These Almost Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets are perfectly crispy and flavorful, bringing a taste that’s very close to the famous Chick-fil-A chicken. With a simple marinade and a crispy, golden coating, these nuggets are easy to make and perfect for any meal or snack.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers tender, juicy, and crispy chicken nuggets that remind me of Chick-fil-A’s iconic nuggets without needing to leave the house. The slight sweetness from the powdered sugar, combined with the light and crunchy coating, makes these nuggets irresistible. Plus, since they’re homemade, I can control the ingredients and adjust the seasonings to my liking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
1 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Peanut oil or canola oil for frying
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and stir in the milk.
Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Place the chicken pieces in the milk mixture, cover, and marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours.
In a gallon-sized resealable bag, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake to mix.
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a medium deep pot over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 375°F.
Remove the chicken from the milk mixture and place it into the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake to coat evenly.
Carefully add 6-8 pieces of coated chicken to the hot oil, cooking until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Turn the chicken halfway through when the edges start to turn white.
Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Repeat the process until all the chicken is cooked.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to keep these nuggets gluten-free.
Air Fryer Method: Instead of frying in oil, air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Extra Crunchy: Double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the milk mixture and flour before frying.
Different Oils: While peanut oil gives the most authentic flavor, vegetable or avocado oil works well too.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked nuggets on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They last up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.
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FAQs
How can I make these nuggets taste even more like Chick-fil-A?
Marinating in pickle juice for an hour before the milk marinade can enhance the flavor. Chick-fil-A brines their chicken in pickle juice for extra tenderness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, though they may take slightly longer to cook.
What dipping sauces pair well with these nuggets?
Classic choices include honey mustard, Chick-fil-A sauce, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Can I make these nuggets in advance?
Yes, I can marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor and fry them just before serving for the best texture.
Why do I need to add powdered sugar to the flour mixture?
The powdered sugar adds a slight sweetness that balances the salty and savory flavors, giving it that signature Chick-fil-A taste.
Conclusion
These Almost Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets are a fantastic homemade alternative to the fast-food favorite. They’re crispy, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether I’m craving a quick snack or a fun meal, these nuggets always hit the spot.
📖 Recipe:
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Almost Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
Description
Make crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets at home with this Almost Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets recipe! Lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, these nuggets have a signature touch of sweetness and crunch. Perfect for a quick meal or snack, they’re easy to make and pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 ¼ cups flour
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Peanut oil or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk the egg and mix in the milk.
- Cut the Chicken: Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate: Place chicken in the milk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
- Make the Coating: In a resealable bag, mix flour, powdered sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 375°F.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, place in flour mixture, seal, and shake to coat.
- Fry: Cook 6-8 nuggets at a time until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Repeat & Serve: Continue frying the remaining chicken and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Extra Crunchy: Double-coat by dipping back into the milk mixture and flour before frying.
Oil Options: Peanut oil gives an authentic flavor, but avocado or vegetable oil works too.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
