Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets Recipe

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!

Jana Rae

Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Make crispy, juicy Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets at home with this easy recipe! These nuggets are tender, perfectly seasoned, and served with homemade Chick-fil-A sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Marinate Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

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

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Method

 

1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces and pickle juice. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain and pat dry.
2. In one bowl, whisk milk and egg. In another, mix flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and baking powder.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the milk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
4. 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.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, mustard, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.
6. 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!