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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 466 reviews
  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets offer crispy, juicy chicken bites marinated in a flavorful blend of buttermilk and dill pickle juice, then coated with a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture before being perfectly fried to golden brown. This recipe replicates the classic fast-food favorite at home with a tender and flavorful finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • 1 cup cold full-fat buttermilk, well shaken
  • ¾ cup dill pickle juice
  • 1 extra large egg, well beaten
  • 1½ pounds chicken breast tenderloins, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks

Coating

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1½ teaspoons powdered sugar
  • ¼ tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Frying

  • 4 cups canola oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pickle juice, and beaten egg until well combined to create the marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken chunks into a gallon-size ziplock bag or a medium bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag removing excess air or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Massage or stir to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  3. Mix the coating ingredients: In a separate bowl or ziplock bag, combine flour, bread crumbs, powdered sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well and cover until ready to use.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour 4 cups of canola or vegetable oil into a deep-sided 10-inch skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F, using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor temperature closely. Adjust heat as necessary to maintain temperature.
  5. Drain the chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and drain off excess marinade before dredging.
  6. Prepare for frying: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with paper towels to drain the cooked chicken nuggets.
  7. Coat the chicken: Dredge the chicken pieces evenly in the flour and breadcrumb mixture. Place coated pieces on a plate or dish ready for frying.
  8. Fry the nuggets: Working in batches, carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 2½ minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F. Adjust stove heat as needed.
  9. Drain and serve: Remove cooked nuggets with a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared baking dish lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to achieve crispy, golden nuggets without oil absorption.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
  • Use a deep-fry thermometer for best results rather than estimating oil heat by sight or touch.
  • Marinating for longer than 1 hour (up to overnight) will deepen the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
  • Adjust seasoning in the coating as per taste preferences; smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chick-fil-A nuggets copycat recipe, fried chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, buttermilk marinated chicken, crispy chicken bites

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Find it online: https://isabellavance.com/copycat-chick-fil-a-nuggets-recipe/