Name: Copycat Chick‑fil‑A Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 cup dill pickle juice; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup 2% milk; 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar; 2 teaspoons seasoned salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Canola oil for frying

Why You’ll Love Copycat Chick‑fil‑A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

You’ll love these nuggets because they replicate the signature Chick‑fil‑A taste without needing to go through a drive‑thru. Made with simple ingredients and a special marinade that adds flavor and tenderness, this recipe is great for family dinners, game days, or when you’re craving something nostalgic and delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite‑sized pieces
1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
1 large egg white
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Oil for frying (such as peanut or vegetable oil)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite‑sized pieces. Place them in a bowl with the dill pickle juice and toss to coat. Let marinate for about 30 minutes to help add flavor and tenderness.
Make the batter: In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, egg white, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix until a thick coating forms.
Coat the chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the batter and toss until each piece is fully coated.
Heat the oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet or fryer to about 1‑inch depth and heat to about 375 °F (190 °C).
Fry: Working in batches, place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 1‑2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain and serve: Remove nuggets with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Serves: About 8 people
Prep time: ~20 minutes (plus about 30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: ~10 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
Buttermilk marinade: Swap pickle juice for buttermilk to tenderize the chicken with a milder flavor.
Herb blend: Add dried thyme or oregano to the batter for a herby twist.
Panko crust: Roll coated nuggets in panko breadcrumbs before frying for an extra crunchy texture.
Honey BBQ flavor: Mix a bit of honey into the barbecue sauce in the batter for a sweeter, smokier taste.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 10 minutes to help keep them crisp — microwaving may make them soggy.

FAQs

What dipping sauces go well with these nuggets?

Classic options include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or a homemade Chick‑fil‑A‑style sauce that mixes barbecue, mustard and honey for sweetness.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives the most authentic texture, you can bake them on a greased sheet at 425 °F (220 °C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Do I have to marinate the chicken in pickle juice?

Marinating in pickle juice adds extra flavor and a hint of tang, but you can skip it or use milk or buttermilk instead if you prefer.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work fine and may even be juicier, but cooking times might vary slightly.

What oil is best for frying these nuggets?

Use an oil with a high smoke point like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil. Peanut oil is closest to what many restaurants use.

How do I know when the nuggets are done?

They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).

Can I air‑fry these instead of deep‑frying?

Yes — cook at about 390 °F (200 °C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispiness.

How can I make this gluten‑free?

Use a gluten‑free flour or cornstarch substitute and ensure all sauces and coatings are gluten‑free.

Can these be frozen?

Yes — once cooked and cooled, flash‑freeze on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2–3 months.

Is there a way to make them healthier?

Baking or air‑frying instead of deep‑frying reduces added oil and calories.

Conclusion

Homemade copycat Chick‑fil‑A chicken nuggets bring the fast‑food favorite into your kitchen with juicy, flavorful chicken and a perfectly crispy coating. They’re fun to make, great to share, and ideal for turning any mealtime into a crowd‑pleasing experience.