Description
Enjoy a delicious homemade version of the famous Chick-Fil-A nuggets with tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in tangy pickle juice and perfectly fried to golden perfection. This recipe captures the signature flavor and crispy texture of the original nuggets using simple ingredients and easy frying techniques.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
Batter & Coating
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For Frying
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil (enough for deep frying, about 2 inches in depth)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the dill pickle juice over them, ensuring the pieces are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. After marinating, drain the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until fully combined. This mixture will help the flour coating adhere to the chicken.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder thoroughly to create the flavorful coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each marinated and dried chicken piece first into the milk and egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for the crispiest results.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough peanut or vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to reach about 2 inches in depth. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, which is crucial for proper frying.
- Fry the Nuggets: Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each batch for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn occasionally for even browning until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through inside.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried nuggets using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces for an authentic Chick-Fil-A nugget experience.
Notes
- Do not skip the pickle juice marinade; it is essential for achieving the classic Chick-Fil-A flavor.
- Peanut oil is preferred for authentic taste and high smoke point, but vegetable oil is a good alternative if needed.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the nuggets cook evenly without absorbing excess oil.
- If you want to make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk alternative.
