This Chick-fil-A nuggets recipe is a spot-on copycat version of the original. Complete with the signature flavors of a deliciously seasoned crispy coating tender bites of juicy chicken. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces!
Prep Time: 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 20 minutesminutes
Total Time: 40 minutesminutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 ½poundsboneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" cubes
1 ½cupsmilk, or buttermilk
2largeeggs
1Tablespoonsalt, divided
1 ½cupsall-purpose flour
3Tablespoonspowdered sugar
1teaspoonpaprika
1teaspoonground black pepper
canola oil or peanut oil, for frying
For dipping: Ranch, Honey mustard, Chick-fil-A sauce, Ketchup
Instructions
In a large bowl whisk together the milk, eggs and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Add the chicken to the milk and allow to sit for a few minutes (you can also place in the refrigerator for a couple hours if prepping ahead of time).
Place 1 to 2 inches of canola or peanut oil into a large skillet. Heat the oil over medium high heat and place a thermometer to get it to 350ºF.
In a large bowl or casserole dish, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, paprika and pepper.
Working in small batches, add 1/4 of the chicken from the milk mixture into the flour (try to drip the excess liquid from the chicken before putting in the flour. Move the chicken with tongs to coat with the flour.
Place the chicken pieces in oil once it is hot enough. Monitor the temperature and turn the heat down if it goes above 350ºF so it doesn't burn. Cook for 4 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160ºF.
Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with a cooling rack. Place in a preheated oven (I keep it around 175ºF) while repeating the other batches.
Serve chicken while hot. Dip in your favorite sauce. Store leftovers in a covered container. Reheat in the oven to retain the crisp.
Notes
Oil: Chick-fil-A does use peanut oil. I usually just use canola oil, since that's what I have on hand. They also have professional fryers, so while the chicken nuggets may not come out exactly like they when you purchase them, they come really close.Chick-fil-A Sauce: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/chick-fil-a-sauce-recipe/
1/3 cup mayo
2 to 3 Tablespoons BBQ sauce
2-3 teaspoons mustard
1 to 2 Tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Whisk until combined and add more seasonings to taste.