This Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and uses a simple frying method for a quick and easy dinner that your family will love! Trust me, you’re going to want this recipe in your back pocket for those busy weeknight meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces. This is your star ingredient!
- 1 cup buttermilk: The secret to that tender, juicy chicken.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: For that perfect coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Helps create an extra crispy crust.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness, just like your favorite nuggets.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A couple pinches for seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a touch of color and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Because every good recipe calls for pepper!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that aromatic goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: For depth of flavor.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil.
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets
Marinate Chicken: Start by marinating your chicken pieces in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to ensure your chicken is juicy and tender. Plus, it’ll soak up all that flavorful goodness!
Prepare Coating: While the chicken is marinating, mix together the flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. This combination is SO flavorful and will give your nuggets that extra crispy texture we all crave.
Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a deep pan to cover the bottom at least 1-2 inches deep. Heat it up over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when you toss in a little bit of the flour mixture and it sizzles right away.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Now, coating each piece in the flour mixture is a must! Make sure they’re evenly coated for the perfect crunch.
Fry the Nuggets: Once your oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan, frying in batches so you don’t overcrowd, about 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. They’ll smell amazing, trust me!
Drain and Serve: When they’re done, drain your nuggets on paper towels to catch any excess oil. Serve your fantastic homemade nuggets warm!
If you loved this Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets recipe, be sure to check out my Chick Fil A Egg White Grill Copycat!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have the time for a long prep.
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients you likely already have at home! Chicken breasts are a versatile and often-on-sale pantry item, making this recipe a hit for family dinners.
Customizable
The secret to deliciously versatile nuggets! Feel free to switch up spices or use different kinds of meats. You can even add things like chopped fresh herbs to the flour mixture for an extra kick.
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor and that nostalgic taste of your favorite fast food! This is the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table, perfect for family gatherings and busy nights alike.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets, the options are endless! They’re absolutely perfect with:
- Dipping Sauces: Try honey mustard, barbecue, or even a homemade ranch dressing! Ketchup is always a classic, too.
- Sides: Serve with crispy French fries, fresh veggies, or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
- Sandwiches: Pile them on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauces for an incredible chicken sandwich!
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: These nuggets will keep well in an airtight container for about 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To retain that crispy texture, pop them back into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. Air fryers are also a great option if you want to keep them crispy!
- Freezer Friendly?: Yes! Feel free to freeze cooked nuggets for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are cooled and wrapped tightly before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and reheat as described above.
So there you have it! Your ultimate guide to making Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets that are quick, easy, and a surefire hit at the dinner table. Enjoy making these delightful bites that your family will love, and don’t be surprised if they ask for them every week, because they’re just that good!
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Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets
Ingredients
Method
- Marinate chicken: Start by marinating your chicken pieces in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare coating: In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a deep pan to cover the bottom at least 1-2 inches deep and heat it over medium-high.
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, coat each piece in the flour mixture.
- Fry the nuggets: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain and serve: Drain the nuggets on paper towels to catch excess oil and serve warm.