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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

This Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken bites marinated in dill pickle juice and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a homemade fast-food favorite, these nuggets boast a flavorful breading with a hint of sweetness and a tender, flavorful interior.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 Boneless skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces)
  • 1 cup Dill Pickle Juice

Breading

  • 1 cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1 Tbsp Confectioners’ Sugar
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 1 tsp Salt

Wet Mix

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup Milk

Frying Oil

  • Peanut Oil or Canola Oil for Frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Pour the dill pickle juice over the chicken to marinate. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  2. Drain marinade: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and discard the pickle juice.
  3. Mix egg and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until combined. Add the chicken pieces and toss to ensure they are fully coated in the egg wash.
  4. Prepare breading mix: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, paprika, pepper, and salt. Seal the bag and shake it to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients.
  5. Coat chicken with breading: Drain the excess egg mixture from the chicken pieces, then add them to the bag with the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake well until every piece is evenly coated in the seasoned flour.
  6. Heat oil: Pour peanut or canola oil into a large deep skillet or fryer and heat it to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows for crisp frying without burning the exterior.
  7. Fry the chicken: In batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry each piece for 3 to 5 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
  8. Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked chicken nuggets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and keep them crispy.
  9. Serve: Serve the nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the homemade taste of Chick Fil A nuggets.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken longer (up to overnight) for more intense pickle flavor and juiciness.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for consistent frying results.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan, as this lowers oil temperature and results in soggy nuggets.
  • The confectioners’ sugar in the breading adds subtle sweetness, enhancing the traditional Chick Fil A flavor.
  • Alternative oils with high smoke points, like peanut or canola, are best suited for frying to avoid burning.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.