Chick Fil A Sauce Recipe (and Nuggets)
This Chick Fil A Sauce Recipe (and Nuggets) perfectly replicates the iconic sweet, tangy sauce and crispy chicken nuggets right at home, with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nuggets
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 0.5 tablespoon salt for marinade
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tablespoons salt for coating
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 quart peanut oil or canola oil for frying
For the Chick Fil A Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1.5 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1.5 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Cut the 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized nugget pieces. Place them in a large bowl and pour in 1 cup of dill pickle juice. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of salt to the marinade. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Prepare the Coating
- In a separate large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt, 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon ground black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients until well blended.
Make the Egg Wash
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk and 2 large eggs. This will help the flour mixture adhere to the chicken nuggets beautifully.
Bread the Nuggets
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry lightly with paper towels. Dip each piece into the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. For an extra crispy coating, dip the nuggets back into the egg wash and then again in the flour mixture. Place the breaded nuggets on a plate ready for frying.
Heat the Oil
- In your deep frying pan or cast iron skillet, heat 1 quart of peanut oil (or canola oil) to 350°F. Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy to avoid greasy or undercooked nuggets.
Fry the Nuggets
- Carefully place the nuggets in batches into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Use tongs to turn the nuggets halfway for even cooking. Once cooked, transfer nuggets to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Make the Chick Fil A Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 1/2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, and 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as desired.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your crispy homemade nuggets hot with a generous side of the signature Chick Fil A sauce. Perfect for dipping, snacking, or as a main course.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Deep frying pan or cast iron skillet
- Cooking thermometer
- Wire rack with baking sheet
- Whisk
- Tongs
Notes
- The dill pickle juice in the marinade tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tang—don't skip it for authentic flavor.
- For extra crispy nuggets, double dip the chicken in egg wash and flour coating.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly fried nuggets.
- Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- To make the sauce spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.