There's something deeply nostalgic and satisfying about biting into a hot, crispy chicken nugget. But not just any nugget—we're talking about the unmistakably seasoned, juicy-inside, golden-outside Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. If you’ve ever thought about trying a Chick Fil A chicken nuggets copycat recipe at home, this crispy homemade version will blow your mind. It captures everything you love about those addictive little bites, and honestly? It might even be better because you control the quality and the portions. Whether you're crafting chicken nugget meals for your family or looking for a fun game-day snack, these DIY Chick Fil A nuggets deliver.
Crispy Chick-fil-A Style Nuggets
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Mixing bowls For brining and dredging. Use at least one medium and one large bowl.
Tongs or slotted spoon For safe frying and turning nuggets.
Heavy-Bottomed Skillet or Dutch Oven For even frying. A cast-iron pan is ideal, but any deep, wide skillet works.
Wire Rack with Sheet Pan Helps keep the nuggets crispy after frying. Paper towels can work, but they may make the nuggets soggy.
Thermometer For checking oil temperature. Optional but helpful to avoid soggy nuggets.
For the Chicken and Brine
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier nuggets)
- 1 cup dill pickle juice yes, pickle juice!
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Dredge
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar a Chick-fil-A secret!
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
For Frying
- 2 cups peanut oil or vegetable oil
- For Dipping Optional but Encouraged:
- Your favorite honey mustard Chick-fil-A sauce, or a creamy sriracha mayo
Cut and Brine the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches). In a bowl, mix the pickle juice and milk. Add the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. This is where the magic starts—the brine tenderizes the chicken and gives it that subtle tangy flavor.
Prep the Dredge
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. Mix well so every bite gets seasoned evenly.
Heat the Oil
In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat. You're aiming for a frying temp of 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping in a pinch of flour—it should sizzle immediately.
Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the brine and shake off excess liquid. Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. Lay the dredged pieces on a wire rack or plate.
Fry Until Golden
Carefully place chicken pieces in hot oil without crowding the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
Drain and Rest
Transfer cooked nuggets to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep them crispy. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving—if you can wait!
Serve
Serve with a trio of dipping sauces, or pile onto a toasted bun for a chicken nugget sandwich experience. These also make stellar leftovers for next-day chicken nugget meals.
Pairings in Detail
These homemade Chick Fil A nuggets are stars on their own, but they shine even brighter with the right pairings:
- Waffle Fries: For the full fast-food feel. Try making them at home or grabbing a bag of frozen ones.
- Coleslaw or Pickle Slaw: The tang pairs beautifully with the savory nuggets.
- Mac and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy counterpoint to the crispy bites.
- Fruit Salad: Add a refreshing balance with some melon, berries, and pineapple.
- Drinks: Sweet iced tea or a frosty lemonade screams Southern comfort and makes your plate feel restaurant-ready.
FAQs: Everything You Want to Know
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless for the best texture. In fact, some say thighs create the best homemade Chick Fil A nuggets.
2. What makes this a Chick Fila copycat recipe?
The brine (pickle juice and milk), powdered sugar in the dredge, and the seasoning profile are what mimic the classic Chik Fil A chicken nuggets. It's the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a tender, juicy bite.
3. Can I make a grilled version?
Yes! If you're aiming for something closer to the Copycat Chick Fil A grilled nuggets, skip the dredging and marinate the chicken in a similar pickle juice-milk combo, then grill or pan-sear. Look up a Chickfila grilled nuggets recipe for more detailed grilling instructions.
4. Is it okay to air-fry these nuggets?
Definitely! To make these Chic Fila copycat chicken nuggets in an air fryer, dredge them the same way, spray with a light mist of oil, and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as deeply golden as fried, but still crunchy and delicious.
5. Can I freeze these?
Yes. You can freeze the uncooked, dredged nuggets on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time. Great for quick chicken nugget meals!
