Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets Recipe
These Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets are crispy, juicy, and packed with the classic flavor everyone loves. Marinated in pickle juice and coated in a perfectly seasoned breading, they taste remarkably close to the restaurant version.Paired with a creamy homemade Chick-fil-A style dipping sauce, this easy chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, meal prep, or family gatherings. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these homemade nuggets are guaranteed to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup pickle juice
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- peanut oil for frying
For the Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces into a bowl and pour the pickle juice over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until smooth.
- Remove the chicken from the pickle juice and lightly pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Breading
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine: flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
- Dip each piece of chicken into the milk mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
- For extra crispy nuggets, repeat the process a second time by dipping the chicken back into the milk mixture and coating again in the flour mixture.
Step 5: Fry the Nuggets
- Heat about 2 inches of peanut oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a few chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer cooked nuggets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Step 6: Make the Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together: mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, and lemon juice
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Serve alongside the warm chicken nuggets.