Every restaurant chain has its own version of chicken nuggets. However, Chick-fil-A created a unique nugget-style and flavor unlike anybody else so we bring you the Chick fil A nuggets recipe. Instead of using ground chicken like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A uses whole pieces of chicken breast, giving the nuggets a heartier feel. We’ve cracked the code and developed the most delicious Copycat Chick-fil-A Nugget recipe that tastes just like the original and we are throwing in the copycat Chick-fil-A sauce recipe as a bonus.
You can’t have Chick-fil-A Nuggets without Chick-fil-A Sauce, so we fine-tuned that as well, coming up with an easy version that requires just four pantry ingredients. With a recipe simple, you can enjoy your favorite nuggets without waiting in the drive-thru line. Enjoy these Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets + Sauce as a party entree, appetizer, or snack. Keep reading to learn how to bring these iconic nuggets to your family table!
What’s a Chicken Nugget?
What’s the story behind chicken nuggets? Impress friends and family with your nugget knowledge.
- Despite the name, most chicken nuggets contain a mixture of ground chicken and other fillers. This is another excellent reason to make our recipe, which includes just chicken breast.
- Robert Baker invented chicken nuggets in the 1950s. It wasn’t long before fast-food restaurants caught onto the notion!
- Chicken nuggets are among the most kid-friendly entrees, marketed in shapes like dinosaurs.
- The first space meal included chicken nuggets, proving that this dinner item is out of this world good.
- Chicken nuggets are a worldwide sensation; most countries have their own versions. Some are coated in sauce, others are grilled, and some are deep-fried.
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Cost to Make the Chick-fil-A Nuggets and Sauce Recipe
Grabbing an 8-piece nugget at Chick-fil-A will cost you a little over $4, not including fries or a drink! In contrast, you can make 24-28 (depending on the size) Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets + Sauce for just $10.99. Keep in mind that this may vary based on your locale and ingredient availability.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- Chicken breast: $5.00
- Dill pickle juice: $0.50
- Buttermilk: $0.25
- Flour: $0.30
- Panko breadcrumbs: $2.00
- Powdered sugar: $0.30
- Garlic powder: $0.10
- Onion powder: $0.10
- Smoked paprika: $0.20
- Salt: $0.04
- Black pepper: $0.10
- Baking powder: $0.02
- Egg: $0.20
- Mayonnaise: $0.30
- BBQ sauce: $0.30
- Dijon mustard: $0.20
- Lemon juice: $0.08
Grand total: $10.99
Not bad for a lunch that’ll easily feed a crowd! Plus, you get way more sauce than they include in those little tubs.
How to Make Copycat Chick fil A Nuggets Recipe
Step One: Dice the Chicken
Thaw the chicken, if needed, and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step Two: Marinate the Chicken
Combine the pickle juice and buttermilk in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. Submerge the chicken into the marinade and let soak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step Three: Make the Breading
Whisk together the flour, breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder in a separate large bowl.
Step Four: Bread the Chicken
Fill a large Dutch oven with 3-4 inches of oil and heat to 350℉. Place a wire baking rack over a large cookie sheet to drain the chicken as it comes out of the fryer.
Drain the marinade from the chicken and crack an egg over the top. Use your hands to coat the chicken in egg, then dredge in the flour mixture.
Step Five: Fry the Chicken
Working in small batches, fry the chicken for 3-5 minutes until the Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the heat and set on your baking rack to drain and cool.
Step Six: Make the Sauce
While the Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets are cooling, make the Chick-fil-A Sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Use for dipping nuggets or fries. Enjoy your Copycat Chick-fil-A meal!
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What to Serve With Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets and Sauce
Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets + Sauce are great on their own, but you can always add them to a wrap or salad for a fuller meal. You can also add a side of potato wedges or French fries.
Try serving your nuggets with additional dipping sauce, like ranch and BBQ, for a fun feast.
Storing Leftover Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets + Sauce
You can store leftover Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 4 months. You can store your sauce in the fridge for about a week, but we don’t recommend freezing it as the texture would be too different when thawed.
The #1 Chick-fil-A Nuggets and Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe
Dive into the world of homemade chicken nuggets with this tasty Chick-fil-A dupe. This recipe is lighter than others, as it features pieces of chicken breast. It’s a great option for a light lunch or dinner when paired with fries or a salad. Be sure to make a batch of our Copycat Chick-fil-A sauce, too, for a winning combination.
- Dutch Oven
- Mixing Bowl Set
- Whisk
Marinade
- 2-3 pounds chicken breast (diced)
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Breading
- 1 cup flour (all purpose)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 count egg
Chick fil A Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Thaw the chicken, if needed, and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Combine the pickle juice and buttermilk in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. Submerge the chicken into the marinade and let soak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Whisk together the flour, breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder in a separate large bowl.
Fill a large Dutch oven with 3-4 inches of oil and heat to 350℉. Place a wire baking rack over a large cookie sheet to drain the chicken as it comes out of the fryer.
Drain the marinade from the chicken and crack an egg over the top. Use your hands to coat the chicken in egg, then dredge in the flour mixture.
Working in small batches, fry the chicken for 3-5 minutes until the Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the heat and set on your baking rack to drain and cool
While the Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets are cooling, make the Chick-fil-A Sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Use for dipping nuggets or fries. Enjoy!