Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Introduction

These Chick Fil-A style chicken nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and tender on the inside. Marinated in pickle juice and fried to golden perfection, they make a perfect snack or meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup dill pickle juice
• 1 whole large egg
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Peanut oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Trim and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Whisk together the egg, pickle juice, and milk. Place the chicken in the milk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
2. Step 2: Pour about 2 inches of peanut oil into a deep pan and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C).
3. Step 3: In a zip-lock bag, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the flour mixture. Shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Step 4: Carefully place about 8 nuggets at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Remove the nuggets from the oil and drain on paper towels. If cooking in batches, keep the cooked nuggets warm on a rack in a low oven.
6. Step 6: Serve the nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the flour mixture.
• Substitute the peanut oil with vegetable or canola oil if preferred.
• Marinate the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) for a more pronounced tangy flavor.
• Try baking the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes as a lighter alternative to frying.

Storage

Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will result in a juicier nugget with a slightly different flavor.

Why is pickle juice used in the marinade?

Pickle juice adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, creating a distinctive taste similar to Chick Fil-A nuggets.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 24 nuggets) 1x

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Description

These Chick-fil-A style chicken nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and tender inside. Marinated in a mixture of milk and dill pickle juice, then coated in a seasoned flour blend and fried to golden perfection, they offer a perfect copycat version of the beloved fast food classic. Great for a quick snack, meal, or party appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup dill pickle juice
• 1 whole large egg

Breading

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For Frying

• Peanut oil (enough for deep frying, about 2 inches deep)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim the chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces suitable for nuggets. This ensures even cooking and a perfect bite every time.
2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the whole egg, milk, and dill pickle juice. Place the chicken pieces into this marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
3. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of peanut oil into a deep pan and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C), ideal for frying chicken nuggets to a crispy golden finish.
4. Prepare the Breading: In a large zip-lock bag, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika. This seasoned flour mixture gives the nuggets their distinctive taste and crunch.
5. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken inside the flour mixture bag, seal, and shake well to evenly coat each piece with the seasoned flour.
6. Fry the Nuggets: Carefully add about 8 coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain and Keep Warm: Use a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. If cooking in batches, keep the nuggets warm on a rack in a preheated oven set to low heat.
8. Serve: Serve the nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious, homemade Chick-fil-A style experience.

Notes

• Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 375°F to avoid greasy or undercooked nuggets.
• Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour deepens the flavor and improves tenderness.
• Use peanut oil for frying as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately.
• Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, fried chicken nuggets, copycat Chick-fil-A recipe, crispy chicken nuggets