Chick-fil-A Nuggets feature tender, juicy chicken pieces seasoned with a blend of special spices, hand-breaded and cooked to a golden, crispy perfection, delivering a savory and satisfying bite every time.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Baking sheet or tray
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Wire rack
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Peanut oil (for frying)
When preparing your chicken nuggets, make sure to marinate the boneless, skinless chicken breast in dill pickle juice for at least 30 minutes to infuse a tangy flavor and tenderize the meat. Use a precise blend of spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper to replicate the signature Chick-fil-A taste. The batter mixture contains powdered sugar which enhances the crispiness and adds a subtle sweetness, an important factor for achieving the authentic texture. Fry the nuggets in peanut oil, maintaining the oil temperature around 350degF, to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil. Your homemade Nuggets from the Chick-fil-A copycat menu will deliver a perfectly balanced savory and juicy bite, just like the restaurant classic.
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces.
- Place chicken pieces in a bowl and pour pickle juice over them.
- Cover and marinate chicken in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and whole milk.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Drain the chicken pieces from the pickle juice.
- Dip chicken pieces into the egg-milk mixture.
- Transfer chicken pieces to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly.
- Place coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or tray.
- Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken nuggets in batches for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove fried nuggets using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
- Drain nuggets on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Chick-fil-A Nuggets copycat recipes capture the same tender, juicy chicken pieces with a flavorful spice blend and crispy hand-breaded coating. If you can't find dill pickle juice, you can substitute it with a mixture of vinegar and a pinch of sugar to mimic the tangy flavor profile. Using peanut oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point, but vegetable oil or canola oil can be used as alternatives if needed. When deep-frying, maintain the oil temperature near 350degF to ensure a golden crust without greasiness. Your crispy nuggets will turn out best when drained on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep them from becoming soggy.
Tips
Marinating your chicken in dill pickle juice is crucial as it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with a subtle tangy flavor. Ensure the peanut oil reaches a consistent temperature of 350degF (175degC) for even cooking and a crispy exterior; using a thermometer helps maintain this. Thoroughly coat each nugget in the seasoned flour mixture to achieve the characteristic flavorful crust Chandler's famous for. Remember to drain the fried nuggets on a wire rack with paper towels to keep them crisp rather than soggy--you'll appreciate the texture when serving.
Nutritions
Chick-fil-A Nuggets provide a rich source of protein from boneless, skinless chicken breast, essential for muscle growth and repair. The blend of spices adds flavor without significantly increasing calories or sodium, while the hand-breading process imparts a crispy texture with moderate carbohydrates. Frying in peanut oil contributes healthy fats, enhancing satiety and energy. Your meal offers a balanced combination of macronutrients, but mindful portion control is key to maintaining nutritional benefits.
Storage
Store your Chick-fil-A Nuggets in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness and flavor for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the nuggets on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be kept frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) to restore their crispy texture without drying out the chicken.
Variation or Alternatives
For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch to maintain crispiness. You can substitute pickle juice with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to achieve a tangy marinade if you don't have pickles on hand. Instead of deep frying, bake the nuggets at 400degF (200degC) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for a healthier alternative. Your choice of spices can be adjusted by adding smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky or spicier flavor profile.
Allergies
Chick-fil-A Nuggets contain common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat, which may trigger reactions in individuals with allergies to these ingredients. The use of peanut oil for frying also poses a risk for those with peanut allergies. You should exercise caution and review all ingredients carefully if you have known food sensitivities or allergies.
Why this recipe?
Chick-fil-A's Nuggets menu is celebrated for its perfectly tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, crispy breading that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. The blend of seasonings offers a unique taste profile that appeals to a wide audience, making it a go-to comfort food. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this iconic flavor at home, saving money while customizing spice levels and ingredient quality. Your homemade nuggets can capture the signature Chick-fil-A experience without the need to visit the restaurant.