The Best Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets

If you want to make Chick-Fil-A nuggets at home that taste just like the real thing, keep reading! This copycat Chick Fil A chicken nuggets recipe is as good as it can get without getting in your car and going to the actual restaurant.

Chicken bites are tossed in pickle juice (the secret ingredient), powdered sugar, and breading then cooked to golden perfection. Add some rolls to make chicken minis or eat them straight for a great party snack, family dinner, or just to hit the spot when you’re craving nuggets!

The Best Chicken Nugget Recipe

There is something about Chick-Fil-A nuggets that is just better than all other chicken nuggets I’ve ever had – maybe it’s because you can tell they’re actually made out of chicken or maybe it’s that perfect breading.

I don’t know but out of all of the chicken nuggets out there, my kids would choose them every time. Unfortunately there isn’t a Chick-Fil-A super close to us so if we’re already at home (or it’s Sunday), we make our own nuggets at home instead!

This copycat recipe is perfection, they taste so much like the ones you get at the restaurants, you may not be able to tell them apart! Make sure to follow the instructions below exactly because if you take out any of the special ingredients, you’ll lose the iconic Chick-Fil-A flavor!

1. Chicken breast – make sure you’re only using boneless skinless chicken breasts (aka white meat). If you sneak in dark meat or use thighs or something else, you’re not going to get the same juicy white meat chicken bites you get at the restaurant! Cut the chicken pieces into bite-sized pieces, all about the same size so they cook evenly!
2. Pickle juice – don’t skip the dill pickle juice as gross as it may sound. You won’t taste it but you’ll notice a difference if you skip it.
3. Peanut oil – we use peanut oil for frying in this recipe because well Chick-Fil-A does and it has a different taste than other oils but you could use other oils (like canola oil – it’s just not my favorite) as well, as long as they have a high smoke point.

These nuggets are actually pretty easy to make – it’s just a matter of marinating the chicken, coating it, and then frying the nuggets.

1 – Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your one and a half cups milk and pickle juice together in a bowl that’s large enough to hold your chicken.

Once that’s combined, add the cut up chicken pieces to the bowl and cover. Place the bowl in the fridge to marinate for at least an hour, ideally 3-4, but I get that not everyone has time for that!

2 – Make the nugget breading

While the chicken pieces are marinating, making the nugget breading by first using a food processor to finely crush the Ritz crackers.

Then mix the cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs, all purpose flour, paprika, pepper, salt, and powdered sugar together in a gallon size zipper top bag.

3 – Bread the Chicken Nuggets

Place the marinated chicken nuggets into the breading bag and toss until they’re all coated in the flour mixture.

4 – Fry the Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets

Add peanut oil to a deep drying pan, dutch oven, or deep fryer – making sure you have enough oil to cover one layer of nuggets (you can cook them in batches).

Heat the oil to 350-360 degrees (check with a kitchen thermometer like this one) over medium-high heat. You want to make sure not to get the oil too hot or you’ll cook the breading on the outside faster than you cook the chicken, which is not what you want.

Drop nuggets into the oil and let them fry until golden brown, typically 2-3 minutes. I like to do this in batches depending on how big my pot is and hot many chicken nuggets I’m making. It’s better to cook in batches than have them overcrowd the pan!

Remove the nuggets using a slotted spoon and place on a plate or baking sheet lined with a paper towel to soak up any excess grease. Continue frying the nuggets until all of them are done!

Let them cool until they’re cool enough to eat and serve with your favorite dipping sauces! These are perfect for a dinner or put a bunch on a platter and serve them up at your next party!

Recipe FAQs

There are so many different things that go well with chicken nuggets but to make it the most authentic Chick-Fil-A experience possible, here are some great options to serve with your copycat Chick-Fil-A dinner!

• Air fryer fries – while they may not be air fryer Chick Fil A french fries, they’re just as good and perfect for enjoying with these nuggets!
• Tropical fruit salad – a great option to add something a little healthier on the side!
• Old-fashioned mac and cheese – when they have it, I love me some Chick-Fil-A mac and cheese, so this is a great option to add on the side!
• Homemade lemonade – this is definitely not Chick-Fil-A lemonade, but it’s a solid second choice and it’s much cheaper to make with just water, sugar, and lemon juice!
• Chick-Fil-A peppermint milkshakes – if you want some dessert, this is another Chick-Fil-A copycat recipe that’s the perfect way to finish your meal!

If you like chicken as much as we do, try one of these family-friendly chicken recipes next!

• Almond encrusted chicken – tender chicken is coated with an almond crust making for the most flavorful chicken tenders ever!
• Coconut chicken tenders – another kid-friendly chicken dish that adults will love too!
• Buffalo chicken sliders – a super easy Super Bowl snack or dinner idea, these sliders are easier to make than you can even imagine!
• White chicken enchiladas – creamy and delicious, this is what enchiladas should taste like!
• Easy orange chicken – the easiest way to make orange chicken, plus a sauce you’ll want to eat on everything!