Go Back

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Delicious homemade Chick-fil-A nuggets that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, perfect for a family meal or a fun kitchen project.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fast Food
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the chicken marinade
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.25 pounds), cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 large egg
For the breading mixture
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
For frying and serving
  • 3 cups peanut oil for frying
  • 1/4 cup full-fat mayo (Best Foods)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 1 large lemon juiced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon honey BBQ sauce (like Sweet Baby Rays)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the chicken into small, even 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the milk and vinegar, letting it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, add the egg and salt, whisk until smooth, and toss in the chicken to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together all breading ingredients. Remove 3 tablespoons of the marinade and drizzle it over the flour mixture, mixing until small clumps form.
Cooking
  1. Heat the peanut oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.
  2. Using tongs, transfer the coated chicken from the marinade into the breading, tossing to coat.
  3. Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil in batches, frying for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Use a strainer to remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
  2. For dipping sauce, whisk together the mayo, mustard, honey, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

These nuggets pair well with crispy fries, fresh salad, or coleslaw. Experiment with various dipping sauces like ranch or homemade Chick-fil-A sauce.