Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets (Printable Format)

Homemade chicken nuggets that taste just like Chick-fil-A. The pickle brine marinade makes all the difference!

# What You'll Gather:

→ For the Chicken and Marinade

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a standard jar of dill pickles)
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk or 2%

→ For the Egg Wash

04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1/2 cup milk

→ For the Breading

06 - 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (the secret ingredient!)
08 - 2 teaspoons salt
09 - 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
10 - 1 teaspoon paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
12 - 1/4 teaspoon celery salt (optional)

→ For Frying

13 - 3-4 cups neutral frying oil (peanut oil for authenticity, or canola/vegetable oil)
14 - Oil spray if air frying

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Cut your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes and pat them dry. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the pickle juice and first 1/2 cup of milk. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they're all covered. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours - this pickle brine is what makes these taste just like the real thing!
02 - While the chicken marinates, whisk together the egg and remaining 1/2 cup milk in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, and any optional seasonings until well combined. Break up any clumps in the powdered sugar.
03 - Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Working in batches, dip each piece first in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the coating gently to help it stick. Place breaded nuggets on a clean plate.
04 - For deep frying: Heat oil to exactly 350°F in a heavy pot - use a thermometer! For air frying: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray the basket with oil.
05 - Deep fry: Cook nuggets in small batches for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F. Don't overcrowd! Air fry: Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
06 - Transfer cooked nuggets to a wire rack to keep them crispy (not paper towels, which make them soggy). Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces while they're hot and at their crispiest!

# Important Tips:

01 - The pickle brine marinade is absolutely essential - it's what gives these nuggets that signature Chick-fil-A flavor and keeps them incredibly tender.
02 - Don't skip the powdered sugar in the breading! It's not for sweetness but for that perfect golden color and subtle flavor balance.
03 - Cut chicken pieces uniformly so they cook evenly, and never overcrowd your pan or air fryer basket.
04 - Use peanut oil for the most authentic taste, but canola or vegetable oil work great too if you have allergies.
05 - Keep oil temperature at exactly 350°F for the crispiest results - too low and they'll be greasy, too high and they'll burn.
06 - These are best served immediately, but you can keep them warm on a wire rack in a 200°F oven for a short time.

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