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

Marine Corps Mule
Marine Corps Mule

AI, Robots and the Future of Conservation

Is the future filled with AI robots using facial recognition to check your hunting license? Will a cloud of “smart” drones launch on opening day? And why can’t hunters buy one of those robotic mules designed for the Marine Corps to haul big game out of a wilderness? If you've ever wondered about any of the above, check out this latest piece from our own Guy Sagi.

Turkey Tactics: Scout Now for Spring Gobblers

Want to find success this spring? Get on the ground now and start scouting for those springtime Toms.

First Look: Ameristep Wide Bottom Blind

Ameristep has launched a new, oversized hunting blind for 2026, featuring all-over Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage. The Frontline Wide-Bottom Extreme accommodates up to three hunters along with all their gear.

Henry National Forest Foundation Rifle Series

Henry Repeating Arms has launched a new series of commemorative rifles to benefit the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the nonprofit partner of the United States Forest Service (USFS).

NRA Unveils NRA App

Your National Rifle Association (NRA) has unveiled its new official NRA App, which creates a whole new way to access magazine content, member benefits, legislative news and more!

Hardware Review: Rossi R95 360 Buckhammer

A fun lever-action in a deer-dropping straight wall chambering? Sign us up! Read on for Brad Fitzpatrick's review.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.