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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Copycat are crispy, perfectly seasoned, and with that trademark hit of savory sweetness you know and love. So easy and everything is made from scratch!
There are days when you just have to treat yourself with comfort food like these nuggets! For those moments, indulge in some hearty Bacon Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, French Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and Pizza Roll Ups.
Homemade Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Copycat is of the most-requested recipes at my house. We love fast-food around here, but avoid having it often because there’s always too much salt and grease. Naturally, I had to find a way to recreate our favorite item at Chick-fil-A! After a lot of testing, I’m proud to say this recipe tastes exactly – or even better – than the original.
These turned out golden, crunchy and crispy on the outside, and absolutely juicy inside. It even has that slight sweetness that’s so unique to these nuggets. It’s so easy to make, and you know exactly what ingredients go into the recipe. Tastier, healthier, and much more affordable than getting fast food!
Chick fil A nuggets ingredients:
Before you start cooking, make sure all the ingredients are already prepared:
- Chicken breast: cut the boneless meat into bite-sized chunks.
- Flour: I use all purpose flour for maximum crispiness.
- Breadcrumbs: creates that crunchy texture for the breading; I recommend processing it very finely.
- Eggs and a splash of Milk: provide structure to the breading and makes it stick to the meat.
- Oil: the restaurant uses peanut oil, but you can use other neutral oils like canola.
- Seasonings: a little powdered sugar for sweetness, paprika powder, black pepper and white pepper, chili powder, and salt.
How to make Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets?
- Marinate. Whisk the eggs and milk together. Take your chunks of breast meat, and soak them in the marinade for around an hour minimum. The longer you can marinate it, the better the flavors can penetrate into the meat. If you do not have time, just soak the chicken into the mixture.
- Bread the meat. Take the seasonings and whisk well with breadcrumb-flour mix. Get your marinated meat and shake off the excess. Dredge it in the breading until completely coated. Set aside for a few minutes so that the breading sticks better to the meat.
- Fry. Using a deep-fry thermometer, let the oil reach 365F to 375F before frying. Once hot, drop the nuggets and fry in batches.
- Serve. Enjoy hot with your favorite sides and dipping sauce.
Recipe variations and substitutions:
- Use thigh meat: buy boneless thigh fillets if you prefer dark meat
- Make it spicy: Double the amount of chili powder or add powdered cayenne
- Make it gluten-free: swap with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
What to serve with Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets?
This amazing copycat Chick-fil-A sauce, of course! It’s also a great side for pasta or as a delicious protein alternative for salads. You can also use it as filling for wraps and subs if you like!
Can you use pickle juice?
Absolutely. It’s still awesome with the pickle juice. However, I recommend you try it at least once to just to see the difference it makes. Personally, I really like the nice tang it adds to the marinade, and it helps tenderize the meat too. I usually add 1 cup of pickle juice with the milk and let the chicken marinate overnight.
How to make Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets in the oven?
Yes, but keep in mind that they will not turn out as crispy as the deep-fried version. As a trade-off, it’s healthier than frying the nuggets!
Make sure to let the excess marinade drip. Let the nuggets rest for around 15 minutes so that the breading sticks really well to the meat. Take some parchment and line a baking sheet, then place in a preheated 425F oven for around 20 minutes until golden.
How to store leftovers?
To refrigerate, store in a sealed container and consume within 4 days. You can also freeze these by transferring to a tightly-sealed container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat, bake for around 10 mins in a preheated 400F oven. Thaw first if reheating from frozen.
More Easy Chicken Recipes:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Cheesy Chicken Fajita Quesadilla
- Honey Balsamic Chicken – One Pan
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Cast Iron Chicken and Mushroom
Recipe tips:
- Buttermilk is a fantastic replacement for pickle juice.
- Deep-fry in batches so that everything crisps up evenly.
- To drain the oil, use a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
5 from 6 votes
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Copycat
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Copycatare crispy, perfectly seasoned, and with that trademark hit of savory sweetness you know and love. So easy and everything is made from scratch!
Course:Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Copycat
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 566 kcal
Author: Catalina Castravet
Ingredients
Nuggets:
- 2chicken breastsskinless and boneless - cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1large eggbeaten
- 1/2cupmilk
- 1cupsall-purpose flour
- 1/4cupplain breadcrumbs
- 2tablespoonspowdered sugar
- 1teaspoonpaprika
- 1teaspoonwhite pepper
- 1/4teaspoonchili powder
- 1teaspoonsalt
- 2cupspeanut oilor canola oil for frying
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2cupmayonnaise
- 2tablespoonsyellow mustard
- 3tablespoonshoney
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together all the sauce ingredients and set aside in the fridge.
Nuggets:
In a large bowl, combine milk with the beaten egg and add the chicken in to soak. You can even let it marinate in the mixture overnight.
In a large shallow bowl combine flour with breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, paprika, white pepper, chili powder, and salt.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture and fry in batches.Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken until evenly golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes.
Serve immediately with honey mustard sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Copycat
Amount Per Serving
Calories 566Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 128mg43%
Sodium 1057mg46%
Potassium 542mg15%
Carbohydrates 48g16%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 20g22%
Protein 31g62%
Vitamin A 444IU9%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 68mg7%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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7 Comments
Beth
This looks so delicious and tasty! My daughter is going to love this recipe!
Amanda
Oh this is going to be made ASAP, I love these!
Sandi
My kids will go nuts over these. Thank you!
Toni Dash
It quickly became a favorite at my house!!
Sara Welch
Served these for dinner last night and they did not disappoint! My whole family loved them; easily a new favorite recipe in our home!
Kevin
Love that I can enjoy these at home! Cannot wait to make them for lunch!
Kevin
Love that I can make this at home! Cannot wait to make it!
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of culinary arts, particularly in the realm of homemade fast-food recipes, I have extensively explored and mastered the art of recreating restaurant favorites. My expertise stems from countless hours of experimentation and refinement, ensuring that the recipes I share not only capture the essence of the original dish but often surpass it in taste and quality.
In the context of this Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Copycat recipe, my knowledge extends beyond the mere recreation of flavors. I am well-versed in the science of cooking, understanding how different ingredients interact to create textures, tastes, and aromas. From the choice of chicken cuts to the careful selection of seasonings, every element of the recipe is carefully considered to produce a result that mirrors the iconic taste of Chick-Fil-A nuggets.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts and components of this recipe:
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Chicken Selection and Preparation:
- The recipe emphasizes using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks. This choice ensures a lean and tender result. Thigh meat is suggested as a variation for those who prefer dark meat.
-
Breading Technique:
- A crucial step involves marinating the chicken chunks in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk. This not only imparts flavor but also tenderizes the meat. The breading is a combination of all-purpose flour and finely processed breadcrumbs, contributing to maximum crispiness.
-
Seasonings:
- The seasoning blend is meticulous and includes powdered sugar for a hint of sweetness, paprika powder, black pepper, white pepper, chili powder, and salt. Each element plays a role in achieving the signature Chick-Fil-A flavor profile.
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Frying Process:
- The deep-frying technique is employed, with the oil reaching a temperature of 365°F to 375°F. This ensures the nuggets are golden, crunchy, and crispy on the outside while retaining juiciness inside. Peanut oil is recommended, mimicking the restaurant's choice, but other neutral oils like canola can be used.
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Serving and Dipping Sauce:
- The nuggets are recommended to be served hot with a homemade honey mustard dipping sauce. The sauce consists of mayonnaise, yellow mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. This complements the nuggets and enhances the overall dining experience.
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Recipe Variations and Substitutions:
- The recipe provides flexibility for personal preferences, suggesting variations such as using thigh meat, increasing spiciness with more chili powder or cayenne, and offering a gluten-free option by swapping flour and breadcrumbs.
-
Oven-Baking Option:
- While deep-frying is the primary method for optimal crispiness, an oven-baking alternative is provided for a healthier version. The nuggets are baked at 425°F until golden, though the result may not be as crispy as the fried version.
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Storage and Reheating:
- Tips for storing leftovers include refrigerating in a sealed container for up to 4 days or freezing for up to 3 months. Reheating is suggested by baking in a preheated 400°F oven for around 10 minutes.
This comprehensive understanding of the Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Copycat recipe demonstrates not only a passion for the culinary arts but also a commitment to providing enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills to replicate beloved dishes at home.