Chick-fil-A Nuggets are a perfect copycat with no pickle juice, made with all white meat and a crispy, seasoned breading fried in peanut oil.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets are a sore subject in our house because we are evenly divided between these nuggets and KFC popcorn chicken. As a mom, when we’re out and about to stop in a fast food option I tend to go with Chick-fil-A or In-n-Out just for small wins that make me feel like at least they seem freshest.
Chick-fil-A has become our non-burger favorite spot. It also helps that they make the best lemonade of all time (recipe coming soon). One of my only frustrations with them is the lines and the cost. Anytime we go there is a giant line in the drive-thru and with little kids in the car my patience is usually shorter than the wait.
So when we buy these chicken nuggets I also drive through to get popcorn chicken to avoid hearing about the “I don’t like sweet nuggets” from the peanut gallery. Yes, Chick-fil-A nuggets have a hint of sweetness in them (recreated here with powdered sugar), I personally like them but given my options I would probably choose a less sweetened version of chicken nuggets.
Looking for more Copycat recipes? I have a TON of them on the blog! Here is a whole Index of Copycat Recipes.
Tools Used in the making of these Chick-fil-A Nuggets:
Lodge Cast Dutch Oven: – I use this dutch oven for a lot of frying and braising.
Pig Tail Flipper: – I use this *almost* more than I use tongs in the kitchen. Flipping is so quick and doesn’t smash foods.
Spider Strainer: Love these strainers for quickly draining oil away and scooping out fried food.
Breadcrumbs: Great plain breadcrumbs, I normally use panko, but for this recipe I recommend these.
Breading Station: I use this because the pans are wide with a flat bottom. If you have small rectangular plates use those, I wouldn’t use curved bowls for breading stations as it could knock some breading off.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 pound chicken breasts cut into 1" chunks
- 3/4 cup flour
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 inches of peanut oil
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the breadcrumbs and process until very fine.
- In a large ziplock bag or a bowl add the chicken pieces, the milk and the eggs and combine. (I usually just close the bag and squish it together)
- Put the chicken in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
- In a large dutch oven fill it 3 inches deep with peanut oil and heat to 365-375 degrees (medium high heat until a piece dropped in immediately bubbles up but doesn’t burn quickly).
- Put the breadcrumbs, flour, powdered sugar, Kosher salt, white pepper, chili powder in a bowl and whisk together.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture and let dry for a few minutes.
- Fry in batches (avoid crowding them) until golden brown (2-3 minutes) and remove to a sheet pan.
- Don’t drain on paper towels, it’ll create steam and soften the nuggets.
Nutrition
This has no pickle brine. Won’t taste like chic-fil-a.
Chick-fil-a actually does not use a pickle brine! I can confirm, I work there. 🙂
Wow! Doubled the recipe and it turned out great! Generous portions for my family! They all loved it. I would sprinkle some more regular salt on immediately after frying! Skip the CFA sauce and Dip in ketchup for the best flavor!
I just made these and WOW! Easy-peasy and tasting 99.5% like the real deal. I had to use vegetable oil and only had Italian breadcrumbs and no food processor and used a pasta pot to heat the oil with no thermometer so I was a bit afraid to take the first bite but honestly, WOW!
My teenage boys went CRAZY over these! The first thing they said was “Can you make those tomorrow too?”.
Only difference I did was use Italian seasoned bread crumbs (that’s all I had in the cabinet)
Thank you so much for sharing that with us ?
My teenage boys went CRAZY over these! The first thing they said was “Can you make those tomorrow too?”.
Only difference I did was use Italian seasoned bread crumbs (that’s all I had in the cabinet)
Thank you so much for sharing that with us ?
I use this recipe all the time! I add a touch more powdered sugar. I also use prepared bread crumbs. So good!!
These were good. Not a perfect copy but darn close. I had already done the pickle juice brine before looking for a coating recipe and I think it gave it the zing others mentioned the recipe lacking. I also think a double dunk in the dreg and milk will make for a better coating.
These were amazing! Used all the ingredients listed above and they tasted so similar. Being Canadian, we have missed Chick-fil-A so thank-you for your efforts putting this copy cat recipe together.
The only thing I did differently was added all the dry ingredients to the food processor. Easy peasy!
Not really a comment but a question per say. I have been trying to find a recipe for the classic Gliers Goetta that can only be found in Southern Kentucky and most of Ohio. I have been afraid to make it so I’m hoping to get a brave soul to try it. Ever tried it or made it?
I have not! I will have to look into that, thank you for the suggestion!
These are excellent!!
This recipe is great! I saw some comments about needing more seasoning or increasing the sugar, but I followed the recipe exactly as written and the nuggets came out amazing! I also made a gluten free batch for my sister using Bob Redmill’s 1 to 1 gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs and they came out delicious!
Hi Sabrina,
This was wonderful! Contrary to others who have posted, I’ve tried the pickle juice brine recipes and it did not enhance the flavor. Also, I’ve made them in the air fryer; the secret is a quick dunk in the peanut oil prior to air frying. Most of it drips off, but you’re left with a slightly healthier deliciousness! Thank you for such a fantastic alternative to going out—especially with rising costs we are facing.
Made these with gluten free bread crumbs and gluten free flour. They were great. Thanks!
Yay, so glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Hi, I followed the recipe and my nuggets came out bland. I sprinkled salt at the end and it did bring out some flavor. It did not taste anything like Chick Fil A. The nuggets lacked those crumb parts that you find on the Chick Fil A nuggets. I may just process half of the crumbs. Was I supposed to double dredge? Season the egg wash? I’ll try this recipe again, but my way. I think I have to double the salt, pepper, chili powder, maybe add some MSG to give it that umami flavor. Also, season the chicken and the milk. Thank you for inspiring me to make the nuggets, my first time ever making nuggets at home.
Thank you for trying this recipe. I’m sorry they didn’t turn out so well but I’m glad you have the inspiration to keep cooking.
So the nuggets were good! I did soak mine in pickle juice and yeah i didnt really notice any thing different about it.
I would really emphasize setting them *dry out* after putting the breading on cuz my second batch turned out way better than my first.
I guess the one thing was that i spent about 18$ on ingredients and it took almost an hour and a half to make. And thats not the recipe makers fault hahah thats just how it is. At least this is an alternative to supporting homophobes!
ASS
What kind of bread crumbs are used please?
Thanks.
These are AMAZING. My family actually liked them better than Chick-Fil-A! The only subs were vegetable oil instead of peanut oil and finely ground black pepper instead of white pepper. My twelve year old sister is super picky and she loved them. Definitely a new menu staple. Thank you so much Sabrina!!!
Love this recipe, use it all the time. Question: can you bread the nuggets a couple of hours in advance or would they lose texture that way?
Thanks,
N
I believe they would love texture
Is that “love” or “lose” texture???
So delicious. My very picky 8 year old stuffed himself! I have a terrible habit of not measuring with recipes like these and next time I’m going to follow the proportions to a T. They were so close to chick fil a, i dont know if I could have told the difference in a taste test. Definitely a keeper.
Amazing! My boyfriend ate them all and I had to make more! He even said they were BETTER than the real thing! 10/10
My family of eight loved these nuggets! We decided they need a bit more sugar, but otherwise they are such a win for us. Will definitely be making again. Thanks so much
Tried other copycat recipes and this is the one that tastes nearly identical (and better because it’s SO fresh!) The only change I made was using spicy breadcrumbs that we already had on hand and omitted the chili powder.
I would have given 5 stars except for two issues…
First off the whole point of making things at home is to make a healthier version of an unhealthy favorite. That being said, why would you add sugar? There is no need to add the sugar and they still taste great. Secondly by Air Frying them instead of pan frying them in fatty oil makes them so much better for you and they still come out crispy and delicious.
Hi Monica, we make this at home to cut the cost, no where in the blog do we state its to make it a healthy version. We add the sugar because Chick Fil A nuggets are a bit sweeter than the average nuggets. Air frying does sound delicious though!
These nuggets were amazing. Where does this recipe claim to be healthier? You must be SUCH a FUN mom!!
usually copycat recipes are not an alternative because your trying to make a healthy recipe, its just so you can save some money and make an identical version of it at home. Chick fil a nuggets arent really healthy so the copycat recipe wouldnt be either.
What kind of bread crumbs do you use?
Classic bread crumbs, not panko, not seasoned.
At what temperature should I bake the nuggets at and for how long, if reheating after freezing, or refrigeration?
to reheat, I would do 375 for 8-10 minutes or even better I’d use a toaster oven.
Can I use Vegtable oil instead of peanut oil? Will it still taste the same? What would the nutrition facts be with vegetable oil instead and only 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar.
Chick fil a uses peanut oil, there is a slight flavor to it. You can sub vegetable oil, but that’s flavorless, so just realize it won’t be 100% spot on.
Loved it!!!! I followed the recipe step by step, and It came out delicious. The only thing I would use less salt next time, personal preferences, but they are delicious!!!!. I used the oil I had at home to save some money, but next time, I’ll use peanut oil to taste the difference. Thanks!!!?
Loved it!!!! I followed the recipe step by step, and It came out delicious. The only thing I would use less salt next time, personal preferences, but they are delicious!!!!. I used the oil I had at home to save some money, but next time, I’ll use peanut oil to taste the difference. Thanks!!!?
Does not taste anything like Chick-Fill -A very bland.
So sorry you didn’t enjoy it!
Just made this for dinner since their sauce is now available in the store. Was skeptical, but this is both the texture and flavor. Did add salt at the end after frying. Also a whole chicken breast gives you 24 nuggets or more. Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it!
It was amazing since we live in the mountains and nearest restaurant is 40 miles. Just like eating there. Love it.
Glad to have helped out with a craving, Steve. Thanks for the 5 stars.
Maybe our chick filets’ are different here but although the look was good, these tasted nothing like the nuggets I’ve had. Back to the drawing boards
Our nearest Chik-Fil-A is 45 minutes away in a town we have no other reason to visit often. I have tried so many recipes (pickle juice, etc) and it just never quite got it right. I was very skeptical but yours was the first I had seen to include bread crumbs. I really think this makes the difference! So good and just like Chik-Fil-A. Thank you so much!
Can I substitute kosher salt for regular?
as I do not have it in hand
Sure 🙂
Receipe for chick fa la lemonade thano
Here’s the direct link:
https://dinnerthendessert.com/chick-fil-a-inspired-crispy-chicken-sandwich-and-lemonade/
Great recipe! My daughter and grandchildren are here and the are big fans of Chick-Fil-A. They all loved your version. I made it according to the recipe and I will definitely make it again. Thanks for sharing it!
You’re welcome, Sharon.
I don’t normally leave reviews but this one deserves it. All the flavor was there, spot on.
I did modify a few things and cooked them in an air fryer:
I did let them brine in pickle juice for about 40 min before I started
I used coconut sugar instead of powder sugar, almond flour instead of flour, and almond milk instead of milk.
Still all the same taste; perfect amount of sweetness.
I do prefer to use air fryers but I think for the next time I make this I’ll stick with the peanut oil.
Thank you!!
I’m glad you loved it enough to come back and let me know, Taylor. Thanks!
Had been craving Chick Fila all week and my daughter told me about looking up recipe. They are extremely delicious! Made the copycat sauce too and it’s also a big hit. Thanks for sharing!
Glad to have helped with a craving, Shelley. Thanks for the 5 stars.
Can you use a differnt type of oil besides peanut oil?
Of course! I was just trying to replicate the copycat recipe.
These turn out much better when fried according to directions. This recipe really doesn’t work in the air fryer. SO, with that being said, I fried up a few pounds and then will reheat them in the air fryer. This recipe is pretty spot on, really good! I will be making these again, and again, and again! Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback, Andrea. Reheating them in the air fryer should help keep they crispy.
Hello
Do you have a recipe for a sweet n sour chicken like General Tsos
I sure do!
Here’s the direct link: https://dinnerthendessert.com/sweet-sour-chicken/
You can also use the search bar at the top right of the page and type in sweet and sour chicken to find it. Enjoy!
Loveee this recipe! Has anyone tried to freeze some for a quick make? Would be awesome to be able to just pop some in the oven!
That would work. I’d suggest flash freezing them on a cookie sheet and then moving them to a storage bag so you can easily pull out the amount you’d like. Someone else suggested reheating in an air fryer and that might help to crisp them back up. Good luck!
For sure the right look and texture. Flavor is definitely off from Chick-fil-a. What is missing? Has anyone figured it out?
Maybe it is missing the pickle juice flavor, the original recipe or other copycats use pickle juice to marinate the chicken before coating and frying.
Do you mean butter milk when you mention milk ?
I used milk for this copycat recipe. 🙂
Whole Milk? 2% Fat Milk? Please elaborate
Hi James, I use whole milk.
YES!!! Honestly, sooo close to the real thing. Finally I can enjoy the pleasure of Chickfila while knowing the chicken is organic and free range!!
To top it off, we bought Chickfila sauce from Chick-fil-A and dip ours in there.
Perfect!
Do you think you could make a bunch, breaded and all, and freeze them? Just wondering if you think that would work!
I’d fry them up before freezing. I’d suggest flash freezing them and placing them into an airtight storage bag or container so you can pull out however many you’d like to use each time.
These are delicious, and so very close to the real thing!! The texture and taste of the breading is closer than any other recipes out there – trust me. You have to follow the instructions to a T (Peanut Oil & have a thermometer!!!), or else they’re not going to be the same. I made a couple tweaks to make them absolutely addicting. 1. Added a teaspoon of onion powder 2. Double breaded for that extra crispy exterior. Thank you so much! Nearest Chik Fil A is 2.5 hours away, so this recipe is a life-saver.
This worked great! I didn’t have pickle juice, so I used olive juice instead (basically the same, right? Nope, haha. They came out a little bit too salty. Still good though, so it would work in a pinch, but I’d use less next time.)
Make sure to use the right temperature on these too. The first batch we made came out not quite as crispy as they could have been because the temperature wasn’t quite high enough. If yours come out like–crispy, but only sort of crispy–turn up the heat and try again.
Pro tip to go along with this: Chick-fil-A sells their sauce in 8oz containers, so if you want to skip some steps and buy it straight from Chick-fil-A instead, they make it pretty easy.
Thanks for the recipe!
I’ll have to look for it, thanks!
These are Legit!! My daughter the nugget Queen loved them. Ate 20 in one sitting. So they pass as real chic fil a! I’m saving this one!!
Fantastic!
Can these be made in an air fryer?
I’ve not tested this recipe using an air fryer so I’m not comfortable giving a recommendation.
I made it exactly as written They are good, but it’s lacking the zing flavor. Not sure what, perhaps more chili powder, some black pepper or paprika? Will try again.
I just tried making these in the air fryer, and while they taste decent enough, and aren’t bad, I think that I will fry them according to directions next time for that “true” chick -fil-a experience.
Thanks for the feedback. I know a lot of people have been asking about using the air fryer.
I’ve made them in the air fryer. 360 for 11 minutes!
I loved this! It tasted so much like Chick fil a nuggets. Great recipe!
Arent chik fil a nuggets brined in pickle juice?
I worked at Chick-fil-A and used to prepare the raw chicken, and I can tell you with certainty that no, the chicken is NOT brined in pickle juice.
Really liked the nuggets, I added some kosmos Q garlic Parmesan wing dust to the batter to add some flavor, if you’ve never tried it I highly recommend checking it out.
Thanks for the suggestion.