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Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 24 nuggets) 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://aromaofgrandma.com/copycat-chick-fil-a-chicken-nuggets-recipe/