Chick-Fil-A Nuggets Recipe
This recipe recreates the iconic Chick-Fil-A Nuggets with tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in a tangy and flavorful buttermilk and pickle juice mixture. The nuggets are coated in a seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture, then fried to a perfect golden crisp, delivering a deliciously crunchy outside with a moist interior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 24-28 nuggets)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup cold full-fat buttermilk, well shaken
- ¾ cup dill pickle juice
- 1 extra large egg, well beaten
Chicken
- 1½ pounds chicken breast tenderloins, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks
Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons powdered sugar
- ¼ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Frying
- 4 cups canola oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the cold full-fat buttermilk, dill pickle juice, and the well-beaten extra large egg. Whisk until fully mixed and smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cut chicken breast tenderloins into the marinade. Ensure all pieces are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, plain bread crumbs, powdered sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, baking powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper thoroughly to create an even seasoning blend.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the canola or vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or skillet, at least 2-3 inches deep, and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Coat the Chicken Nuggets: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece evenly in the seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere a full coating.
- Fry the Nuggets: Carefully place the coated chicken chunks in batches into the hot oil to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried nuggets from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) will enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature consistently between 350-360°F for best frying results.
- Use a thermometer to check oil heat to prevent greasy or undercooked nuggets.
- Drain on wire racks rather than paper towels for a crisper coating.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the coating mixture.
Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/chick-fil-a-nuggets-recipe/