Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets

Skip the drive through and enjoy these copycat Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets made right at home. These tender juicy nuggets are marinated in a quick pickle juice and milk brine then coated with a special seasoned breadcrumb mixture before being fried to a luscious golden crisp. They have become a favorite in my house with my kids and me absolutely loving how close to the original they taste.

These nuggets bring back nostalgic memories of family outings. I first tried the recipe when craving the real thing and now we make them at home weekly for movie nights and casual dinners.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: ensures lean tender nuggets
• Dill pickle juice: key to breaking down chicken fibers and adding tang
• Milk: combines with pickle juice for a buttermilk style marinade
• Allpurpose flour: helps the coating stick to the chicken
• Breadcrumbs: provide crunch and texture
• Garlic powder: adds savory depth
• Paprika: mild smoky warmth
• Salt and pepper: essential seasoning
• Powdered sugar: surprises with subtle sweetness and tenderness
• Baking powder: helps coating puff slightly for crispness
• Peanut oil: ideal frying oil for authentic flavor and high smoke point

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Pickle juice and milk combine to form a marinade that tenderizes the chicken breasts. Slice the chicken into bite sized nuggets then place them in a resealable bag. Pour in the pickle juice and milk mixture and seal tightly. Refrigerate for twenty to thirty minutes but no longer to avoid over brining.

Prep the Seasoned Coating:

While the chicken marinates, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, powdered sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. This blend is balanced perfectly to add crispness, a hint of sweetness, and savory flavor to each nugget.

Dredge the Nuggets:

Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and shake off excess liquid but do not pat dry. Toss each piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mix ensuring they are fully coated on all sides. The light coating will fry up delightfully crisp while sealing in moisture.

Heat the Oil:

Pour peanut oil in a deep frying pan or use a fryer and heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The right temperature is crucial to achieve that characteristic golden brown coating without greasy sogginess.

Fry Until Golden and Cooked Through:

Carefully add the nuggets to the hot oil making sure not to overcrowd the pan which will lower the temperature. Fry in batches for three to five minutes or until a deep golden brown color develops. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack for draining to maintain crispiness.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your hot crispy chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces. Chick Fil A sauce copycat is the classic choice but ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch are great options too. These nuggets are perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual snacking.

I love the pickle juice in this recipe because it not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a tangy brightness that makes these nuggets stand out. One fond memory is making a big batch for a birthday party where the kids devoured them before the cake even came out.

Storage Tips

Let the nuggets cool completely at room temperature before storing to avoid condensation that softens the coating. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to three months.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have peanut oil, use canola or vegetable oil though flavor will be slightly different. For a gluten free version, replace all purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten free blends that suit frying. Instead of paprika, smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky flavor for variation.

Serving Suggestions

These nuggets pair wonderfully with waffle fries and coleslaw for a classic Chick Fil A experience at home. Or serve in wraps with lettuce and pickles for a quick lunch. Add a side of homestyle mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a more complete meal.

These nuggets are a crowd pleaser and perfect for family meals. Make a batch for your next movie night and watch them disappear.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What makes these chicken nuggets juicy?

Marinating the chicken in a mixture of pickle juice and milk tenderizes the meat and keeps it juicy during frying.

→ Why is powdered sugar used in the coating?

Powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices and tenderizes the chicken for a moist interior.

→ What oil is best for frying these nuggets?

Peanut oil is recommended for frying to achieve a classic golden brown color and crisp texture.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinating for 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient to infuse flavor without overpowering the chicken.

→ Can I freeze and reheat the nuggets?

Yes, once cooled, store nuggets in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crisp.

→ What temperature should the oil be for frying?

Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.