Crispy Chick-fil-A Inspired Nuggets

$- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup dill pickle juice - 1 cup buttermilk The chicken breasts are key. They give you a nice, tender bite. You want boneless and skinless for easy handling. Dill pickle juice adds a tangy flavor. It also helps tenderize the chicken. Buttermilk keeps the chicken moist. It creates a great base for the coating. - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick) The flour is the main coating. It forms a crispy shell when frying. Paprika adds color and a mild flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder give depth. Black pepper adds warmth. Cayenne pepper is optional but adds nice heat. - Vegetable oil for frying - Salt for seasoning Vegetable oil is great for frying. It has a high smoke point, so it won’t burn easily. Salt enhances all the flavors in the nuggets. You can add it to the dry mix or sprinkle on after frying. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, combine your chicken pieces with dill pickle juice in a bowl. This step adds a great flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. For even more taste, let it sit for two hours. The longer, the better! Once marinated, drain the chicken and place it in another bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Soak it for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors really sink in. Now it's time to mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne (if you like it spicy), and salt. Heat your oil in a skillet to about 350°F. This is perfect for frying. When ready, take the chicken out of the buttermilk bath. Let the extra drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mix, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You want them golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain the extra oil. Enjoy them hot! Marination and soaking are key to great nuggets. Start by marinating your chicken in dill pickle juice. This step adds flavor and moisture. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better. After marinating, soak the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes. This helps the coating stick. When dredging, make sure to coat each piece well. Shake off any extra flour before frying. This keeps your nuggets light and crispy. Fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and a nice golden crust. For extra flavor, add spices to the flour mix. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. You can also try adding smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Dipping sauces are a must. Serve your nuggets with honey mustard or barbecue sauce. You can also try ranch dressing or a spicy aioli for variety. These sauces add even more fun to your meal. Use a heavy skillet or deep frying pan. A cast-iron skillet works well to keep heat steady. Aim for about 1-2 inches of oil for frying. If you prefer, try an air fryer. It gives a healthier option with less oil. Set it to 400°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes. You can also bake the nuggets in the oven. Preheat to 425°F and bake for 15-20 minutes. Either method gives you tasty results! Pro Tips Brine for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken in pickle juice, the more flavorful your nuggets will be. Aim for at least 2 hours for maximum taste. Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken but also creates a rich, flavorful coating. Don't skip this step! Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping your oil at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. Use a thermometer for accuracy! Rest the Nuggets: After frying, let the nuggets rest on paper towels for a few minutes. This helps to ensure they stay crispy and lets excess oil drain off. {{image_2}} You can easily amp up the heat in your nuggets. Just add cayenne pepper to the flour mix. Start with a half teaspoon for a mild kick. If you want more heat, add more cayenne. You can also try spicy sauces. Hot honey or sriracha will give your nuggets a bold flavor. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend instead. These alternatives work well for frying. Just make sure the oil stays hot enough to create a good crust. Keep an eye on your nuggets, as cooking times may change slightly. For a healthier twist, consider baking your nuggets. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and place the coated chicken on a baking sheet. Spray them lightly with oil for crispiness. You can also swap buttermilk with yogurt or a plant-based milk. This change keeps the flavor creamy without the extra calories. To keep your Chick-fil-A nuggets fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. If you want to be extra safe, wrap them in foil before placing them in the container. Make sure they cool completely before storing. This keeps moisture from forming inside the container. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them well is key. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy! You can also use an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes. For a quick option, use a microwave, but know they may get a bit soggy. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch. You can freeze your nuggets before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. If freezing after cooking, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw the frozen nuggets, place them in the fridge overnight. If you need them fast, you can use the microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat them using the methods above to regain that crispy texture. Marinating the chicken is key for great flavor. I suggest at least 30 minutes. For even better taste, try up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken soak up the dill pickle juice. The longer you marinate, the more flavor it gains. Yes, you can use chicken thighs! Thighs have more fat and will be juicier. They may taste richer than chicken breasts. Just remember, they may take a little longer to cook. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F inside. These nuggets pair well with many sides. Try serving them with: - French fries - Coleslaw - Macaroni and cheese - Sweet potato fries - Fresh veggies with dip For a complete meal, add a light salad or some fruit. Enjoy your nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or barbecue! This blog post covered how to make flavorful chicken nuggets step-by-step. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, dill pickle juice, and spices. I shared tips for marinating and soaking chicken, plus frying techniques for perfect texture. You can try variations like spicy or gluten-free options too. In closing, enjoy creating your own chicken nuggets. With these tips, you’ll make tasty meals that everyone will love. Happy cooking!$

Crispy Chick-fil-A Inspired Nuggets

Deliciously crispy chicken nuggets inspired by Chick-fil-A, perfect for dipping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup dill pickle juice
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
to taste salt Salt
as needed oil Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and dill pickle juice. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for extra flavor).
After marinating, drain the chicken and remove excess pickle juice. Then, place the chicken in another bowl and pour buttermilk over it, ensuring all pieces are coated. Allow this to soak for 30 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan, about 1-2 inches deep, over medium heat (approximately 350°F or 175°C).
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk bath, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring a good coating. Shake off any excess flour.
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Once cooked, transfer the nuggets onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve the nuggets in a basket lined with parchment paper, alongside a small cup of honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. Add a sprinkle of parsley on top for a fresh pop of color!

Keyword appetizer, chicken nuggets, fried chicken