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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

This Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in tangy dill pickle juice, coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, and fried to crispy, golden perfection. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, these nuggets replicate the classic fast-food favorite in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice

Wet Batter

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk

Dry Coating Mix

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Oil

  • Peanut oil or canola oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine the cut chicken pieces with dill pickle juice in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes, or up to overnight, to infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderize it.
  2. Drain the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and drain off the pickle juice completely to ensure the coating sticks well.
  3. Prepare Wet Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. Pour this over the drained chicken pieces and mix gently to coat.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large ziplock bag, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake well to evenly distribute all the spices and sugar.
  5. Coat the Chicken: Drain off excess milk and egg mixture from the chicken, then add the chicken pieces to the ziplock bag containing the dry ingredients. Seal the bag and shake thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture.
  6. Heat the Oil: Heat peanut or canola oil in a large skillet or fryer over medium heat until it reaches an appropriate frying temperature (about 350°F/175°C).
  7. Fry the Nuggets: Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning as needed, until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy on all sides and cooked through.
  8. Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried chicken nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for best frying results.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; frying in batches prevents oil temperature drop and soggy coating.
  • Peanut oil is preferred for its high smoke point and flavor, but canola oil is a good substitute.