January 24, 2024
Review RecipeCopycat Chick Fil A Nuggets
Indulge in the irresistible homemade Copycat Chick Fil A nuggets, featuring juicy, marinated chicken chunks coated in a crispy, seasoned crust that taste just like the real thing.
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These copycat Chick Fil A nuggets are here to satisfy your cravings for that iconic fast-food flavor. These juicy, golden, crunchy bites are the ultimate comfort food that will have you craving more.
Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Ingredients
You’ll need a handful of simple ingredients to make these tasty nuggets. A buttermilk marinade that includes pickle juice, the secret to that signature Chick Fil A tang, starts the process.
Once marinated, you will coat the chicken with a breadcrumb mixture that creates a perfectly crispy coating once fried.
You’ll need:
- 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
BUTTERMILK: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar as a substitute.
CHICKEN: Feel free to use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, or even try it with tofu for a vegetarian version.
FLOUR: You can opt for whole wheat flour for a slightly different texture in this chicken nuggets recipe.
PAPRIKA: Experiment with smoked or sweet paprika for unique flavor variations.
How To Make This Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps for making this easy and delicious chicken nugget recipe.
STEP ONE: Whisk together the buttermilk, pickle juice, and egg.
STEP TWO: 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.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
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.
STEP THREE: 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.
STEP FOUR: 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.
STEP FIVE: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Drain off the marinade.
STEP SIX: Line a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with paper towels.
STEP SEVEN: Dredge the chicken in the breading mixture. Place the coated chicken on a plate or baking dish.
STEP EIGHT: 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
Serve your homemade Chick-Fil-A nuggets with a classic side of waffle fries and a creamy, homemade Chick Fil A sauce and Chick Fil A lemonade for an authentic fast-food experience.
Create a delicious chicken nugget salad by tossing these nuggets with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dressing.
Make a kid-friendly meal by pairing these nuggets with macaroni and cheese for a comfort food feast.
Add your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard sauce or chicken finger dipping sauce.
It’s so much fun to make copycat recipes of your favorite foods right in your own kitchen. Check out our copycat Red Lobster biscuits and copycat Olive Garden salad.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES
Storage
Whether you’re planning ahead or have leftovers to preserve, here’s what you need to know:
MAKE AHEAD: You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before dredging and frying.
IN THE FRIDGE: Once cooked, these copycat nuggets can be stored in the fridge for up to two to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, place the cooked and cooled nuggets in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
They’ll stay good for up to two months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for that fresh taste.
REHEATING: To reheat, use an oven at 350°F or an air fryer at 375°F until they’re hot and crispy again.
Alternatively, the microwave works for convenience, but it may slightly affect the texture.
Why We Love This Recipe
AUTHENTIC FLAVOR: These Copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets capture the essence of the original, allowing you to enjoy that beloved taste at home.
FAMILY FAVORITE: Kids and adults alike adore these nuggets, making them a crowd-pleaser.
HOMEMADE GOODNESS: There’s something special about making these nuggets from scratch that adds to the overall enjoyment.
Our Copycat Chick Fil A nuggets bring the iconic fast-food flavor right to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or movie night, these nuggets are sure to delight with their authentic taste and ease of preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dipping sauces go well with this chicken nugget recipe?
Classic Chick Fil A sauce, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch are great choices.
Can I make a spicy version of these nuggets?
Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade or the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Canola or vegetable oil works best for this recipe, but you can use peanut oil for a slightly different flavor.
Is it essential to marinate the chicken for an hour?
Marinating imparts flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep-frying?
Yes, you can! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the nuggets for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets
Indulge in the irresistible homemade Copycat Chick Fil A nuggets, featuring juicy, marinated chicken chunks coated in a crispy, seasoned crust that taste just like the real thing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 4
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
Instructions
- 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: 2456kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 233g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 64g | Monounsaturated Fat: 144g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 168mg | Sodium: 1594mg | Potassium: 855mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 349IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 4mg
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