Do you ever find yourself craving Chick-fil-A on a Sunday? No worries, because we’ve got you covered! With this delightful copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets recipe, you can easily recreate their crispy, juicy goodness right in your own kitchen.

These nuggets are perfectly golden brown, boasting that signature pickle-brined flavor we all love. Best of all, they come together in under an hour using simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Get ready to enjoy some homemade fast-food magic!

Why You’ll Love These Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Chick-fil-A Yumminess at Home: With this recipe, you can bring the famous flavors of Chick-fil-A straight to your dining table. Enjoy everything you love about their nuggets without leaving your home.

Simple Pantry Ingredients: No special shopping trips required! This recipe uses common items like flour, paprika, and, of course, pickle juice. You probably have it all already!

Customizable Flavors: Feel free to tweak the seasonings or try different marinades to make these nuggets your own while still keeping that delicious crispy texture.

Deliciously Dippable: Whether you prefer classic Chick-fil-A sauce or something spicy like sriracha mayo, these nuggets are an open canvas ready for your favorite dips.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of this recipe, offering lean and tender white meat. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for the perfect nuggets.
• Dill Pickle Juice: A key ingredient that not only tenderizes the chicken but also delivers that signature tangy flavor.
• Egg: This acts as a binding agent, ensuring the breading sticks to the chicken during frying.
• Whole Milk: Mixed with the egg to create a rich wash that adds moisture to the chicken and helps the breading stick.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main component for the breading, creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior once fried.
• Powdered Sugar: A surprising but essential ingredient that adds just a hint of sweetness to the breading, mimicking that classic Chick-fil-A taste.
• Paprika: This spice adds mild sweetness and a delightful color to the nuggets.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavor of the chicken and its breading.
• Peanut or Canola Oil: Both oils are great for deep frying due to their high smoke points. Peanut oil is even more authentic for that Chick-fil-A experience.

How to Make Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Making these nuggets is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to crispy perfection.

1. Marinate

Soak the chicken pieces in dill pickle juice for 30 to 60 minutes. For the best flavor, try to marinate overnight.

2. Prepare the Breading

In a Ziplock bag, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.

3. Coat the Chicken

Drain the chicken from the pickle juice. Dip it into the egg mixture, then shake it in the flour mixture to coat evenly.

4. Fry

Heat the oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

5. Drain and Serve

Transfer the cooked nuggets onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauces and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

For nuggets that rival the originals, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Pound Them Down: Before cutting your chicken breasts, lightly pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
• Keep Things Uniform: Try to cut your chicken into similar sizes (about 1.5 inches) for consistent cooking.
• Quality is Key: Use dill pickle juice instead of sweet pickle juice. A good brand like Claussen or Mt. Olive will maximize authenticity. If too strong, dilute it with equal parts water.
• Butter Them Up: Swap in buttermilk for the regular milk to enhance tenderness and add a tangy flavor.
• Double Your Pleasure: For extra crispiness, dip the chicken in both the egg and flour mixtures twice before frying.
• Take a Temp Check: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee they’re safe and juicy.

If you’re making a large batch, keep finished nuggets warm and crispy by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven until ready to serve.

Chicken Nugget Dipping Sauces

Enhance your nugget experience with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are a few suggestions:

• Classic Chick-fil-A Sauce
• Honey Mustard
• Ranch Dressing
• Buffalo Sauce
• Ketchup – because it’s always a favorite!

How to Store

These chicken nuggets maintain their taste and texture well if stored right:

To Store:

Let the nuggets cool, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, consume them within the first 2 to 3 days as they will start losing crispiness over time.

To Freeze:

Once completely cool, flash-freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

To Reheat:

Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or air-fry at the same temperature for 8 to 12 minutes until crispy. Avoid the microwave as it can make the nuggets tough and soggy.