Craving Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets? Make them at home! Tender, crispy, and marinated in pickle juice for that signature flavor—irresistible!
Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets. That crispy golden breading, the juicy, tender inside, and that subtle sweetness in every bite? Absolute perfection. But if you’ve ever found yourself craving them on a Sunday, only to remember they’re closed, you know the pain.
That’s exactly why I had to figure out how to make them at home. And guess what? It’s ridiculously easy!
I still remember the first time I made these. I was skeptical—could I really nail that signature flavor? But after marinating the chicken in pickle juice (which, by the way, felt weird at first) and frying up the first batch, I took a bite and… oh wow. It was spot on.
So, if you’re like me and want Chick-fil-A nuggets without the drive-thru, this recipe is your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe?
- Tastes just like the real thing. Seriously, you might fool yourself.
- Marinating in pickle juice makes all the difference. Tender, juicy, flavorful chicken—every time.
- Perfectly crispy, golden coating. That little touch of powdered sugar? Game changer.
- You can make them anytime! No long lines, no “Closed on Sunday” heartbreak.
- Super easy! No fancy equipment or tricky techniques—just simple, delicious nuggets.
Ingredient Notes:
Chicken Breasts
- Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Pickle Juice & Milk Marinade
- Pickle juice is the secret ingredient. It makes the chicken extra tender and adds that slight tang.
- Milk & egg help the breading stick to the chicken perfectly.
Seasoned Flour Coating
- Powdered sugar? Yep. It gives the breading that signature sweetness Chick-fil-A nuggets are known for.
- Paprika, salt, and pepper add a little depth to the flavor.
Peanut Oil for Frying
- Chick-fil-A fries in peanut oil, and it makes a huge difference. It gives the nuggets that unmistakable crispiness.
How To Make Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets?
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—not too big, not too small.
In a bowl, mix the pickle juice, milk, and egg. Add the chicken and make sure it’s completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—but if you’ve got time, 2 hours is even better.
Step 2: Prep the Coating
In a zip-top bag or shallow bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika. This will be your crispy, golden coating.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of peanut oil into a large skillet or deep pan. Heat it to 375°F (190°C)—this is the sweet spot for perfectly crispy nuggets.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting the extra liquid drip off. Toss the pieces into the flour mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated. Shake off any excess.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden & Crispy
Working in batches, carefully drop the nuggets into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces—Chick-fil-A sauce, honey mustard, or ranch.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.
- Reheat: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. The
air fryer works great too!
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:
- Gluten-Free Nuggets: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
- Spicy Nuggets: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a little kick!
- Baked Nuggets: Skip the frying and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Nuggets: Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
What to Serve with Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets?
These nuggets are delicious on their own, but why not make it a full meal?
- Homemade Waffle Fries – Just like the real deal!
- Mac & Cheese – Because comfort food is always a good idea.
- Coleslaw – A fresh, crunchy side balances the richness.
- Honey Butter Biscuits – A little Southern goodness never hurt.
- Dipping Sauces – Chick-fil-A sauce, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, ranch… take your pick!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why does Chick-fil-A use pickle juice?
It’s a natural brine that makes the chicken super tender and flavorful.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yep! Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! A longer soak = even more flavor.
The Best Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Making Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets at home is easier than you think, and the best part? You can have them any day of the week (yes, even Sundays!).
So what do you think? Have you tried making these at home? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear how they turned out!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 c. milk
- 1 c. dill pickle juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- Peanut oil for frying
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken into bite pieces.
- In a bowl combine the egg, pickle juice and milk. Place the chicken in this mixture. Refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours.
- In a pan heat 2 inches of peanut oil, to a temperature of 375°F.
- Using a zip-lock bag mix together the flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper and paprika.
- Remove the chicken from the milk mixture. Let any liquid drip off. Transfer the chicken to the flour bag. Shake it gently to evenly coat all pieces.
- Fry the chicken in batches (8 pieces at a time) for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
- Place the cooked nuggets, on paper towels to drain any oil.
- If needed you can keep them warm in an oven until all pieces are fried.
- Serve your chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
