Bring the iconic taste of Chick-fil-A into your kitchen with this Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets recipe. It’s easy, tastes amazing, and you’ll nail that signature flavor with ingredients right from your pantry. Perfect for a tasty snack or a family meal, they’re ready in just 30 minutes!
In a bowl, combine chicken with milk and pickle juice. Let it sit for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
2 chicken breasts, ½ cup milk, ½ cup dill pickle juice
Remove from the refrigerator. Crack an egg into the mixture and stir or mix until the egg is fully incorporated.
1 egg
In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper
Drip the excess liquid from the chicken pieces and coat them with the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 180ºC (355ºF).
1 cup vegetable oil
Fry the chicken nuggets until golden brown and cooked through, work in batches so you keep the temperature of the oil.
Serve with the dipping sauce and enjoy.
Notes
Marinating: For the best flavor, don't skip the marinating step. If you have time, letting the chicken marinate overnight in the brine will enhance the taste even more.
Oil: Peanut oil is great for getting the nuggets extra crispy as it has a high smoke point.
Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature (180ºC or 355ºF) is crucial. If it's too hot, the nuggets will burn on the outside before cooking inside. Too cool, and they'll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Breading Technique: Ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the flour mixture. Shake off any excess to avoid clumps of flour in your oil.
Cooking in Batches: Don't overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures each nugget cooks evenly.
Draining: After frying, let the nuggets drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. This step will keep them crispy.
Season Immediately: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little salt on the nuggets right after they come out of the oil.
Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with spices like onion powder, cayenne pepper, or even a bit of curry powder for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Air Fryer: You can make these nuggets in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Baking: You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're crispy and fully cooked. Baking is a healthier option, though the texture may be slightly different from frying.
Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier nugget, though they may have a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure they're boneless and skinless.
How do I know when the nuggets are cooked through? The nuggets are done when they're golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
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.