If you’re a Chick-fil-A fan, you know their crispy, golden nuggets are legendary. Now, you can make them at home with this easy copycat recipe! These nuggets are tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and coated in a light, crispy breading—just like the real thing. The secret? A pickle juice marinade that keeps them moist and packs them with flavor.
Pair them with homemade Chick-fil-A sauce, and you’ve got a fast-food favorite that’s even better fresh from your kitchen!
What Makes These Nuggets So Good?
Here’s why this recipe works:
- Pickle Juice Marinade: Adds tangy flavor and keeps the chicken extra tender.
- Perfect Breading: A mix of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings creates a light, crispy coating.
- Fried to Perfection: Peanut oil gives that signature Chick-fil-A flavor.
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce: Creamy, tangy, and the perfect dipping companion!
FAQs
Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, but peanut oil is recommended for the closest taste to Chick-fil-A. Canola or vegetable oil works as a substitute.
How do I make these in an air fryer?
Spray the nuggets with oil and air-fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I freeze these nuggets?
Absolutely! Freeze uncooked, breaded nuggets on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them straight from frozen—no thawing needed!
Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup peanut oil for frying
For the Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces and pickle juice. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain and pat dry.
- In one bowl, whisk milk and egg. In another, mix flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and baking powder.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the milk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
- Heat peanut oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, mustard, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Serve the crispy, golden nuggets warm with homemade Chick-fil-A sauce!
Notes
- Don’t skip the pickle juice marinade – It makes the chicken extra tender.
- Powdered sugar in the breading adds a subtle sweetness, just like Chick-fil-A’s.
- For extra crispy nuggets, double-coat the chicken in the flour mixture.
- Serve with waffle fries to complete the meal!
Ready to Make Chick-fil-A at Home?
These copycat nuggets are a game-changer for anyone who loves Chick-fil-A. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for family dinners, game day, or meal prep.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know in the comments how it turned out. Don’t forget to share your photos—I’d love to see your creations!
