Chick fil A Grilled Nuggets

Smoky and tender grilled chicken nuggets are a serious upgrade from the drive-thru. Making this Chick fil A copycat in your own kitchen means fresher flavor and control over every ingredient.

My kids go wild for these and I love knowing exactly what goes in them. The first time I made them I realized just how much better homemade nuggets can taste compared to the ones I grew up eating.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins: extra tender and juicy opt for breast if that is all you have but tenderloins will always yield softer nuggets
• Olive oil: helps with browning and keeping the chicken moist choose a good quality extra virgin for flavor
• Apple cider vinegar: brightens up the marinade plus gently tenderizes avoid letting it sit overnight as it works fast
• Lemon juice: fresh or bottled for tang and a background of citrus
• Onion powder and garlic powder: foundational for savory depth use fresh bottles for boldest taste
• Italian seasoning: dried herb blend for herby notes check for vibrant aroma not dusty
• Salt and black pepper: balance and sharpness buy quality salt and crack your own pepper for best results
• Sugar: just a pinch so the acidity is not too sharp white or light brown both work
• Liquid smoke: authentic smoky flavor without a grill just a few drops go a long way use Wrights or Colgin brand if possible

Instructions

Marinade the Chicken:

Dice chicken into bite sized pieces as evenly as possible for even cooking. Make the marinade in a mason jar by combining olive oil apple cider vinegar lemon juice onion powder garlic powder Italian seasoning salt pepper sugar and liquid smoke. Shake well until fully blended and pour over chicken in a zip top bag. Squeeze out excess air and work the marinade into the chicken. Chill in the fridge for at least thirty minutes up to four hours. Discard marinade before cooking.

Preheat Grill Pan:

Set a ridged grill pan over medium heat on the stove. Add a few tablespoons olive oil and brush it over the pan ridges to help chicken not stick. Allow the pan to heat for five minutes so you get good sear marks.

Grill the Chicken:

Arrange marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the pan leaving some space so they grill not steam. Let cook untouched for about four minutes. Check with tongs if they release easily then flip each piece. Cook another three to four minutes until grilled on both sides and internal temperature reads one hundred sixty five degrees. Remove from heat.

Rest and Serve:

Let the nuggets rest a couple minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

My son and I love tossing these into salads after soccer practice and they never last long.

Storage Tips

Keep grilled nuggets airtight in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage freeze them flat on a tray then move to a zip top bag. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to bring back a little crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find tenderloins use chicken breasts just slice away the inner tender for closest results. No apple cider vinegar white wine vinegar is fine in a pinch. Italian seasoning can be swapped for a pinch each of dried oregano basil and thyme.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with homemade honey mustard classic Chick fil A sauce or a tangy barbecue. These make a top notch salad topper or quick protein for wraps and lunchboxes.

Cultural Context

Chick fil A grilled nuggets emerged as a lighter fast food alternative in the last decade but the restaurant version is full of additives. This homemade version strips it down to whole ingredients that are familiar and comforting.

Seasonal Adaptations

Eat warm in wraps during cold months or chill and serve on a fresh salad for summer lunch. Add a handful of diced grilled vegetables to the grill pan to add color and flavor. Swap lemon for orange juice in winter for a sweeter option.

Success Stories

A neighbor borrowed the recipe for her meal prep and now makes them weekly for her teens. I have heard from readers who batch cook these for road trips and healthy snacking on the go.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Lay cooked nuggets out on a baking sheet and freeze till solid. Then bag and stash away for up to three months. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet with a splash of water and cover so they steam through.

Make a big batch for meal prep and enjoy homemade grilled nuggets that are better than takeout every time.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What kind of chicken is best for these nuggets?

Chicken tenderloins are preferred for their tenderness, but chicken breasts can also be used if cut into bite-sized pieces.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.

→ Can I grill these nuggets outdoors instead of on a stovetop pan?

Yes, you can use an outdoor grill if desired. Be sure to oil the grates and grill over medium heat until cooked through.

→ What purpose does the apple cider vinegar serve?

Apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tang that balances the marinade flavors.

→ Is liquid smoke necessary for authentic flavor?

While optional, liquid smoke adds a signature smoky taste reminiscent of Chick fil A’s grilled nuggets.

→ How do I know when the nuggets are cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a golden, slightly charred exterior.