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

LEDE John&Jim
LEDE John&Jim

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Passes Rules for Nonresident Hunters, Public Hunting Lands

New emergency rules and resolutions for public hunting lands were approved last month by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

First Look: Premium and Premium Deluxe Die Sets From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has expanded its Premium Die Set and Premium Deluxe Die Set product lines, including over seventy of the most popular cartridges in the industry today.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.