Chicken nuggets are a favorite snack for kids and adults alike. They make great lunchbox fillers and can even be used for dinner. Frozen nuggets are super convenient because you can just keep a few bags in your freezer to heat up in no time at all.
Tysons is a well-known and trusted American brand that has been providing US families with chicken and other protein products for many years.
While Tyson is known for many protein foods, today we’re looking at their chicken nuggets and specifically at why they may be grey at times.
The nuggets are marketed as being “crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.” We’re also told that they are made with 100% natural ingredients.
Basically, they’re made from chicken that is seasoned and breaded. They contain ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, vegetable oil, and wheat flour. They are precooked and do not contain any preservatives.
Now that we know what they are and what’s in them, let’s look at a few reasons why the nuggets may become grey. Of course, they are not supposed to be that color.
Why Are Tyson Chicken Nuggets Grey?
1. Quality of Meat
The occasional nugget may be greyish inside instead of white due to the quality of the chicken meat used. If poor-quality meat has been used in a particular batch, it will affect what the nuggets look like inside.
If this is the case, as long as the nuggets are within their sell-by date and have been stored correctly, they will be safe to eat. Make sure you heat them according to the instructions (see below) and you will be good to go.
2. Freezing Time Too Long
Another reason behind the grey color of chicken nuggets is the freezing time. This is because when chicken nuggets are kept in the freezer for too long, they will start to get freezer burn and become grey.
It is recommended that you eat nuggets within three months to get the best quality but they will still be safe for up to six months. This is provided that your freezer is set at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -18 degrees Celcius.
3. Type Of Meat
Some manufacturers use a mixture of light breast meat and darker wing and thigh meat to make their nuggets. This will cause the nuggets to be a greyish color. In this case, the snacks will be perfectly safe to eat.
While Tyson’s claims that their nuggets are made from white breast meat only, it is not impossible for some darker meat to be in there.
4. Past Their Expiration Date
If you have ruled out all three points mentioned above, there are chances that the chicken nuggets have gone bad, or they are simply past their expiration date.
So, whenever you open the Tyson chicken nuggets packet and see a grey color, you must check the expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, it’s time to throw out the chicken nuggets as they won’t be safe to eat.
Even if they are within the correct timeframe, use your senses to determine whether they’re safe. Use your sense of smell to guide you. If the nuggets smell “off”, they probably are.
Look to see if there are any large ice crystals on the chicken because this will indicate that the package of nuggets has been defrosted and refrozen – not a good sign in terms of freshness.
Taste is important too. If the nuggets taste sour or otherwise are not delicious, rather throw them away than take chances.
5. Poor Storage or Transportation Methods
Chicken nuggets or other frozen products must be correctly transported and stored for optimal freshness. Firstly, when buying them in the supermarket, always take a cooler with you.
Put them in straight away to maintain the cold chain. When you arrive home, put them into the freezer immediately. Always check the dates on the packaging and buy the freshest ones available.
Any break from these guidelines could result in grey nuggets that are no longer fresh and may not be safe to eat.
Now that we have examined five reasons your chicken nuggets may be grey, you may be wondering about the best way to cook them. Remember that Tyson’s nuggets are pre-cooked, so all you need to do is heat and crisp them.
If you have an air fryer, simply put some nuggets on the air fryer tray in a single layer. Cook them directly from frozen at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about seven minutes.
Alternatively, you can bake your nuggets in the oven. Preheat the oven to very hot – around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the frozen nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat them for about 12 minutes.
While you can heat nuggets in the microwave, it is not recommended as this method does not yield the best texture.
However, if it is your only option, arrange the nuggets in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Heat them on HIGH for about two minutes.
Allow them to stand for a couple of minutes before eating.
To conclude
We hope our five reasons for grey chicken nuggets being grey have been helpful to you. If in any doubt about your product’s safety, rather throw it away than end up in the emergency room.
Otherwise, enjoy your tasty protein snack!