Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup dill pickle juice
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For Frying
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups peanut oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with pickle juice, milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture creates a crispy, flavorful coating for the nuggets.
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. This will help the breading stick to the chicken and create an extra crispy crust.
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and drain any excess liquid. Dip each piece into the egg wash, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the breading onto the chicken to ensure an even, crispy coating.
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the peanut oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Carefully place the breaded chicken nuggets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the nuggets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let them rest for a minute before serving.
Serve your homemade Chick-Fil-A nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as Chick-Fil-A sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g