Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

These homemade Chick-fil-A Nuggets feature tender chicken marinated in a tangy buttermilk and pickle juice blend, then double-fried to achieve that signature golden-brown, ultra-crispy exterior. Served with a creamy homemade Chick-fil-A style sauce, these nuggets deliver restaurant-quality flavor and texture right from your own kitchen.

Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or casual gatherings, this copycat recipe lets you enjoy your favorite crispy chicken nuggets whenever you want without the drive-through wait.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 11.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into small bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup pickle juice
  • 12 tablespoons hot sauce, use Frank's RedHot or your preferred brand
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, creates extra crispness
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Oil for frying, vegetable or peanut oil works best
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional but recommended

Instructions

  1. Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, pickle juice, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined and smooth.
  2. Add the Chicken: Add all the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir well, making sure every piece is coated thoroughly.
  3. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight marinating delivers the best flavor and tenderness.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly blended.
  5. Coat the Chicken: Working in batches, take chicken pieces straight from the marinade and coat them in the flour mixture, pressing firmly with your fingers to ensure the coating adheres and creates texture.
  6. First Rest: Arrange the breaded nuggets on a clean plate or tray and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature, which helps the coating set and adhere better.
  7. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat to 340 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit using a reliable thermometer.
  8. First Fry: Carefully add breaded chicken to the hot oil in batches (don't overcrowd the pan) and fry for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a clean paper towel-lined plate.
  9. Second Rest: Let the nuggets rest for 2 to 3 minutes at room temperature, which allows carryover cooking and helps them reach ideal tenderness.
  10. Second Fry: Return all nuggets to the oil and fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden and ultra crispy, then drain on a wire rack.
  11. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, honey, yellow mustard, and optional lemon juice until smooth and well blended.
  12. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency.
  13. Serve: Arrange hot nuggets on a plate and serve with the chilled Chick-fil-A style sauce on the side.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Save This Recipe On Pinterest For Later

Find it online: https://ladysavor.com/chick-fil-a-nuggets/