Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe made with marinated chicken, pickle juice, flour, eggs, and simple spices.
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls (at least 3)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Wire rack or paper towels
- Thermometer (optional but helpful)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice from a jar of pickles
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Breading
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For Frying
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil enough for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. I aim for nugget-sized chunks—not too big, not too tiny.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
Step 2: Marinate for Flavor
- Pour the pickle juice and milk over the chicken. Make sure everything is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours.
- This step is non-negotiable. The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature Chick-fil-A flavor without making the nuggets taste like pickles.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
- While the chicken marinates, set up three bowls:
- One bowl with flour, powdered sugar, and all spices mixed together
- One bowl with eggs and milk whisked until smooth
- One empty plate or tray for breaded nuggets
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off.
- Dip each piece into the flour mixture first, then into the egg wash, then back into the flour mixture. Gently press the flour onto the chicken so it sticks well.
- Place breaded pieces onto the tray and repeat until all chicken is coated.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add chicken nuggets in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer cooked nuggets to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.