Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets (2024)

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Now you can get he crispy, delicious chicken nuggets you love from Chick-Fil-A without leaving the house. These copycat nuggets taste just like the real thing and are done in under 30 minutes!

This recipe is simple and one the kids will love!! Don’t be surprised when you see there is powdered sugar in the batter because I feel like it’s the secret ingredient. Here is what you’ll need to do to make these delicious nuggets. For more delicious finger foods the kids will love try Corn Dogs, Popcorn Chicken, and Mozzarella Bites.

Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets (1)

Everyone’s Favorite Nuggets!

Who here loves Chik-fil-A? My entire family is obsessed, and I’d be lying if I said we didn’t go at least a few times each month. 😉 The hubby and I love their customer service and feel like they are the best fast-food chain around. The employees are always so nice, and the kiddos love playing in their clean playground areas. But most importantly, their food is top notch!!

My kids’ favorite menu item is their Chicken Nuggets, so when I saw a copycat recipe fromMy name is Snickerdoodle, I knew I had to give it a try. I only made a few changes, but I agree that they taste just like those from the restaurant!

They require just a handful of common ingredients that you most likely already have on hand, and they only take about 30 minutes from start to finish! That’s even less time than it would take to load up the family and drive to the nearest Chick-fil-A, so it’s definitely a win-win situation. Now, I just need to learn how to make their Chik-fil-A sauce because that stuff is so addicting. 😉

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Ingredient Tips

To pickle, or not to pickle, that is the question! We like it both ways! However, there are some who swear by this step. Should you wish to try it for yourself simply cut your chicken into 1 inch cubes, place in a bag, add dill pickle juice, let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Oil: Another recipe choice is to decide what oil to fry these in. We used vegetable oil. You could use peanut oil like the restaurant does. You can also use coconut oil, though it may not be quite as browned and crispy. Each of them will add a different flavor so use the one you like best.

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How to Make Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets

CUT. Cut up chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

WHISK. Add milk and egg to a bowl and whisk together, then set aside.

COMBINE. Pour flour, powdered sugar, salt, and pepper in a gallon-sized ziploc bag.

COAT. Put chicken pieces in the egg mixture. Once they are well coated, transfer the chicken pieces to the ziploc bag and shake to evenly cover with seasonings.

COOK. Place chicken in pan with oil and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

DRAIN. Drain the pieces on a paper towel

SERVE. Serve warm with ketchup, homemade ranch, fry sauce or honey mustard. ENJOY!

Air fryer: If you don’t want to fry them in oil you can definitely use an airfryer. The taste and texture may vary because of the lack of oil. If you want to crisp them up more, you can stick them under the broiler in the oven .

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the fryer basket. Place nuggets in a single layer, be sure they are not touching. Fry for 6-9 minutes, turning halfway.

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Tips, Dips, & Making Ahead

How many nuggets should I plan for a crowd? This one is a little tricky to answer. If there are going to be other appetizers I would plan 4-5 nuggets per person. If it is going to be the main dish plan 6-8 per child and 10-12 per adult.

Dipping Sauces:

  • BBQ Sauce
  • Fry Sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Ranch
  • Honey Mustard

Ahead of time: You can make them the day before, allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5-6 minutes or until hot. You can also make them ahead of time, allow them to cool and freeze them. You can either store them in individual portion containers of 8-10 nuggets or throw them all into a large bag. Just be sure the container(s) are air tight and freezer safe. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, or oven. (store leftovers in the same manner)

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This recipe pairs perfectly with:

  • Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
  • Cheesy Zucchini Tots
  • Best Homemade Lemonade
  • Easy Fruit Salad
  • Granola Yogurt Parfait

For more quick and easy chicken recipes, check out:

  • Chicken Caesar Wraps
  • Baked Chicken Fingers
  • Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken
  • Oven Baked Drumsticks
  • Parmesan Chicken Bake
  • Chicken Fingers

Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets (6)

Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets (7)

4.93 from 55 votes

Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe

By: Lil' Luna

Get the crispy, delicious copycat Chick Fil A nuggets without leaving the house. They taste just like the real thing!

Servings: 20 nuggets

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 5 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Begin by cutting up your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

  • Place oil in a medium pan and turn to medium heat.

  • From there add your milk and egg to a bowl and whisk together until combined. Set aside.

  • Pour your flour, powdered sugar, salt, and pepper into a gallon bag.

  • Add several chicken pieces to your milk/egg mixture until well coated and then throw the pieces into your gallon bag and shake until each piece is evenly coated.

  • Place chicken pieces in oil and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

  • Drain pieces onto paper towel and serve warm.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 264mg, Potassium: 101mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 30IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Making this recipe? Tag us!

Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you're creating in the kitchen!

Categorized as: American Recipes, Chicken, Cuisines, Main Dishes, Recipes, Sides

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets (2024)

FAQs

Does Chick-fil-A marinate their chicken nuggets in pickle juice? ›

Despite internet rumors that led me and countless other foodies to think otherwise, several Chick-fil-A-philes (and anonymous employees) have debunked the idea that the key to their chicken bites and chicken sandwiches is a pickle brine.

What is the secret ingredient in Chick-fil-A chicken? ›

That ingredient is monosodium glutamate, more commonly known as MSG.

What is the closest chicken nuggets to Chick-fil-A? ›

According to TikTok, Costco's chicken nuggets taste the exact same as the nuggets at Chick-fil-A. Costco's frozen chicken nuggets, Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks, went viral after fans posted TikTok clips comparing them to the famous Chick-fil-A nuggets.

How does Chick-fil-A make their nuggets? ›

The Chick-fil-A website describes a three-step method for making chicken that the company has used since its earliest days. It's the same basic recipe for nuggets and sandwiches. First, the chicken — which has been coated in secret seasoning — is dipped into a milk and egg wash. Next, it's breaded in a flour mixture.

What does Chick-fil-A soak their chicken before cooking it? ›

But don't just take it from me — this is the (not-so-secret) secret that's fueled the love affair so many people have with Chick-fil-A. It's the pickle brine! Well before being fried to perfection, the chicken breasts are brined with pickle juice for super-juicy, tender meat. People go wild for this chicken.

What type of pickle does Chick-fil-A use? ›

Made with quality ingredients

A boneless breast of chicken seasoned to perfection, freshly breaded, pressure cooked in 100% refined peanut oil and served on a toasted, buttery bun with dill pickle chips.

How does Chick-fil-A make their chicken taste so good? ›

Ultimately, the Chick-fil-A menu team chose a seasoning with simple ingredients: a blend of sea salt, lemon, garlic and savoury herbs. Once the grilled chicken is cooked, it's placed on a toasted multigrain bun with green leaf lettuce and tomato for the Grilled Chicken Sandwich.

What does soaking chicken in pickle juice do? ›

Use it to marinate chicken; you'll be so happy that you did! The pickle juice imparts a nice little twang of flavor. But most importantly, it makes it super tender and juicy. Once it's lightly breaded then baked in the oven until crispy, it becomes a healthier version of your favorite fried chicken.

What ingredient did they find in Chick-fil-A that was a negative ingredient? ›

People continue to stand in long lines at Chick-fil-A for their chicken sandwiches. Why are these foods so seemingly addictive? Some accuse the chains of hiding ingredients and describe the items as “chemical-laced” sandwiches. One of the main culprits most likely is monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Why do people marinate chicken in pickle juice? ›

The pickle brine helps keep moisture in so it's super tender and juicy when cooked and doesn't dry out. And it adds a delicious flavor to the chicken, but it's not overpowering.

What ingredients are in Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets? ›

Ingredients: Chargrilled chicken breast filets containing up to 18% solution of water, seasoning (sugar, salt, dextrose, garlic powder, onion powder, maltodextrin, autolyzed yeast extract, spice, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, flavor, paprika [color]), seasoning (salt, sugar, spices, and paprika), butter ...

What does Chick-fil-A do to their chicken? ›

Our chicken is raised in barns (not cages), on farms in the United States, in accordance with our Animal Wellbeing Standards, and with No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine (NAIHM). * No artificial or added hormones are used in the production of any poultry in the United States.

What is the Chick-fil-A breading made of? ›

INGREDIENTS: Chicken (containing up to 8-16% solution of: water, salt, sodium phosphates, cultured nonfat milk, cornstarch, salt, Vitamin A palmitate, Vitamin D3), enriched bleached flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), corn starch, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, ...

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