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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets
These Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets are crispy, juicy, and easy to make at home in just 30 minutes. Perfect for family meals or parties, they taste just like the real thing!
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Make your own delicious Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets at home with this easy recipe! These tender, juicy nuggets are perfectly seasoned and crispy, just like your favorite fast food spot. Enjoy them dipped in your favorite sauce for the ultimate homemade meal. Once you try these nuggets, you'll skip the drive-thru every time!
This recipe is super easy to follow, and you can find step-by-step photos and directions below. We’ve also included pro tips and tricks to make your nuggets perfect, plus answers to the most frequently asked questions!
More Recipes ⭐ Buffalo Chicken Tenders | One Pot Chicken Pasta | Oven Baked Chicken
These Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets take just thirty minutes to make and are perfect for any meal or party! The crispy, golden coating and juicy chicken will have everyone grabbing for seconds. Whether you're hosting a game day or craving fast food at home, these nuggets will impress. Skip the drive-thru and enjoy a fun, homemade meal that tastes even better!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Fried Chicken Nuggets recipe:
- 1 cup of cold full-fat buttermilk, well shaken
- ¾ cup of dill pickle juice
- 1 extra large egg, well beaten
- 1½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup of plain bread crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons of powdered sugar
- ¼ tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 cups of canola or vegetable oil
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Chick Fil A Nuggets recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These simple changes make your nuggets truly unique. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Seasoning: Try smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier, bolder flavor in your nuggets.
Substitute Chicken: Use turkey or tofu for a fun twist on your classic nuggets.
Substitute Milk: Swap regular milk with buttermilk or almond milk for extra flavor in your nugget batter.
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of these homemade chicken nuggets.
How to Make this Chic Fil A Nuggets Recipe
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and the helpful tips and tricks listed below. Let's get started on making these delicious Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets! You'll have a tasty meal in no time.
FIRST STEP: Whisk together the buttermilk, pickle juice, and egg.
SECOND STEP: Place the chicken pieces in a gallon-size ziplock or a medium-sized bowl (2-3 quarts). Pour the marinade over the chicken.
If you use a ziplock, remove as much excess air as possible, seal the baggie, and “massage” the chicken and marinade.
If you are using the bowl, tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill the chicken and marinade in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Pro Tip
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and pickle juice is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Aim for the full hour, or even a bit longer if possible, to maximize the taste.
THIRD STEP: While the chicken is marinating, combine flour, bread crumbs, powdered sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking powder, paprika, and black pepper in a medium bowl or gallon-size ziplock.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or seal the ziplock baggie and set it aside.
FOURTH STEP: Just before you are ready to cook your chicken nuggets, add the four cups of oil to a deep-sided 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Heat the oil to 350°F.
Pro Tip
Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep a close eye on the temperature, and adjust the stove top temperature up or down accordingly.
FIFTH STEP: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Drain off the marinade.
SIXTH STEP: Line a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with paper towels.
SEVENTH STEP: Dredge the chicken in the breading mixture. Place the coated chicken on a plate or baking dish.
EIGHTH STEP: When frying the chicken nuggets, you will need to work in batches.
Place the first batch of chicken nuggets into the hot oil and cook for about 2-2½ minutes per side until golden brown.
Be sure to adjust the stove top temperature up or down to keep the oil temperature at 350°F. Once all of the chicken nuggets are cooked, serve immediately.
How To Serve Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets
This Chicken Nuggets recipe is perfect for any occasion! Whether you're serving them at a family meal or a party, everyone will love them. Here are some fun ways to enjoy these delicious nuggets.
- Family Dinners: These nuggets are a kid-friendly favorite that make weeknight dinners fun and easy. Pair them with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for a complete meal.
- Game Day Parties: Perfect for sharing at game day parties! Serve them with fries, veggie sticks, and dipping sauces for a winning spread everyone will love.
- Potlucks or Picnics: These nuggets are a hit at potlucks or picnics because they travel well and stay tasty. Add pasta salad or coleslaw for a crowd-pleasing combo.
Why You'll Love This Chick Fil A Chicken Recipe
Chick Fil A Copycat Nuggets are a beloved favorite with our readers for several delicious reasons:
- Crispy Perfection: These nuggets deliver the same crispy, golden-brown coating that you know and love from Chick Fil A. Each bite bursts with juicy flavor, making them irresistible for nugget lovers everywhere.
- Easy to Make: Readers love how simple this recipe is to whip up at home. In just thirty minutes, you can enjoy fresh, restaurant-quality nuggets without leaving the house.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is a huge hit with kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for family dinners, picky eaters, or even party snacks. The nuggets satisfy every craving.
Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets aren't just a recipe—they're a fun, flavorful experience you'll want to make again and again!
Recipe FAQ
How do I get the nuggets crispy?
Coat the chicken evenly with flour, and make sure the oil is hot before frying for perfectly crispy nuggets.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
Use peanut oil to replicate the classic Chick Fil A chicken recipe, but vegetable oil works well too for a neutral taste.
How long should I fry the nuggets?
Fry the nuggets for about three to four minutes per side, until they are golden and fully cooked.
Why soak the chicken in milk before frying?
Soaking the chicken in milk tenderizes the meat and helps the breading stick better for that delicious crispy coating.
Serving FAQ
Can I serve these nuggets for a party?
Yes, these nuggets are perfect for parties! Make a large batch and serve with a variety of dipping sauces.
Are these nuggets kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the crispy texture and tender chicken, making this recipe a family favorite for meals or snacks.
How should I serve the nuggets for a crowd?
Place the nuggets on a large platter with sauces on the side, so everyone can help themselves.
Can I make these nuggets for a quick lunch?
Yes, they cook quickly and pair perfectly with a light salad or veggies for an easy, satisfying lunch option.
Storage FAQ
For the best results, follow the tips and tricks below for making ahead, storing, and reheating your Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets. From keeping them crispy to reheating leftovers, we've got everything covered!
Can I prepare Chick Fil A nuggets ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the nuggets up to a day in advance. Store them uncooked in the fridge, and fry them fresh before serving.
What's the best way to store leftover homemade Chick Fil A nuggets?
Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days to keep them fresh.
Can I freeze copycat Chick Fil A nuggets?
Yes, freeze the cooked nuggets in an airtight container for up to three months for longer storage.
How should I reheat homemade Chick Fil A nuggets?
Reheat the nuggets in the oven at 350°F for ten minutes or until they are crispy and heated through.
Can I reheat Chick-fil-A nuggets in the microwave?
Yes, use the microwave for quick reheating, but the nuggets may lose some crispiness. Heat in short thirty-second intervals.
Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets
These Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets are crispy, juicy, and easy to make at home in just 30 minutes. Perfect for family meals or parties, they taste just like the real thing!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold full-fat buttermilk (well shaken)
- ¾ cup dill pickle juice
- 1 extra large egg (well beaten)
- 1½ pounds chicken breast tenderloins (boneless and skinless (cut into 1-inch chunks))
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons powdered sugar
- ¼ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups canola oil (or vegetable oil)
DIRECTIONS
- Whisk together the buttermilk, pickle juice, and egg.
- Place the chicken pieces in a gallon-size ziplock or a medium-size bowl (2-3 quarts). Pour the marinade over the chicken. If you use a ziplock, remove as much excess air as possible, seal the baggie, and “massage” the chicken and marinade. If you are using the bowl, tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill the chicken and marinade in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- While the chicken is marinating, add the flour, bread crumbs, powdered sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking powder, paprika, and black pepper to a medium bowl or gallon-size ziplock. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or seal the ziplock baggie and set it aside.
- Just before you are ready to cook your chicken nuggets, add the 4 cups of oil to a deep-sided 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Heat the oil to 350°F. Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep a close eye on the temperature, and adjust the stove top temperature up or down accordingly.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Drain off the marinade.
- Line a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with paper towels.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour and breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated chicken on a plate or baking dish.
- When frying the chicken nuggets, you will need to work in batches. Place the first batch of chicken nuggets into the heated oil, and cook for about 2-2½ minutes per side until golden brown. Be sure to adjust the stove top temperature up or down to keep the oil temperature at 350°F. Once all of the chicken nuggets are cooked, serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and pickle juice is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Aim for the full hour, or even a bit longer if possible, to maximize the taste.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep a close eye on the temperature, and adjust the stove top temperature up or down accordingly.
Nutrition
Calories: 2470kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 233g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 64g | Monounsaturated Fat: 144g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 161mg | Sodium: 1578mg | Potassium: 834mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 3mg
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