The United States of Chicken Nuggets

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 21 October 2024

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

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When it comes to beloved fast food treats, the chicken nugget still has absolute icon status. From the spicy kick of Wendy’s nuggets to the crispy Chick-fil-A variety to the classic, boot-shaped and battered McD’s version, the nation has its own regional and personal preferences when it comes to this iconic fast-food item. Do you ever find yourself just sitting around and wondering which fast-food nuggets are at the top in each state, how many are devoured in a single sitting, or often people dig in? Us too.

Key Takeaways:

The OG, the torchbearer, the home of that elusive Szechuan sauce – Mickey D’s – came out on top in the majority of states
Nationally, the average amount of nuggets eaten in one sitting is 12.9
Columbus, Ohio, eats over a nugget more per sitting on average than any other city
For all the nugg-love out there, a solid 35% of those surveyed say they rarely indulge

The Most Popular Fast-Food Nuggets by State

While Americans across the country definitely love their nuggets, they’re not all reaching for the same brands (or even have them around). Sure, most people have had a McDonald’s nugget, but have you had the ones from CookOut? (You should try.) Here’s the breakdown of which nugget chain holds the title in each state:

A state-by-state breakdown of the most popular fast-food chicken nuggets across the country.

Chick-fil-A: This Southern favorite tops the list in 19 states, including Alabama, California, and Texas. Known for its quality, juicy nuggets, signature, and mascot, Chick-fil-A’s cult following has made it a staple particularly in the South and Midwest. Just don’t expect to get your fix on a Sunday.
McDonald’s: Repeat: the famed golden arches aren’t just a symbol of Big Macs. McDonald’s dominates nugget preferences in 21 states like Alaska, Missouri, and New Mexico. Their long-running McNuggets have been a comfort food for Americans since the ‘80s, benefitting from the nostalgia factor and that classic, fried food flavor.
Wendy’s: Known for their spicy nuggets, Wendy’s has secured double digits with 10 states including Ohio, Michigan, and perhaps surprisingly, New York. Wendy’s nuggets are particularly loved by fans looking for a combo of heat and crunch with each bite.
Other Popular Nuggets: Although Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s cover most of the country, a few other chains hold the title in specific states. People love that chicken from Popeyes (get it?) in Louisiana, Burger King rules Kansas and Vermont, and Kentucky can’t get enough of those 11 spices at KFC. And thankfully North Carolina resident’s selected CookOut as their top choice, otherwise we may have riots on our hands.

States With the Most Nugget Love

While every state has a nugget favorite, some states take their love of nuggets to a whole new level in terms of quantity per meal. The national average of nuggets per meal is 12.9, but certain states leave that in the dust.

Missouri officially leads the nation with an average of 15.4 nuggets per meal and earns the top spot when it comes to nugget enthusiasts – as they deserve with that number. North Carolinians aren’t too far behind, though, consuming 14.9 nuggets on average per meal (you’ve got to try their favorite, CookOut!). Rounding out the top three is Indiana with an average of 14.1 nuggets per meal, mostly in the form of those tender, flavorful, Chick-fil-A poppables.

If you’re wondering what other states are home to folks that deposit over a dozen chicken nuggets into their systems, honorable mentions Pennsylvania and Georgia consume about 13.3 and 12.7 nuggets per meal. Interestingly, the states that consume the most nuggets per meal largely align with Chick-fil-A’s values, showcasing their love for hearty servings and a hearty faith.

Cities That Pack in the Most Nuggets

If you’re looking for specific cities where that same nugget enthusiasm reaches a whole new level, just know that some go well beyond the national average of 13.1 nuggets per meal. Here’s where people are cramming in nuggets the most:

Columbus, OH: With a very impressive 16.5 nuggets per meal consumption average, Columbus wins the single-sitting spoils. Fun fact: Wendy’s is headquartered in nearby Dublin, so we’re going to safely assume that has a bit to do with it?
Kansas City, MO: Known for its love of all things fried, Kansas City residents consume around 15.3 nuggets per meal on average.
Charlotte, NC: At an average of 14.5 nuggets per meal, Charlotte nugget lovers are meeting the needs of their cravings AND wallets at CookOut.
Phoenix and Pittsburgh: Phoenix and Pittsburgh both boast averages just above the national one, with 13.6 and 13.1 nuggets per meal respectively – and earn the respect of 4th and 5th place for that reason.

While larger metropolitan areas like Houston, Orlando, and Dallas feature lower average nugget counts (between 11 and 12), their consistent consumption shows that cities’ inhabitants nationwide enjoy chicken nuggets as a quick, affordable, and comforting meal option.

How Often Do Americans Eat Chicken Nuggets?

When it comes to nugget frequency, the U.S. is a nation of occasional nugget munchers rather than daily devotees – thank goodness. So, just how often people are reaching for one of those cute boxes with the tiny flaps?

A near half of Americans (45%) enjoy nuggets about once a month, putting them in the dependable indulgence category rather than the eating them for full meals regularly one. Right behind the majority are the 35% of respondents who say they rarely eat nuggets, perhaps saving them for very special occasions or just preferring other fast-food options. And, yes, 2% of Americans eat them daily – a type of dedication we really don’t need to know more about.

In truth, the vast majority of nug lovers have a spot for them in their regular diet, reflecting the unwavering commitment to blending healthy options and cravings to get all the food favorites in.

With so many different flavors, textures, brands, and plant-based options out there now, the chicken nugget landscape is a battleground that is always evolving. From state-by-state loyalty to the sheer quantity of nuggets devoured in Columbus and Kansas City, chicken nuggets continue to be a quintessential fast-food favorite, with each region putting its unique spin on this crispy delight. Whether it’s for a quick bite on the go, a comforting snack, or a nostalgic indulgence, nuggets remain a beloved part of American fast-food culture.

Methodology

In October 2024, we surveyed 2,103 American adults. The median age of the respondents was 34. Gender distribution was 53% men, 46% women, and 1% other gender identities.

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