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Fried Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets served with dipping sauce and garnished with parsley.

Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets

Author: Mandy Applegate
These copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets are made with bite-size chicken breast, a light coating, and peanut oil for the closest homemade version. After testing them both ways, I found that skipping the pickle juice kept the flavor closer to Chick-fil-A nuggets, while the pickle juice version tasted more like the restaurant’s strips. Serve them hot with Chick-fil-A sauce for the full fast-food feel.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 337kcal

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
US Customary - Metric

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

Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 389IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 3mg
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