthy option from the fast food chain since a small portion does not have too many calories. Moreover, the chunks also have a decent amount of protein. However, they do have a high fat content, and that is something that everyone should be aware of. So, stick to moderate portions of the same.
Moreover, you genuinely enjoy McDonald’s food but are worried about its calorie content. In that case, you should look at McDonald’s McChicken calories and McDonald’s hamburger calories to figure out if they are healthy. Also, if you like McDonald’s breakfast items, look at McDonald’s hash brown calories, too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are McDonald’s chicken nuggets healthy?
Yes, McDonald’s chicken nuggets are healthy.
How many calories in a small portion of McDonald’s chicken nuggets?
A small portion of McDonald’s chicken nuggets has 170 calories.
Do McDonald’s chicken nuggets have a high-fat content?
Yes, McDonald’s chicken nuggets do have a high-fat content.
Is it okay to eat McDonald’s chicken nuggets?
Eating McDonald’s chicken nuggets is okay as long as you have them occasionally.