Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Chick-fil-A Style Nuggets are a fantastic choice for a homemade meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. If you enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken, you’ll love making these nuggets at home. They are perfect for family dinners, parties, or just a tasty snack. Plus, you can control the ingredients, making them both delicious and healthier than fast food options.
How to Make Crispy Chick-fil-A Style Nuggets
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Honey mustard sauce (for dipping)
Directions:
- Marinate: Soak the chicken pieces in pickle juice for 30 minutes to add flavor and tenderness. After 30 minutes, drain the chicken.
- Mix Wet Coating: In a bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.
- Coat: In another bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Double Dip: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure they are well covered for extra crunch.
- Fry: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Once done, drain the nuggets on paper towels and serve them warm with honey mustard sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Crispy Chick-fil-A Style Nuggets
Serve these delicious nuggets warm, straight from the fryer, with honey mustard sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce. They are great paired with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Crispy Chick-fil-A Style Nuggets
If you have leftovers, store the nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them regain their crispy texture.
Tips to Make Crispy Chick-fil-A Style Nuggets
- Marinating Time: Don’t skip the pickle juice marination; it really enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Double Coating: For extra crispy nuggets, consider a double dip in the egg wash and flour mixture before frying.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying to ensure the nuggets cook evenly and don’t become greasy.
Variation
You can switch it up by adding different spices to the flour coating for a unique flavor. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for a different twist.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. -
What if I don’t have dill pickle juice?
If you don’t have dill pickle juice, you can use buttermilk or a mixture of vinegar and water as an alternative marinade. -
Can these nuggets be baked instead of fried?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Crispy Chick-fil-A Style Nuggets
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 pieces boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
Wet Coating
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 piece egg
Dry Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Serving
- Honey mustard sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
Marination
- Soak the chicken pieces in pickle juice for 30 minutes to add flavor and tenderness. After 30 minutes, drain the chicken.
Wet Coating Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.
Dry Coating Preparation
- In another bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coating the Nuggets
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure they are well covered for extra crunch.
Frying
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serving
- Once done, drain the nuggets on paper towels and serve them warm with honey mustard sauce for dipping.