Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Introduction

These Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets bring the beloved fast-food favorite right to your kitchen. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are marinated in pickle juice for a subtle tang and perfectly seasoned for a flavorful bite every time.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pickle juice
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Peanut oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until fully combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the milk and egg mixture, then coat evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
5. Step 5: Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken nuggets in batches until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. Step 6: Remove the nuggets from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
7. Step 7: Repeat the frying process until all nuggets are cooked.
8. Step 8: Serve the nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken pieces by repeating the milk and flour coating process before frying.
• If peanut oil is unavailable, vegetable or canola oil can be used for frying as alternatives.
• Adjust the seasoning in the flour mix to taste, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain 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 work well and can add more juiciness, but keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly.

Why is the pickle juice used in this recipe?

The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor that is characteristic of Chick-fil-A nuggets.

Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews

These Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets are crispy, tender, and packed with flavor. Marinated in pickle juice for a unique tang, then coated in a spiced flour mixture and fried to golden perfection, they make a perfect snack or meal accompaniment that rivals the fast food favorite.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 16 nuggets) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pickle juice

Batter and Coating

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Frying

• Peanut oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches each. This ensures even cooking and easy eating.
2. Marinate: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour over 1/2 cup of pickle juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to impart a tangy flavor and tenderize the chicken.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup milk and 1 egg until fully combined.
4. Prepare dry coating: In another bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and sugar.
5. Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, then dip each piece first into the milk and egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Next, dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to create a thick coating.
6. Heat oil: Pour peanut oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to about 1–2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain accurate temperature.
7. Fry the nuggets: Carefully add coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
8. Drain: Remove the fried nuggets with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
9. Repeat: Continue frying the remaining chicken pieces in batches until all pieces are cooked.
10. Serve: Serve the homemade chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken in pickle juice is key to replicating that signature Chick-fil-A flavor and keeping the meat juicy.
• Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure crispiness without absorbing too much oil.
• Use peanut oil or another high smoke point oil for best frying results.
• Do not overcrowd the pan while frying because it lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy nuggets.
• For gluten-free variation, use gluten-free flour blends and verify spices accordingly.

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