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Homemade Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets photo
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Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets

Crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets inspired by Chick-fil-A with a tangy pickle marinade and honey mustard dipping sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle juice optional but recommended, for marinade
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp confectioners' (powdered) sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika optional
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • peanut or canola oil for frying, about 1–2 cups depending on pan size
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste for sauce

Instructions

  • Place the cut chicken pieces in a large bowl and add the milk and dill pickle juice; cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes up to overnight.
  • Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and add the egg to the mixture, stirring to combine.
  • In a large zip-top bag or shallow bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
  • Drain the chicken pieces from the marinade (discard excess liquid), then add them to the flour mixture and shake or toss until fully coated.
  • Heat about 1–2 cups of peanut or canola oil in a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot but not smoking.
  • Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–5 minutes per batch, turning as needed.
  • Transfer cooked nuggets to a cooling rack set over a tray or to a plate lined with paper towels to drain while you finish the remaining batches.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, honey, and lemon juice (or vinegar) in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper to taste and chill until serving.
  • Serve the nuggets immediately with the honey mustard dipping sauce.

Equipment

  • Cast iron pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • zip-top bag or shallow bowl
  • Tongs or Slotted Spoon
  • cooling rack or paper towels

Notes

  • Marinate at least 20 minutes for better flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying.
  • Use peanut oil for the most authentic flavor.
  • Drain cooked nuggets on a rack for maximum crispness.