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Now you can get he crispy, delicious chicken nuggets you love from Chick-Fil-A without leaving the house. These copycat nuggets taste just like the real thing and are done in under 30 minutes!

This recipe is simple and one the kids will love!! Don’t be surprised when you see there is powdered sugar in the batter because I feel like it’s the secret ingredient. Here is what you’ll need to do to make these delicious nuggets. For more delicious finger foods the kids will love try Corn Dogs, Popcorn Chicken, and Mozzarella Bites.

Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets on white plate

Everyone’s Favorite Nuggets!

Who here loves Chik-fil-A? My entire family is obsessed, and I’d be lying if I said we didn’t go at least a few times each month. 😉 The hubby and I love their customer service and feel like they are the best fast-food chain around. The employees are always so nice, and the kiddos love playing in their clean playground areas. But most importantly, their food is top notch!!

My kids’ favorite menu item is their Chicken Nuggets, so when I saw a copycat recipe from My name is Snickerdoodle, I knew I had to give it a try. I only made a few changes, but I agree that they taste just like those from the restaurant!

They require just a handful of common ingredients that you most likely already have on hand, and they only take about 30 minutes from start to finish! That’s even less time than it would take to load up the family and drive to the nearest Chick-fil-A, so it’s definitely a win-win situation. Now, I just need to learn how to make their Chik-fil-A sauce because that stuff is so addicting. 😉

How to make chickfila nuggets process pic

Ingredient Tips

To pickle, or not to pickle, that is the question! We like it both ways! However, there are some who swear by this step. Should you wish to try it for yourself simply cut your chicken into 1 inch cubes, place in a bag, add dill pickle juice, let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, then proceed with the rest of the recipe. 

Oil: Another recipe choice is to decide what oil to fry these in. We used vegetable oil. You could use peanut oil like the restaurant does. You can also use coconut oil, though it may not be quite as browned and crispy. Each of them will add a different flavor so use the one you like best.

Chicken dipped in flour mixture

 How to Make Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets

CUT. Cut up chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

WHISK. Add milk and egg to a bowl and whisk together, then set aside.

COMBINE. Pour flour, powdered sugar, salt, and pepper in a gallon-sized ziploc bag.

COAT. Put chicken pieces in the egg mixture. Once they are well coated, transfer the chicken pieces to the ziploc bag and shake to evenly cover with seasonings.

COOK. Place chicken in pan with oil and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

DRAIN. Drain the pieces on a paper towel

SERVE. Serve warm with ketchup, homemade ranch, fry sauce or honey mustard. ENJOY!

Air fryer: If you don’t want to fry them in oil you can definitely use an airfryer. The taste and texture may vary because of the lack of oil. If you want to crisp them up more, you can stick them under the broiler in the oven .

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the fryer basket. Place nuggets in a single layer, be sure they are not touching. Fry for 6-9 minutes, turning halfway. 

How to make chickfila nuggets recipe - chicken in oil

Tips, Dips, & Making Ahead

How many nuggets should I plan for a crowd? This one is a little tricky to answer. If there are going to be other appetizers I would plan 4-5 nuggets per person. If it is going to be the main dish plan 6-8 per child and 10-12 per adult. 

Dipping Sauces: 

Ahead of time: You can make them the day before, allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F  for 5-6 minutes or until hot. You can also make them ahead of time, allow them to cool and freeze them. You can either store them in individual portion containers of 8-10 nuggets or throw them all into a large bag. Just be sure the container(s) are air tight and freezer safe. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, or oven. (store leftovers in the same manner)

Chick Fil A Chicken Nugget Recipe

This recipe pairs perfectly with:

For more quick and easy chicken recipes, check out:

4.93 from 55 votes

Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Recipe

By: Lil' Luna
Get the crispy, delicious copycat Chick Fil A nuggets without leaving the house. They taste just like the real thing!
Servings: 20 nuggets
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • vegetable oil

Instructions 

  • Begin by cutting up your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  • Place oil in a medium pan and turn to medium heat.
  • From there add your milk and egg to a bowl and whisk together until combined. Set aside.
  • Pour your flour, powdered sugar, salt, and pepper into a gallon bag.
  • Add several chicken pieces to your milk/egg mixture until well coated and then throw the pieces into your gallon bag and shake until each piece is evenly coated.
  • Place chicken pieces in oil and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
  • Drain pieces onto paper towel and serve warm.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 264mg, Potassium: 101mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 30IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.93 from 55 votes (26 ratings without comment)

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68 Comments

  1. Nic says:

    5 stars
    I’ve probably made these a dozen times since finding the recipe a year ago. The people sometimes forget to save me any so I’ve learned to eat as I’m cooking. BIG hit in our house!

    1. LilLunaTeam says:

      Awe, that makes me so happy to hear that you like the nuggets that much! I’m glad you’ve figured out a way to have some before they’re all gone! 😉

  2. Linda says:

    Can this be done in the air fryer?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I haven’t tried, but I am sure they could 😉

  3. Kristin says:

    5 stars
    We love this recipe at our house. Chick fil a is one of our favorites; but , the closest is an hour away from our house . I’m so happy to have found this recipe so that we can easily make it when we get the craving for chick fil a. It’s a bit messy to make, but so worth it!

  4. Jennifer Bruce says:

    5 stars
    Easily one of the best CFA knockoffs around. We made one tiny change- brined the chicken in a little pickle juice. If you’re wanting nuggets and home- this is definitely the recipe.

  5. Jeannie Cordaro says:

    5 stars
    Love this copycat recipe! Chick-fil-A is close by but it’s so much easier when you don’t have to leave the house! And so much more economical!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Happy you like it!! Thank you for sharing that!

  6. Stephanie C says:

    5 stars
    The whole family loved them! Definately a favorite!

  7. Alisha Andersen says:

    5 stars
    *WHERE* has this recipe been? My kids looove this copycat recipe (and secretly? So do I!)

  8. Kristin West says:

    5 stars
    We love these nuggets! We don’t live too close to a chick fil a so these are awesome to make when we need our fix!

  9. Megan says:

    5 stars
    My kids (and husband) can barely tell the difference! We love these for a simple weeknight dinner!

  10. Rachel DeMille says:

    5 stars
    I love Chick-fil-A but it’s so pricey for a fanily of 5. This copycat recipe was easy to footie and tasted great!