Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets (Printer-Friendly)

Tender, juicy chicken bites with a perfectly crisp, golden crust for a flavorful and satisfying bite.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 - 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk

→ Coating

04 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
06 - 2 teaspoons garlic powder
07 - 2 teaspoons paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon baking powder

→ Frying

12 - Peanut oil, for deep frying (enough to submerge nuggets)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Combine dill pickle juice and whole milk in a large bowl or resealable bag.
02 - Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, powdered sugar, and baking powder. Stir well to evenly distribute all seasonings.
04 - Drain the chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (177°C), maintaining a consistent temperature throughout cooking.
06 - Cook coated chicken nuggets in batches to avoid overcrowding, frying each batch for 3 to 5 minutes until nuggets are deep golden brown and cooked through.
07 - Transfer fried nuggets to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispness. Avoid paper towels to prevent sogginess.
08 - Allow nuggets to cool slightly before serving with your preferred dipping sauces such as copycat Chick-fil-A sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Marinate chicken for only 20 to 30 minutes; longer marinating can cause overly soft texture.
02 - Use powdered sugar in the coating mixture to create subtle sweetness that balances savory spices and enhances browning.
03 - Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure crispy exterior without overcooking.
04 - Avoid overcrowding the fryer to prevent temperature drops and uneven cooking.
05 - Drain cooked nuggets on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep them crispy.

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