Crispy, Juicy & Perfectly Seasoned—Just Like the Original!
These homemade Chick-fil-A Nuggets are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside—just like the famous fast-food version. Marinated in dill pickle juice for tangy flavor, then coated in a seasoned flour and sugar blend, these nuggets are fried to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Perfect for fans of Chick-fil-A or anyone who loves crispy, flavorful chicken bites!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Tangy Pickle Brine: Gives the chicken a subtle zing and helps tenderize the meat.
- 🥣 Simple Coating Hack: A shake-in-a-bag method ensures even coating with minimal mess.
- 🍯 Sweet & Spiced Crust: Confectioners’ sugar and paprika create a golden, crispy crust.
- ⏱️ Quick Prep & Fry: Ready in under an hour—great for weeknight dinners or snack attacks.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Ideal for family meals, game days, or solo indulgence.
Ingredients (Makes ~16–20 nuggets):
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 lb total)
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar or store-bought – don’t skip this step!)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp confectioners’ sugar (adds color and crispness to the crust)
- 1 tsp paprika (for golden hue and mild flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- 2–3 cups peanut oil or canola oil (or any high-heat oil)
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- Chick-fil-A sauce (mix honey and yellow mustard in a 1:1 ratio – or use store-bought)
- Honey
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a bowl and pour pickle juice over them.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour —or overnight for deeper flavor.
Drain well before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Egg
- Milk
until fully combined.
Dip the drained chicken pieces into the egg wash, ensuring even coating.
Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the moisture.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Coating
In a large ziplock bag , combine:
- Flour
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Seal the bag and shake until fully blended.
Tip: For extra spice, add garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne to the dry mix.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Add a few chicken pieces at a time to the ziplock bag with the dry mix.
Shake gently until fully coated—this ensures a crispy, even crust without clumping.
Repeat with remaining chicken.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Heat oil (about 350°F) in a deep skillet or frying pan.
Working in batches (to avoid cooling the oil), fry the nuggets for 3–5 minutes , turning once, until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving—this helps lock in juices.
Tips for Success:
- 🧂 Don’t Skip the Pickle Juice: It’s the secret to that signature Chick-fil-A tang.
- 🧈 Room-Temp Chicken: Helps the coating stick better and cook more evenly.
- 🥣 Use a Ziplock Bag: Makes coating faster and less messy—no breading station needed.
- 🍯 Double Dip for Crunch: Soak in egg wash, re-dip, and shake again in flour for extra crispiness (optional).
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Marinate and coat chicken ahead of time—refrigerate until ready to fry.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with Chick-fil-A sauce , honey, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Great with waffle fries, coleslaw, or a side salad for a full meal.
- Ideal for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings.
Nutritional Information (per nugget, makes 20 – approximate):
(Without sauce – regular ingredients used)
- Calories: ~90 kcal
- Protein: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~7g
- Fat: ~5g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Sugar: ~1g
These Chick-fil-A Nuggets prove that with the right brine, coating, and fry time—you can recreate your fast-food favorite at home. With their crispy crust, juicy center, and tangy finish—they’re a must-make for lovers of fried chicken.
