Description: Craving those irresistible Chick-fil-A nuggets but want a homemade version? This recipe delivers crispy, juicy, and flavorful nuggets that rival the original. Marinated in pickle juice for that signature tang and coated in a perfectly seasoned breading, these nuggets are sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a party snack!
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup dill pickle juice (from your favorite jar of pickles!)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Peanut oil or canola oil, for frying (approximately 3-4 cups)
Preparation:
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken – The Key to Flavor
- Place the cut chicken pieces into a medium-sized bowl.
- Pour the dill pickle juice over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are submerged. This is where the magic happens! The pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with that characteristic tangy flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours. For the most intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight, but be careful not to marinate for much longer than 24 hours, as the acid in the pickle juice can start to break down the chicken too much.
Step 2: Preparing the Egg Wash
- After the chicken has marinated, drain the pickle juice. Discard the pickle juice; do not reuse it.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, crack the egg.
- Add the milk to the bowl with the egg.
- Whisk the egg and milk together until well combined, creating a smooth egg wash.
- Pour the egg wash over the marinated chicken pieces in the bowl.
- Stir the chicken to ensure all pieces are evenly coated in the egg wash. This helps the flour mixture adhere properly.
Step 3: Mixing the Dry Coating
- In a large, heavy-duty zip-top bag (gallon-sized works best), combine the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Seal the bag tightly, making sure all the air is squeezed out.
- Shake the bag vigorously to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients together. This ensures even distribution of flavor and a consistent coating on the chicken.
Step 4: Coating the Chicken
- Drain the chicken pieces from the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. You can use a slotted spoon for this step.
- Place the drained chicken pieces into the zip-top bag containing the flour mixture.
- Seal the bag tightly again, ensuring there’s some air space to allow for movement.
- Shake the bag well, tossing the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are completely and evenly coated. Make sure there are no bare spots. The goal is a thick, even coating of the seasoned flour on each nugget.
- Remove the chicken from the bag and place on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This allows the coating to dry slightly which helps it adhere during frying.
Step 5: Frying the Chicken
- Pour peanut oil (or canola oil) into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the chicken nuggets, about 3-4 inches deep.
- Heat the oil over medium heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. You want the oil to reach 325-350°F (160-175°C). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispy nuggets. Too low, and they’ll be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken nuggets to the oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy nuggets. Fry in batches of 6-8 nuggets at a time, depending on the size of your pot.
- Fry the chicken nuggets for approximately 3-5 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides. The nuggets are done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the fried chicken nuggets from the oil using a slotted spoon or a wire skimmer.
- Place the fried nuggets on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about recreating a fast-food favorite; it’s about crafting a delicious, homemade meal with quality ingredients. You’ll love:
- The Flavor: The pickle juice marinade imparts a unique tang that sets these nuggets apart. Combined with the perfectly seasoned breading, the flavor profile is simply irresistible.
- The Texture: Achieving that crispy exterior and juicy interior is key. This recipe provides the steps to ensure your nuggets are perfectly cooked every time.
- The Control: You control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more wholesome version of your favorite fast-food treat. No mystery ingredients here!
- The Fun: Making these nuggets is a fun activity to do with family or friends. Get everyone involved in the process!
- The Satisfaction: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal from scratch. These homemade nuggets are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces. Classic choices include:
- Chick-fil-A Sauce (copycat recipes abound online!)
- Barbecue sauce
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Ketchup
- Pair the nuggets with classic sides such as:
- Waffle fries (another Chick-fil-A staple!)
- Coleslaw
- Macaroni and cheese
- Potato salad
- Fresh fruit salad
- Arrange the nuggets on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces and sides for a fun and interactive meal.
- Serve them as a snack at parties or gatherings. They’re always a hit!
- Make a nugget-themed meal with waffle fries and a milkshake!
Tips:
- Don’t skip the pickle juice marinade! This is essential for the authentic Chick-fil-A flavor.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. This will help you achieve perfectly crispy nuggets.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Work in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Let the nuggets drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- For extra crispy nuggets, try double-dredging the chicken in the flour mixture. After the first coating, dip the chicken back into the egg wash, then dredge it again in the flour.
- If you don’t have confectioners’ sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but the confectioners’ sugar provides a slightly smoother texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a spicier nugget, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- For a healthier version, consider baking the nuggets instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time:
- 10 minutes
Total Time:
- 20 minutes (active, plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on frying method and serving size)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion
These Chick-fil-A inspired chicken nuggets are a delicious and satisfying homemade alternative to the fast-food classic. With a tangy pickle juice marinade, a perfectly seasoned breading, and a crispy, golden-brown exterior, these nuggets are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve them as a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a party snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but the texture will be slightly different. Chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and moist, but they may not be as firm as chicken breasts. Be sure to trim any excess fat from the thighs before cutting them into pieces.
- How long can I marinate the chicken?
- You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. However, be careful not to marinate for longer than 24 hours, as the acid in the pickle juice can start to break down the chicken too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
- Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake the nuggets for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through. While the baked nuggets won’t be quite as crispy as the fried ones, they’ll still be delicious.
- What can I use if I don’t have peanut oil?
- Canola oil is a great substitute for peanut oil. Vegetable oil or corn oil can also be used. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart a strong flavor to the nuggets.
- Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?
- You can prepare the chicken up to the point of frying several hours in advance. Store the coated chicken nuggets in the refrigerator on a wire rack, uncovered, to help maintain their crispiness. When ready to cook, fry as directed. For the best quality, it’s best to fry the nuggets fresh. You can also reheat leftover fried nuggets in a preheated oven or air fryer to restore some of their crispness.
