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Homemade Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets Recipe photo

Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Homemade Chick Fil A chicken nuggets are crispy, juicy, and so easy to make! Enjoy these flavorful bites at home!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into chunks
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice for marinating
  • 1 cup whole milk to keep the chicken moist
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for that perfect coating
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar to balance the flavors
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder for depth of flavor
  • 2 tsp salt to enhance seasoning
  • 2 tsp paprika for a smoky touch
  • 1 tsp baking powder to achieve that light texture
  • 1 tsp black pepper for a kick
  • Peanut oil for frying (at least 1" deep)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken chunks and dill pickle juice. Make sure all the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your coating mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, salt, paprika, baking powder, and black pepper.
  3. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Rinse the pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Dip each piece into the milk, allowing any excess to drip off before rolling it in the flour mixture until fully coated.
  4. In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat at least 1 inch of peanut oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  6. Once all the nuggets are fried, they’re ready to be served! Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy nuggets.
  • Don’t skip the marinating step for signature flavor.
  • Involve kids in the dredging process for a fun cooking activity.