Description
This copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken bites marinated in a flavorful buttermilk and pickle juice mixture, then coated in a seasoned flour blend and deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfectly crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, these nuggets are an irresistible treat ideal for snacking or a family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
Coating
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 1/2 teaspoons table salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
For Frying
- vegetable or peanut oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cube 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-size pieces, trimming away any excess skin to ensure even cooking and bite-sized consistency.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup pickle juice until well combined for a tangy, tenderizing marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add cubed chicken into the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for about an hour. For best flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight if time permits.
- Heat Oil: When ready to cook, preheat vegetable or peanut oil in a fryer or deep pot to 375°F, ensuring the oil is hot enough for a crispy coating.
- Prepare Coating: In a gallon-size Ziploc bag, combine 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 tablespoon corn starch, 2 1/2 teaspoons table salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; shake well to mix thoroughly.
- Coat Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces in small batches into the seasoned flour mixture, seal the bag, and shake until each piece is evenly coated with the flour mixture.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully place coated chicken pieces in small batches into the hot oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they are cooked through and safe to eat.
- Drain Nuggets: Remove the cooked nuggets from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping them crisp and not greasy.
- Serve: Continue frying remaining batches following the same process. Serve your delicious chicken nuggets hot, paired with waffle fries and honey mustard sauce for an authentic Chick-Fil-A experience.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but is optional if short on time.
- Pickle juice adds a unique tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for optimal crispiness and to prevent greasy nuggets.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Feel free to substitute vegetable oil with peanut oil for a slightly different flavor and higher smoke point.