Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Add Preferred SourceThese copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets are made with bite-size chicken breast, a light, crisp coating, and peanut oil for the closest homemade version. I tested them with and without pickle juice, and found that skipping it keeps the flavor closer to the nuggets, while the pickle juice version tastes more like the restaurant’s strips. They are best fresh, easy enough for a weeknight, and even better with Chick-fil-A sauce.
If you’re in a “make it at home” mood, my copycat recipes that taste like the real thing are where I’d start.
Why This Recipe Works
Making Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets at home is not just about saving a trip through the drive-thru. It’s about getting that bite-size chicken, light breading, and hot crispy finish in a version that works for a real weeknight dinner. Here’s why this one works:
- Bite-Size Pieces: Small, uneven chunks of chicken breast look and eat more like real nuggets than neat cubes.
- Light Coating: The breading stays crisp without turning into a thick fried chicken crust.
- Closer Flavor: Skipping pickle juice in the main method keeps the flavor closer to Chick-fil-A nuggets, while the optional pickle juice version leans more toward the restaurant’s strips.
- Fast Enough for a Weeknight: The coating is simple and the nuggets cook quickly.
- Best with Sauce: Serve them with Chick-fil-A sauce for the closest restaurant-style feel.
And if chicken is what you’ve got in the fridge this week, these easy chicken dinners that keep life simple will give you a bunch of options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pickle juice is optional here. It appears in the ingredient photo because I originally tested this recipe with a short pickle juice marinade. After comparing both versions, I found that skipping it kept the flavor more focused on Chick-fil-A nuggets, while the pickle juice version leaned more toward the restaurant’s strips.
How to make Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
This version keeps the method focused on the nuggets, with a light coating, bite-size chicken pieces, and peanut oil for the closest finish.
Chicken Prep
Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into small, uneven bite sized pieces about 1 inch wide. In a bowl, whisk together the milk and egg, then add the chicken and stir to coat. This gives the seasoned flour something to cling to without turning the breading heavy.
If you want to test the pickle juice version, you can marinate the chicken in dill pickle juice for 30 to 60 minutes first, then pat it dry well before coating, but that version tastes a little more like Chick-fil-A strips than nuggets.
Coating the Nuggets
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lift each piece of chicken from the milk-and-egg mixture, let the excess drip off, then dredge it in the flour mixture until lightly coated on all sides.
Frying to Perfection
Heat your peanut oil in a deep skillet to 180ºC (355ºF). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for about 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through, letting any excess drip off before they go into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, or the breading will steam instead of being crisp. Working in batches helps keep the oil temperature steady.
Serving
Serve the nuggets hot with copycat Chick-fil-A sauce for the closest restaurant-style result. They are best fresh, when the coating is at its crispiest.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into small uneven bite-size pieces
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- peanut oil to fry
Instructions
- Cut the2 chicken breasts into small, uneven bite-size pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together the ½ cup milk and 1 egg. Add the chicken and stir until fully coated.2 chicken breasts, ½ cup milk
- In another bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper
- Lift the chicken from the milk-and-egg mixture and dredge each piece lightly in the flour mixture until coated on all sides.1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper
- Heat peanut oil in a deep skillet to 180°C (355°F).peanut oil
- Fry the chicken nuggets in batches for about 3 to 5 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain briefly on paper towels.
- Serve hot with Chick-fil-A sauce.
Notes
- Optional pickle juice variation: If you want to test the pickle juice version, marinate the chicken in ½ cup dill pickle juice for 30 to 60 minutes, then pat dry before coating.
- Oil: Peanut oil gives the closest restaurant-style flavor and finish. You can use vegetable oil, but this will change the flavor.
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 180°C (355°F) so the nuggets cook through without getting greasy.
- Breading: A thin, even coating works better here than a thick crust.
- Batches: Fry in batches so the oil stays hot and the coating stays crisp.
- Fresh vs Reheated: These taste closest to the restaurant when they are fresh and hot.
- Air Fryer: Air frying works for convenience, but deep frying gets closer on color, crunch, and overall texture.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftover Chicken Nuggets
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them crispy and delicious for later:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure the nuggets are completely cooled to room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Store the cooled nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the nuggets on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the nuggets in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. Microwaving is not recommended as it tends to make them soft.
What to Serve with Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
These Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets work best with simple sides and sauces that keep the meal feeling close to the restaurant version. Here are the best options.
Dipping Sauces
For the closest Chick-fil-A experience, serve these nuggets with copycat Chick-fil-A sauce. Honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or ketchup also work, but Chick-fil-A sauce is the one that makes them feel most like the restaurant version.
Side Dishes
These famous Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets go well with crispy fries or waffle fries for the closest fast-food-style meal. A simple side salad, fresh fruit, or mac and cheese also works well if you want to round it out into an easy family dinner.
More Copycat Recipes You Will Love
These are the copycats I make when I want that ‘drive-thru night’ feeling without leaving the house.
- Try KFC zinger burger with that spicy crunch next
- Make Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings for comfort-night dinners
- Cook spicy chicken chipotle pasta for an easy copycat meal
- This Olive Garden ravioli carbonara with a creamy restaurant-style sauce is always a hit
- And Panda Express teriyaki chicken when takeout sounds tempting is a good one to bookmark
Chick-fil-a chicken strips are marinated with pickle juice but the chicken nuggets are not. If you are really wanting a nugget taste you should omit the pickle juice.
You’re right! Leaving out the pickle juice helps keep that classic nugget taste. Chick fil A strips and nuggets do taste a bit different. It’s always fun to tweak the recipe and see what works best for you!