No need to find the closest takeout. This copycat recipe for Chic fil a Chicken Nuggets is easy to make and just as tasty too! Great for those who don’t have this favorite drive-thru close by.
If you’re like me, you’ve found yourself craving those golden brown, delicious chicken nuggets from Chic-fil-A. Now, imagine making a copycat version right in your kitchen. You can practically see them, can’t you?
That perfect golden brown crust, the tender juicy chicken inside, all just waiting to be dipped in your favorite sauce and enjoyed. Well, daydream no longer!
Today, I’m sharing a recipe to bring those beloved Chic fil a chicken nuggets into your kitchen. Buckle up, fellow chicken nugget lover, we’re diving deep!
In the grand scheme of copycat recipes, these Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets stand out. Perfectly crispy, amazingly tender, and oh-so-flavorful, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe card box.
Whether you’re making them for a mid-week treat or serving them at your next gathering, these nuggets will give you deliciousness in every bite. And remember, next time that craving strikes, you have the power to satisfy it right at home!
Common Questions About Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
What’s the Secret to Their Unique Flavor?
The secret ingredient many people overlook? Pickle juice! Yes, that dill pickle juice acts as a flavor enhancer, giving the nuggets their signature tang. That’s certainly not what I was expecting when doing my research on this!
Can I Use an Air Fryer Instead of Deep Frying?
Absolutely! Air fryer chicken nuggets are a healthier alternative. Just make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking. Give them a spritz with your olive oil sprayer on both sides and let them cook to perfection!
What’s the Best Oil for Frying?
Peanut oil is Chic-fil-A’s choice because of its high smoke point. I’ve always said that peanut oil is the best for deep frying. You can also use canola or olive oil if that’s all you have on hand.
Storage
Chances are very high that these nuggets will not last through the meal! They are so tasty, that they’ll get eaten up quickly. Maybe you made a big batch though. Just in case, here are some storage options.
Refrigerator
Place the cooled nuggets in an airtight container. They’ll be good for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Lay the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
Tips
Let me know in the comments how your nuggets turned out. I actually think these are even better than the original! Maybe it’s because they were made in my own kitchen. Homemade food is always more fun!
- Marination is Key: Letting the chicken soak in the buttermilk-pickle mixture ensures tender and flavorful nuggets.
- Ensure Oil Temperature: Too cold, and your nuggets will be oily. Too hot, and they’ll burn. Aim for a medium-high heat.
- Use Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: This helps in easy flipping and removing from hot oil.
- Paper Towels are Your Friend: Drain the freshly fried nuggets on paper towels for the crispiest result.
Ingredients
You may find it odd, but don’t skip the pickle juice! I promise it will make all the difference in giving you that Chic-fil-a experience. It really levels up these nuggets!
- Chicken tenders
- Buttermilk
- Pickle juice
- All-purpose flour
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Confectioner’s sugar
- Season salt or all-purpose seasoning
How to Make Chic-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Look at that! Simple steps to making your very own Chick-fil-a nuggets. I hope you’re ready. This recipe will absolutely deliver!
- Cut the chicken tenders into 2-3 pieces depending on your preference for size
- Add the tablespoon of flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the chicken. Toss to coat.
- Pour the buttermilk and pickle juice on top.
- Mix until chicken is fully incorporated
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 45 – 60 min or overnight.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Whisk all of the dredged ingredients together in a medium bowl.
- Drop in a few pieces of chicken at a time into the flour, coat well, then CAREFULLY drop into the hot oil.
- Cook until golden brown – flip while cooking if needed for even browning.
- Remove from the oil and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels before serving.
- Repeat until all of the chicken has been cooked.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Chic-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Your frying pan or Dutch oven will do most of the work here. Make sure it’s a deep skillet you use. The last thing you want is to have oil that is too deep in your pan and splashing or spilling over the side. Yikes!
- Frying Pan, Deep Dryer, or Dutch Oven
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
What to Serve With Chic-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
If you’re a fan of Chic-fil-a, then you know what’s good here! Personally, I can’t have these without dipping sauce. It’s just part of the whole experience. A must-have!
- Classic waffle fries
- Your favorite dipping sauce, be it honey mustard sauce, barbecue sauce, or a homemade chick-fil-a sauce recipe.
- A fresh salad for a balanced meal
Why You Should Make Chic-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
While it’s always nice going out to eat, sometimes it’s best to save a little cash and stay at home. With this recipe, you can bring that fast food experience right to your own kitchen!
- Flavorful and Tender: The combination of buttermilk and pickle juice ensures a tender bite every time.
- Save Money: Why drive to the fast food chain when you can make a big batch at home?
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning blend or add more spices as per your liking.
- Perfect for Parties: These are always a hit! Serve with french fries and watch them disappear.
Variations and Add-Ins for Chic-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
I love making these just a little bit spicy, though my kids don’t, haha! Try out different ideas if they sound good to you. Get a little crazy! You might just find your new favorite recipe that way!
- Air Fryer Version: Healthier and just as tasty!
- Add Heat: A pinch of cayenne in the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free marination option, try coconut milk with a dash of lemon juice.
- Grilled Nuggets: For a healthier variation, grill the chicken pieces after marinating.
If you love this easy copycat chicken recipe, you’re going to love these other chicken recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
Try It With These Dipping Sauces
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Chic fil a Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Dredge:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tsp season salt or all-purpose seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper or white pepper
Instructions
- Cut the chicken tenders into 2-3 pieces depending on your preference for size
- Add the tablespoon of flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the chicken. Toss to coat.
- Pour the buttermilk and pickle juice on top.
- Mix until chicken is fully incorporated
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 45 – 60min or overnight.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Whisk all of the dredged ingredients together in a medium bowl.
- Drop in a few pieces of chicken at a time into the flour, coat well, then CAREFULLY drop into the hot oil.
- Cook until golden brown – flip while cooking if needed for even browning.
- Remove from the oil and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels before serving.
- Repeat until all of the chicken has been cooked.
Equipment
- Frying Pan, Deep Dryer or Dutch Oven
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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