Recipe: Golden Wild Turkey Nuggets

by
posted on November 20, 2021
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 Marlin Dark
LEDE Marlin Dark

Hardware Review: Marlin Model 1895 Dark

If you think lever-action rifles should only have walnut stocks and a blued-metal finish, then the new Marlin Dark series with its polymer buttstock and aluminum AR-esque handguard probably won’t be your thing. That’s a shame, because this recent offering in Marlin’s line of modernized, capable lever-action rifles has a lot going for it in terms of performance, functionality and fun.

ATN Shipping TICO LTV Thermal Clip-On

This thermal clip-on device is a huge night-time gear multiplier for hunters and observers, transforming any daytime scope into a thermal sight.

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings

Glock, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th

First Look: Montana Rifle Company Marshall Hunting Rifle

Montana Rifle Company (MRC) has announced its Marshall Hunting Rifle—a rifle the company bills as being 10,000 rounds in the making.

Spring Gobbler Gear Roundup

Mike Roux lays out his winter's turkey gear discoveries, just in time for spring gobbler season.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Signs on as Official +ONE Partner

The National 4-H Shooting Sports program has joined the +ONE Movement, a national mentorship initiative led by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) that encourages peer-to-peer mentorship in the hunting and shooting sports.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.