Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets (Copycat Recipe)
Copycat Chick Fil A chicken nuggets are an authentic tasting version of the fast food classic right at home. These delicious nugget make a perfect make ahead freezer meal so you will have lunch and dinner ready to go whenever you need it!
Servings: 12
Calories: 226kcal
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- peanut oil for frying
Instructions
- Add the chicken chunks to a large ziplocking bag. Add the pickle juice and milk. Seal the bag, and then squish to combine the contents. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, but up to two hours, to marinate.
- Add peanut oil to a large, heavy bottomed skillet until it's about 1" deep. Heat until the oil reaches 350°.
- To a large mixing bowl add the flour, bread crumbs, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, baking powder, and pepper. Whisk together until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Drain the liquid off the chicken, then add each piece of marinated chicken to the breading mixture- turning it to coat evenly and fully. Carefully add the coated chicken nuggets to the hot oil in the skillet. You many need to do multiple batches to prevent over crowding.
- Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes, turning as needed, until the chicken nuggets are crispy and a nice golden brown.
- Using tongs, or a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy nuggets to a paper towel lined plate to drain off excess grease. Continue frying until all the chicken nuggets have been cooked.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy!
Notes
- For authentic flavor- peanut oil is a must, however you could sub canola or vegetable oil.
- Don't skip any of the ingredients. I know the powdered sugar and pickle juice may not immediately seem like something that would go in a chicken nugget recipe, but trust me they lend authenticity to the flavor and make these the juiciest nuggets ever!
- While I highly recommend buttermilk, if you don't have it, you could use whole milk instead.
Nutrition
Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 892mg | Potassium: 513mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg