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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets

Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets

Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with the signature savory flavor you love. This easy homemade version uses simple ingredients to recreate the famous fast-food favorite, making it perfect for family dinners, snacks, or game day.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Medium mixing bowls
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Tongs
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg

For the Coating

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For Frying

  • 2 to 3 cups peanut oil canola oil, or vegetable oil

Optional Dipping Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cut the chicken

  • Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-size pieces. Try to keep the pieces close in size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

  • In a medium bowl, mix the pickle juice and milk. Add the chicken pieces and stir until coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the coating

  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.

Step 4: Add the egg

  • Drain most of the marinade from the chicken, leaving the chicken slightly wet. Add the egg to the chicken and stir until the pieces are coated.

Step 5: Coat the chicken

  • Add the chicken pieces to the flour mixture in small batches. Toss well and lightly press the flour onto each piece so the coating sticks.

Step 6: Heat the oil

  • Pour oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven, about 1 to 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F.

Step 7: Fry the nuggets

  • Carefully add the chicken pieces in small batches. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Drain the nuggets

  • Remove the nuggets with tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. The chicken should reach 165°F in the center.

Step 9: Make the dipping sauce

  • In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, honey, mustard, barbecue sauce, and lemon juice. Serve with the warm nuggets.
Keyword Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets