Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets

Skip the drive-through and make these copycat Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets right at home along with my famous Chick Fil A Sauce copycat recipe. These tender, juicy nuggets have quickly become a favorite in my family because they capture that perfect balance of crisp golden coating with a juicy interior. My kids absolutely lose their minds for these little bites and honestly, I do too.

I first made this recipe on a whim during a weekend at home, and now it’s requested almost every week for dinner. It always brings a smile to the table.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: for lean, tender bites
• Dill pickle juice: drained from the jar which acts as a quick brine to tenderize and flavor the chicken
• Milk: to combine with pickle juice resembling a buttermilk marinade that adds juiciness
• Allpurpose flour: to create a light, crispy base for the coating
• Breadcrumbs: for added crunch and texture coating each nugget perfectly
• Garlic powder: for aromatic depth and flavor
• Paprika: adds smoky warmth opt for sweet paprika if you want a milder touch
• Salt and pepper: for essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors
• Powdered sugar: gives a balanced sweetness that sets these nuggets apart from ordinary fried chicken
• Baking powder: added to the flour mix to help keep the coating light and crisp
• Peanut oil: for frying to get that authentic Chick Fil A taste and golden crunch use caution if you have peanut allergies

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Prep the Marinade:

Begin by mixing the pickle juice and milk in a resealable bag or bowl. Add the cut chicken breast pieces to this brine and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes. This short marinating time is key to tender, juicy nuggets without compromising the texture.

Mix Your Seasoning Blend and Coating:

While the chicken marinates in a large bowl combine flour breadcrumbs garlic powder paprika salt pepper powdered sugar and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the coating. I recommend measuring carefully and stirring until everything looks uniform for the best results.

Drain and Coat the Chicken:

Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and gently shake off excess liquid. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoning mixture and make sure it is evenly coated. Patting the coating onto the chicken will help build up the crust that crisps beautifully after frying.

Heat the Oil and Fry the Nuggets:

Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy bottomed pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit monitoring the temperature with a thermometer. Carefully drop some nuggets into the hot oil without overcrowding the pot. Fry the pieces in batches for 3 to 5 minutes or until they reach a perfect golden brown color and are cooked through. Remove and place the nuggets on a wire rack to drain avoiding paper towels which can make the coating soggy.

Serve and Enjoy with Favorite Dipping Sauces:

Once fried and rested briefly serve your homemade nuggets with Chick Fil A sauce ketchup ranch or barbecue sauce. They also pair wonderfully tossed in salads or inside wraps for quick meals.

My personal favorite part of this recipe is the marinade with pickle juice it just transforms the chicken into something so juicy and flavorful. I remember making this for a family movie night and the nuggets disappeared faster than any popcorn ever has.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To keep them crispy reheat in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. For longer storage freeze fully cooked nuggets after cooling completely putting them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag they will keep well up to three months.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap pickle juice with buttermilk for a more tangy marinade though you’ll miss some of the signature pickle flavor. Try smoked paprika instead of regular for a deeper smokier nuance. Use gluten free flour and breadcrumbs if you need to make the recipe wheat free. Vegetable or canola oil are okay substitutes for frying if peanut oil is unavailable though the flavor will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

These nuggets are perfect with classic sides like waffle fries coleslaw or a simple green salad. For a twist add them to a wrap with lettuce tomato and your favorite sauce. Tossing the nuggets in buffalo sauce or honey mustard also gives a fun flavor upgrade. Don’t forget to serve with plenty of dipping sauces to suit everyone's tastes.

If you want to make this recipe ahead freezing and reheating works wonderfully. Cool nuggets completely before bagging and reheat in the oven or air fryer to regain that perfect crunch.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What’s the secret to juicy chicken nuggets?

Marinating the chicken in a blend of pickle juice and milk tenderizes it, locking in moisture and creating juicy bites after frying.

→ Why is powdered sugar used in the coating?

Powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices and enhances the golden crust texture.

→ What oil is best for frying these nuggets?

Peanut oil is preferred for its high smoke point and ability to create a crispy, golden crust without overpowering flavors.

→ How do I keep the nuggets crispy after frying?

Drain the nuggets on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.

→ Can these nuggets be frozen and reheated?

Yes, freeze cooled nuggets in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.