The Best Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe at Home

Crafting homemade chick-fil-a grilled chicken nuggets can unlock delicious restaurant-style magic right in your kitchen.

Marinating tender chicken pieces becomes an art of flavor infusion.

Secrets from professional chefs help replicate that signature taste everyone craves.

Lean protein transforms into crispy, juicy bites without deep-frying complications.

Spices create an irresistible coating that mimics the beloved fast food classic.

Quality ingredients make all the difference in recreating this popular menu item.

Let’s break down each step so you nail that perfect restaurant-inspired texture and taste.

Why This Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Copycat Works

• Savor Quick Protein Delight: Packed with lean protein, these nuggets deliver a satisfying meal in minimal preparation time.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: Master a popular restaurant favorite without leaving your kitchen, bringing gourmet experience to your dining table.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Adjust spice levels with cayenne pepper, experiment with different dipping sauces, and personalize the recipe to match your taste preferences.
• Healthier Chicken Nugget Alternative: Grilled instead of deep-fried, these nuggets offer a nutritious option for health-conscious food lovers while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients for Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken cuts that form the core of these delicious nuggets.

• Dill Pickle Juice: A tangy liquid that helps tenderize and add distinctive flavor to the chicken.

• All-Purpose Flour, Powdered Sugar: A blend that creates a light, crispy exterior for the nuggets.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Seasonings that provide depth and complexity to the nugget's flavor profile.

• Milk, Egg: A mixture that helps the dry coating adhere to the chicken and creates a smooth binding layer.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for cooking the nuggets to golden perfection.

• Chopped Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and subtle freshness to the dish.

• Honey Mustard, Barbecue Sauce: Classic condiments that complement the grilled chicken nuggets.

How to Make Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Cut chicken breasts into small bite-sized chunks. Place chicken in a bowl and pour dill pickle juice over the meat. Ensure every piece gets completely covered. Seal the bowl and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Create Seasoning Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Thoroughly mix the spices until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Develop Wet Mixture

Whisk milk and egg together in a separate bowl until smooth and fully incorporated. This liquid mixture will help the coating adhere to the chicken.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Pieces

Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and gently pat dry with paper towels. Dip each chicken chunk into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Roll coated piece in seasoned flour blend, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Cook Nuggets

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot pan. Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Transfer cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for added color and freshness. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce.

Handy Tips for Chick-fil-A Nugget Perfection

• Pickle Juice Power: Use dill pickle juice as a tenderizing marinade to infuse extra flavor and keep chicken moist during cooking.
• Spice Blend Secret: Create a balanced seasoning mix by combining powdered sugar with savory spices for a complex, restaurant-style taste profile.
• Temperature Control: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked nuggets every time.
• Coating Technique: Pat chicken dry before coating to help flour mixture adhere better and create a crispier exterior when cooking.
• Batch Cooking Wisdom: Fry nuggets in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and prevent overcrowding in the skillet.

Nugget Variations Inspired by Chick-fil-A

• Herb-Infused Nuggets: Replace pickle juice with a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil mixed with white wine vinegar for a Mediterranean-inspired marinade.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder to the coating mix for a zesty, southwestern-style chicken nugget with extra kick.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use crushed pork rinds instead of flour, replace powdered sugar with powdered erythritol, and bake nuggets in the oven to create a low-carb alternative that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

What Goes Great with Chick-fil-A Style Nuggets

• Fresh Vineyard Crisp: Pair with a light, chilled Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the chicken's richness and complements its herbal undertones.
• Southern Comfort Sides: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw and warm, buttery cornbread to enhance the nuggets' savory profile and add textural contrast.
• Zesty Dipping Adventure: Create a homemade honey mustard or tangy barbecue sauce with hints of smoked paprika to elevate the nuggets' delicate grilled flavor.

Storing Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets

• Transfer cooled nuggets to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual nuggets in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place nuggets on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Check temperature to avoid drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread nuggets on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes. Spritz with a little olive oil to maintain moisture and restore crispiness.

FAQs About Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Recipe

• How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender?

Marinating the chicken in pickle juice helps break down proteins and adds flavor. Don’t overcook the nuggets, and cook them at the right temperature to maintain moisture.

• Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

• What if I don't have pickle juice?

You can use buttermilk or a mixture of milk and white vinegar as an alternative marinade. These options will still help tenderize the chicken and add subtle flavor.

Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden Chick-fil-A grilled chicken nuggets bring restaurant-quality comfort to home kitchens with minimal effort. Simple marinade and precise grilling techniques ensure juicy, flavorful bites you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dill pickle juice

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by cutting into bite-sized nugget shapes, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
2. Submerge chicken pieces in dill pickle juice, creating a tenderizing marinade that infuses subtle tangy flavors. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
3. Create seasoning blend by combining flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper in a shallow dish.
4. Whisk milk and egg together in a separate bowl until thoroughly integrated, forming a smooth binding liquid.
5. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and carefully pat dry with paper towels to enhance coating adhesion.
6. Dunk each chicken piece into milk-egg mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat in seasoned flour mixture.
7. Preheat skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, reaching approximately 375°F for optimal browning.
8. Carefully place coated nuggets into hot skillet, cooking in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even browning.
9. Fry nuggets for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve golden-brown exterior and reaching internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Transfer cooked nuggets to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, garnish with optional chopped parsley.
11. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce.

Notes

• Pickle Juice Tip: Use high-quality dill pickle juice for maximum flavor infusion and chicken tenderizing effect.
• Temperature Control: Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough meat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spice Level Management: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with a pinch and gradually increasing for desired spiciness.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg