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Homemade Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets with Dipping Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

These homemade Chick-fil-A Nuggets are crispy, juicy, and packed with the classic flavors that fans love. Marinated in pickle juice to tenderize and add flavor, then coated in a perfectly seasoned breading and fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy, tangy homemade Chick-fil-A style dipping sauce, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, meal prep, or family gatherings. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, these nuggets promise a deliciously satisfying bite every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Nuggets

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup pickle juice
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Peanut oil, for frying

For the Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the pickle juice over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
  2. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until smooth. Remove the chicken from the pickle juice and lightly pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Make the Breading: In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until evenly combined.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the milk mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. For extra crispy nuggets, repeat this process by dipping the chicken again into the milk mixture and then coating it once more in the flour mixture.
  5. Fry the Nuggets: Heat about 2 inches of peanut oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few pieces of chicken into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked nuggets to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  6. Make the Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Serve the warm chicken nuggets alongside this dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For even crispier nuggets, double-dip the chicken in the egg wash and flour mixture as instructed.
  • Use peanut oil for frying as it has a high smoke point and adds an authentic flavor.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
  • The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • The homemade dipping sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Leftover nuggets can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/homemade-copycat-chick-fil-a-nuggets-with-dipping-sauce-recipe/