Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Introduction

Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets are a dream come true for fast-food lovers who crave those golden, crispy bites without leaving the comfort of home. Hi, I’m Samuel! I’ve always had a soft spot for Chick-fil-A’s nuggets — they’re tender, flavorful, and downright addictive. One lazy Sunday, I decided to recreate them in my own kitchen. Not only did they turn out amazing, but I could tweak the ingredients just the way I like. This recipe is great for parties, family dinners, or whenever the craving hits. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your food. Let’s dive into this savory adventure!

Ingredients

Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets ingredients
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For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice (for marinating)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg

For the Coating:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

  • Honey mustard or your favorite Chick-fil-A sauce

Directions

Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets directions
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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces and pickle juice.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

  1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
  2. In another bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  1. Drain the marinated chicken.
  2. Dip each piece in the milk-egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mix.
  3. Shake off excess flour and set aside.
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Step 4: Fry the Nuggets

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
  2. Add waffle fries or a salad for the full Chick-fil-A experience!
Copycat Chick fil A Nuggets final Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
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Tips & Tricks

  • Marinating Time: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the nuggets.
  • Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the right temperature.
  • Batch Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the nuggets crispy.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and ensure all spices are gluten-free.
  • Air Fryer Alternative: Spray coated nuggets with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.

For more Chicken Nugget methods, check out the following

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FAQs About Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

What is in the breading of Chick-fil-A?

The breading for Chick-fil-A nuggets includes a seasoned flour mixture with ingredients like all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This unique combination gives the nuggets their signature taste — slightly sweet, savory, and crispy.

What do they fry Chick-fil-A nuggets in?

Chick-fil-A fries their nuggets in 100% refined peanut oil. This oil helps achieve the perfect golden-brown crunch while maintaining a clean taste that doesn’t overpower the chicken.

Are Chick-fil-A nuggets marinated in pickle juice?

While Chick-fil-A doesn’t officially confirm this, it is widely believed (and supported by copycat recipes) that the chicken is marinated in dill pickle juice. This adds a unique tang and helps tenderize the chicken, giving it that juicy and flavorful bite.

What are the 8 ingredients in chicken nuggets?

For a basic homemade or copycat version, the 8 common ingredients in chicken nuggets are:
– Chicken breast
– Dill pickle juice (for marinating)
– Milk
– Egg
– All-purpose flour
– Powdered sugar
– Salt
– Spices (like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)

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