Recipe: Golden Wild Turkey Nuggets

by
posted on November 20, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
recipe-golden-wild-turkey-nuggets_lead.jpg

Wild turkey management has been a positive and good news story across North America. Hunters have been instrumental in supporting conservation efforts to create and maintain new populations. For many of us, turkey hunting is like an obsession, where one just can't get enough. Taking advantage of the spring and fall seasons ensures a steady supply of wild turkeys.

One reason turkey is so popular is due to the way they grace a table. Wild turkey cooked properly is outstanding. It can be challenging to cook, as it tends to dry out quickly. Cooking turkey breast in oil with high heat locks in the moisture and brings out the natural flavors of a wild bird.

Nuggets are a popular way to serve any turkey. A light breading does not detract from the bird's flavor, and most will agree there is significantly more flavor in a wild bird than a store-bought one. 

A variety of dipping sauces can be used to augment flavors without giving up any of that turkey taste. Aubrey D. hot sauces will add some kick and flair to any meal. Check out the hot sauces and dipping sauces to go with the turkey nuggets—order online for shipping across North America.

Ingredients
• 2 boneless, skinless turkey breasts
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup corn flour
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp seasoning salt (Bearded Butcher Original or Chipotle)
• 1 quart cooking oil (peanut, corn or canola oil)

Wild Turkey Nuggets with French Fries


Directions

1. Trim silver skins and tough connective tissue off turkey breasts and cut the breasts into 1½-inch nuggets. Do not cut smaller pieces, as they will dry out when cooking.

2. Place the turkey nuggets in a large bowl and pour buttermilk over them to cover. Refrigerate overnight (8-24 hours).

3. Combine breadcrumbs, corn flour, and spices in a bag or airtight container.

4. Drain excess buttermilk off turkey nuggets. Place 4 or 6 nuggets at a time in the breadcrumbs and shake until fully coated.

5. Add cooking oil to a 12 to 14-inch Camp Chef cast iron frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Preheat cooking oil to 325 to 350°F, or medium-high. Gently place nuggets one at a time in the oil to fill the pan, and cook until they are golden brown, flipping once. The total cooking time will be 4 minutes.

6. Remove nuggets from oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess cooking oil. Serve hot with your favorite BBQ or dipping sauces.

The Bearded Butchers, based in Ohio, makes great seasonings and sauces for wild game that are gluten and MSG-free. Their variety pack of seasonings includes Chipotle, Original, Cajun and Hot seasoning blends, which work great to season nuggets and fries.

Latest

Hunter In A Field
Hunter In A Field

Interior Department Increases Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has issued a secretarial order aimed at greatly expanding hunting and fishing on publicly managed lands.

Hunting with the Jet Set

A three-day Montana set for waterfowl proves to the author that Benelli’s Advanced Impact barrel technology is a game changer.

New for 2026: Federal Terminal Ascent Handgun

Federal Ammunition has announced its new Terminal Ascent Handgun ammunition line, built to deliver accuracy and terminal performance for hunters who carry a handgun into the field.

First Look: Retay USA Asend

Retay USA has introduced its Asend rifle, a .22 LR bolt-action rifle for small game hunters everywhere.

Hot from SHOT: Top 10 Items for Backcountry Hunters

Every year manufacturers debut new and exciting guns, optics, backpacks, clothing, footwear and a plethora of other fun gear during the January Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Tradeshow (SHOT) in Las Vegas, Nev. This year I cruised the floors in search of awesome new gear suitable to my favorite kind of hunting: wilderness, backcountry-type adventures in wild and remote places. Here’s what I found.

AH Hunts: Late Season Alberta Geese Pt. 1

Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper joins American Hunter contributor Brad Fenson for a late-season Alberta goose hunt. Check out part 1 of the hunt here.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.