McDonald's Chicken McNuggets (10 piece): Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (162g (5.7 oz)). Source: McDonald's USA Nutrition Facts, March 2026.
McDonald's Chicken McNuggets are bite-sized pieces of white meat chicken coated in a light, crispy batter. Introduced in 1983, they quickly became one of McDonald's best-selling items worldwide. A 10-piece serving contains 410 calories and 23g of protein, making them a relatively protein-dense option. The calorie count does not include dipping sauces, which can add 30 to 110 calories each depending on the variety. McNuggets are available in 4-piece (170 cal), 6-piece (250 cal), 10-piece (410 cal), and 20-piece (830 cal) portions.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 410 | 21% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Fat | 24g | 31% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 850mg | 37% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a McDonald's Chicken McNuggets (10 piece)?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast Meat | 200 | 23g | 0g | 10g |
| Tempura Batter and Breading | 150 | 2g | 24g | 5g |
| Frying Oil (absorbed) | 60 | 0g | 0g | 10g |
Daily Intake
21% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 1590 calories remaining.
Burn Off 410 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: Chicken McNuggets (10 piece) Recipe
A homemade version of the McDonald's Chicken McNuggets (10 piece) with similar nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- •2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400g / 14 oz total)
- •1 cup all-purpose flour
- •1/4 cup cornstarch
- •1 teaspoon baking powder
- •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- •1/2 teaspoon paprika
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •2 eggs, beaten
- •4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- 1
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces, about 2.5 to 4cm (1 to 1.5 inches) each. You should get about 20 pieces total.
- 2
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the coating on firmly and shake off any excess.
- 4
Heat the oil to 375F (190C) in a heavy pot or deep fryer. Fry the nuggets in batches of 5-6 pieces for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74C (165F). Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Similar Dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in 10 Chicken McNuggets?
A 10-piece serving of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets contains 410 calories, with 23g of protein, 26g of carbohydrates, and 24g of fat. It also has 850mg of sodium, which is about 37% of the daily recommended limit. Keep in mind that dipping sauces add extra calories on top of this count.
Are Chicken McNuggets made with real chicken?
Yes, McDonald's McNuggets are made from white meat chicken breast. The chicken is ground and formed into four distinct nugget shapes (bell, boot, ball, and bone), then battered and fried. McDonald's removed all artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors from McNuggets in 2016. The ingredient list still includes some processing aids, but the primary protein source is genuine chicken breast meat.
Which McDonald's dipping sauce has the fewest calories?
Hot Mustard (45 cal) and Tangy BBQ (45 cal) are the lightest dipping sauce options available. Sweet and Sour sauce has 50 calories per packet. On the higher end, Ranch and Creamy Ranch sauces contain about 110 calories each. If you are watching your calorie intake, choosing a lower-calorie sauce can save you 60 or more calories per packet.
How many McNuggets should I eat on a diet?
A 6-piece serving (250 cal, 15g protein) is a reasonable portion for a calorie-controlled meal. Pair it with a side salad instead of fries to keep the total meal under 400 calories. If you are focused on protein intake, the 10-piece (410 cal, 23g protein) offers a solid protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.056g per calorie, which is better than many other fast food options.
Track Your Own Chicken McNuggets (10 piece)
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual chicken mcnuggets (10 piece) and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
Calculate your daily calorie target · Calculate your macros
