Chick-fil-A Nuggets Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch nuggets
1 cup dill pickle juice (for marinade)
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
For the Breading:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
Optional: 1/4 tsp MSG (this gives it that real fast-food umami)
For Frying:
Peanut oil or canola oil (peanut oil is what Chick-fil-A uses)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Mix the pickle juice, milk, and egg in a bowl.
Add chicken pieces, stir to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
2. Make the Breading
In a large ziplock bag or bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and baking powder.
3. Bread the Nuggets
Remove chicken from marinade and let excess liquid drip off.
Toss the chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off excess flour.
4. Fry
Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken in batches for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temp is 165°F (74°C).
Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
Chick-fil-A Sauce (Copycat)
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)
2 tbsp BBQ sauce (smoky/sweet, like Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1 tbsp lemon juice (or 1 tsp apple cider vinegar)
Pinch of salt (to taste)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, mustards, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust — add a touch more honey for sweetness, or lemon juice for tang.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend (optional but recommended).
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