chick fil a chicken nuggets recipe

Craving Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken nuggets but want to make them at home? This copycat recipe delivers the same juicy, crispy nuggets you love—without leaving your kitchen. The secret? A tangy buttermilk and pickle juice marinade, a perfectly seasoned breading, and the right cooking method (deep-frying or air frying).

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying a fast-food craving, these homemade nuggets taste just like the real thing—for a fraction of the price. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets Recipe Tastes Just Like the Original

• Tastes just like Chick-fil-A: The marinade and breading mimic the iconic flavor.
• Crispy & juicy: Double-coating ensures a crunchy exterior with tender chicken inside.
• Customizable: Adjust spices, use an air fryer, or skip pickle juice if needed.
• Budget-friendly: Cheaper than takeout, with simple pantry ingredients.
• Kid-approved: A family favorite for snacks, lunches, or game day.

What You Need for This Authentic Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

(Makes 4 servings)

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized nuggets)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup pickle juice (key for authentic flavor)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Breading:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (secret ingredient!)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For Frying:

• 2 cups peanut oil (or vegetable oil)

(Air Fryer Option: Use 1 tbsp oil for spraying instead.)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chick fil A Nuggets at Home

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pickle juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
2. Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off).
3. Toss each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly for a thick coat.

Step 3: Fry the Nuggets

Deep-Fry Method:

1. Heat peanut oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fry nuggets in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray nuggets with oil.
3. Cook in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

7 Easy Ways to Customize Your Chicken Nuggets

Pro Tips for the Best Nuggets

• Don’t skip the marinade time – At least 30 minutes is essential for tender, flavorful chicken. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours (but not longer, or the texture can become mushy).
• Use peanut oil for frying – Chick-fil-A cooks their nuggets in refined peanut oil, which gives them a light, crispy texture. If unavailable, vegetable or canola oil works too.
• Double-coat for extra crunch – After the first flour coating, dip the nuggets back in the buttermilk marinade, then coat them in flour again. This creates a thicker, crispier crust.
• Keep oil temperature steady – If deep-frying, maintain 375°F (190°C). Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside. Too cool = greasy nuggets.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer – Cook in batches so the nuggets crisp evenly.

Easy Variations & Substitutions

• No pickle juice? Use lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or a splash of white vinegar for a similar tangy effect.
• Gluten-free option – Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or a 1:1 GF flour blend.
• Spicy nuggets – Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade, or mix in a pinch of chili powder with the flour.
• Baked instead of fried – For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray lightly with oil for crispiness.
• Air fryer adjustments – If using an air fryer, lightly spray the nuggets with oil before cooking for maximum crispiness.
• Boneless tenders – Use the same recipe but cut chicken into strips instead of nuggets. Adjust cooking time by 1–2 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Breading falling off? Let the coated nuggets rest for 5 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere.
• Not crispy enough? Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying, or air fry for an extra 1–2 minutes.
• Too salty? Reduce the salt in the marinade or flour mixture next time—pickle juice already adds saltiness.

With these tips, you can customize your nuggets to suit any taste or dietary need while keeping them deliciously close to the real thing!

hat to Serve With Your Homemade Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets

Classic Chick-fil-A Style

For the full fast-food experience, serve your homemade nuggets with:

• Chick-fil-A Sauce (Mix ½ cup mayo, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tsp lemon juice, ½ tsp paprika)
• Waffle Fries (Toss frozen fries with 1 tsp sugar before baking for that signature sweet touch)
• Cole Slaw (Shredded cabbage mix with mayo, vinegar, sugar, and celery seed)

Kid-Friendly Plates

Make nugget meals fun with:

• Honey Mustard Dippers (Equal parts honey and yellow mustard)
• Apple Slices with caramel dip
• Mac & Cheese (Extra creamy with a breadcrumb topping)

Healthy Balanced Options

Lighten up your meal with:

• Side Salad (Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and light Italian dressing)
• Grilled Veggie Skewers (Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms)
• Fruit Salad (Melon, berries, and mint)

Game Day/Party Spread

Turn nuggets into crowd-pleasers:

• Nugget Nachos (Layer chips with nuggets, cheese sauce, jalapeños, and ranch)
• Sliders (Mini buns with nuggets, pickles, and sauce)
• Dip Trio (BBQ, ranch, and honey mustard in small bowls)

Meal Prep Ideas

For easy lunches all week:

• Bento Boxes (Nuggets, grapes, cheese cubes, and crackers)
• Wrap Kits (Tortillas, nuggets, lettuce, and sauce packets)
• Protein Bowls (Rice, nuggets, steamed veggies, and teriyaki drizzle)

Pro Tip: For authentic presentation, use red-and-white checkered paper liners and small dipping sauce containers.

These serving ideas transform your homemade nuggets from a simple snack to complete meals for any occasion. Mix and match sides based on what you’re craving!

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Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets

Jessica

Craving Chick-fil-A’s famous nuggets? This copycat recipe delivers juicy, crispy chicken bites with a tangy buttermilk-pickle marinade and seasoned breading—just like the real thing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Marinating Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized nuggets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup pickle juice for authentic flavor
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Breading

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat

For Frying

• 2 cups peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pickle juice, salt, and pepper.
• Add chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
• Mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a bowl.
• Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Toss each piece in flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
• Heat peanut oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry nuggets in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray nuggets with oil. Cook in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Notes

🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	880mg
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	2g
Protein	32g

Keyword Chick-fil-A, chicken nuggets, copycat

How to Store & Reheat

• Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat:
  • Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  • Air fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Microwave: Less crispy but quick (30–60 seconds).

Your New Go-To Nugget Recipe: Easy, Tasty, and Affordable

This Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets recipe delivers the same iconic taste at home. The buttermilk-pickle brine keeps the chicken moist, while the seasoned breading adds that signature crunch. Whether fried, air-fried, or baked, these nuggets will satisfy your fast-food cravings—no drive-thru needed.

Chick-fil-A Nuggets FAQ: Your Questions Answered