Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe
Introduction
These Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets deliver the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful bite-sized chicken pieces. Marinated in buttermilk and pickle juice, then fried to golden perfection, they’re a fun homemade twist on a beloved fast-food favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold full-fat buttermilk (well shaken)
- ¾ cup dill pickle juice
- 1 extra large egg (well beaten)
- 1½ pounds chicken breast tenderloins (boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons powdered sugar
- ¼ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups canola oil (or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together the buttermilk, dill pickle juice, and beaten egg until fully combined.
- Step 2: Place the chicken chunks in a large ziplock bag or medium bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to soak up the flavors.
- Step 3: While the chicken marinates, mix the flour, bread crumbs, powdered sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper together in a separate bowl or ziplock bag. Set aside.
- Step 4: When ready to cook, heat the oil in a deep-sided 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
- Step 5: Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting the excess liquid drain off.
- Step 6: Line a baking dish with paper towels to drain the cooked nuggets.
- Step 7: Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour and breadcrumb mixture until well coated. Arrange the coated nuggets on a plate or baking dish.
- Step 8: Fry the chicken nuggets in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 2½ minutes until they turn golden brown. Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F by adjusting the heat as needed.
- Step 9: Remove cooked nuggets and drain on the prepared paper towels. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the marinade before coating a second time.
- Substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil temperature steady and avoid greasy nuggets.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or Chick-fil-A sauce for an authentic experience.
Storage
Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken tenderloins for optimal texture and even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
Why is pickle juice used in the marinade?
Pickle juice adds a subtle tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, contributing to the signature Chick-fil-A taste and juicy texture.
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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 20 nuggets) 1x
Description
This Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets recipe offers a crispy, flavorful alternative to the beloved fast-food classic. Marinated in a tangy buttermilk and pickle juice blend, these bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture, then perfectly fried to golden perfection. Ideal for a homemade snack, appetizer, or meal, these nuggets deliver the iconic taste with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1 cup cold full-fat buttermilk, well shaken
- ¾ cup dill pickle juice
- 1 extra large egg, well beaten
- 1½ pounds chicken breast tenderloins, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks
Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons powdered sugar
- ¼ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 4 cups canola oil, or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Whisk together the cold buttermilk, dill pickle juice, and beaten egg in a bowl until well combined. This mixture will tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken chunks into a gallon-size ziplock bag or a medium bowl. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken. Seal the bag removing excess air or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Massage or stir to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the coating mixture: In a separate medium bowl or gallon ziplock, combine the flour, bread crumbs, powdered sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cover or seal and set aside.
- Heat the oil: Pour the canola oil into a deep-sided 10-inch skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully.
- Drain the chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and drain off the marinade thoroughly so the coating sticks properly.
- Prepare for frying: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with paper towels to drain excess oil from cooked nuggets.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the prepared flour and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thorough coating, then place the coated pieces on a plate or baking dish ready for frying.
- Fry the nuggets: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 to 2½ minutes per side until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through, maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F by adjusting heat as needed.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried nuggets and place them on the paper towel-lined dish to drain excess oil. Serve immediately for the best crispness and flavor.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is key for crispy, non-greasy nuggets.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches for even cooking and optimal texture.
- Marinating for at least 1 hour enhances flavor and tenderness, but up to 4 hours is fine.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to avoid overheating or underheating the oil.
- Canola oil or vegetable oil are recommended for their high smoke points.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or Chick-fil-A sauce for an authentic experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chick-fil-A nuggets, copycat recipe, fried chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, crispy chicken, quick appetizer
