These Chick-fil-A nuggets taste exactly like the ones from the restaurant — maybe even better. They’re crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned on the outside, with juicy, tender chicken on the inside. Every bite has that signature Chick-fil-A flavor thanks to the dill pickle brine and the seasoned flour coating. Serve them with a side of copycat Chick-fil-A sauce, and you’ve got a homemade fast-food-style meal that’s spot-on to the real deal — only fresher, more affordable, and made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving takeout, cooking for a crowd, or meal-prepping for the week, this homemade Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor every single time.
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Why I Love These Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
I’ve been obsessed with Chick-fil-A’s chicken nuggets for years. They’re my go-to order every single time, and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t made more than a few “quick stops” there just for the nuggets (and maybe an extra side of sauce). So, after one too many drive-thru runs, I decided to figure out how to make them myself.
And honestly? This copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets recipe is about as close to the original as it gets. The secret is the pickle juice brine — it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with that unmistakable Chick-fil-A tang. Then, each piece is coated in a crispy, seasoned breading that fries up perfectly golden brown while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
You can make a big batch, serve them fresh, or reheat them later for meal prep. And of course, they’re not complete without a side of homemade Chick-fil-A sauce — because no nugget should ever go without it.
These nuggets have become a regular in my house — they’re quick to make, unbelievably tasty, and totally addictive. If you’re a Chick-fil-A fan, this recipe will let you skip the drive-thru and still get that authentic flavor any time you want.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ Tbsp garlic powder
- ½ Tbsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil
If you end up with some leftover pickles after using the pickle juice for this nugget recipe, you can put them to good use and make these fried pickles!
How To Make Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Step 1: Prep and brine the chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces — about 1 to 1 ½ inches each. In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the pickle juice until hot, then stir in the granulated sugar until it dissolves completely. Add the chicken pieces to the warm pickle brine, cover, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. The brine is key — it tenderizes the chicken and gives it that signature Chick-fil-A flavor.
Step 2: Make the seasoned flour coating
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Whisk to mix evenly, breaking up any clumps as needed. The cornstarch helps create an extra-crispy crust while keeping the coating light and airy.
Step 3: Prepare the egg wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk and 1 large egg until smooth. This mixture helps the flour coating stick to the chicken for that signature crunchy exterior.
Step 4: Double-dredge the chicken for maximum crunch
Drain the chicken pieces from the brine and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels — removing excess liquid ensures the coating sticks. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Add 2 tablespoons of the egg wash to the flour mixture and mix it in with your fingers to create small clumps — these will form crispy, craggy bits on the nuggets. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then back into the flour mixture to double-coat. Shake off the excess coating.
Step 5: Heat the oil
Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat it to 350°F (175°C) using a kitchen thermometer. Maintaining the right temperature ensures the chicken fries evenly and stays crispy without absorbing too much oil.
Step 6: Fry the nuggets
Working in small batches, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes per batch, stirring occasionally, until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain any excess oil. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing from the oil. The nuggets should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Serve the copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauces, waffle fries, mac and cheese, or a side salad for the full Chick-fil-A experience.
Expert Tips for The Best Chick-fil-A Nuggets
- The pickle juice brine is essential. That signature Chick-fil-A flavor comes from brining the chicken in dill pickle juice — it tenderizes the meat while infusing it with tangy flavor. For the most authentic taste, brine for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better. If you want a slightly sweeter finish, add a teaspoon of honey to the brine.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch in the coating. Cornstarch is the secret to that crispy, craggy coating. It lightens the flour mixture and helps it stick better to the chicken. When combined with the double-dredge technique, it creates those little crispy ridges that make each nugget restaurant-quality.
- Use the egg wash trick for texture. After your first dredge in flour, mix a few tablespoons of the egg wash into the seasoned flour. This creates little flour clumps that cling to the chicken and turn extra crunchy when fried — just like Chick-fil-A’s signature breading.
- Maintain the right oil temperature. Keep your oil around 350°F (175°C). Too cool, and the nuggets absorb oil and turn greasy; too hot, and the breading burns before the chicken cooks through. Use a thermometer and fry in small batches so the temperature doesn’t drop too quickly.
- Use peanut oil for true Chick-fil-A flavor. Chick-fil-A uses 100% refined peanut oil for frying — it’s neutral, light, and gives the nuggets their authentic taste. If you’re allergic or prefer an alternative, canola or vegetable oil works just as well.
- Rest the chicken after frying. Once fried, place the nuggets on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps air circulating and prevents the coating from softening. Letting them rest for a few minutes also helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
- Reheat the right way. To keep leftovers crispy, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it makes the coating soggy.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets FAQS
What are Chick-fil-A nuggets made of?
Chick-fil-A nuggets are made from boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces that are marinated in pickle juice, coated in seasoned flour, and fried in peanut oil. This copycat version uses the same ingredients and techniques to replicate the restaurant’s flavor and texture.
What makes Chick-fil-A nuggets taste so good?
It’s all about the brine and the oil. The dill pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and gives it that subtle tang, while frying in peanut oil adds a clean, light crispiness. The seasoned breading — with paprika, garlic powder, and cornstarch — finishes it off perfectly.
Can I bake or air fry Chick-fil-A nuggets?
Yes! To bake, place the coated nuggets on a greased wire rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. To air fry, spray the basket and nuggets with oil and cook at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway. Both methods give a lighter but still crispy result.
Do I have to use pickle juice?
Pickle juice is what makes this recipe truly taste like Chick-fil-A, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute 1 cup of water mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar and ½ teaspoon salt. It won’t be identical, but it will still tenderize the chicken nicely.
What oil should I use for frying?
For the most authentic flavor, use refined peanut oil, just like Chick-fil-A. It has a high smoke point and gives the chicken its signature crispness. If you’re avoiding peanut oil, canola or vegetable oil works as a substitute.
Can I make the nuggets ahead of time?
Yes — brine and bread the chicken pieces up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. When ready to serve, fry or air fry fresh for best results. You can also cook them ahead and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.
How do I store leftover nuggets?
Store any leftover Chick-fil-A nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 days. To reheat, place the nuggets on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes or until hot and crispy.
Can I freeze Chick-fil-A nuggets?
Definitely! Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer or oven for crispy results.
Are Chick-fil-A nuggets gluten-free?
The original Chick-fil-A nuggets are not gluten-free because of the flour coating. However, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch. The texture stays light and crispy.
What sauces go best with these nuggets?
The obvious choice is homemade Chick-fil-A sauce, but these nuggets also taste incredible with polynesian sauce, honey mustard, McDonald's gold sauce, or even Buffalo sauce if you like heat. Try pairing them with multiple sauces for a fun Chick-fil-A-style dipping experience.
My Final Thoughts on This Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Well, that’s how to make copycat Chick Fil A nuggets! They are so crispy, juicy, flavorful, and just taste incredible. At our house, these are always a big hit for dinner, especially with the kids.
I hope you love this Chick Fil A nuggets recipe as much as I do. Be sure to leave a comment and review below if you try it! Oh, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our Youtube channel and Instagram for more recipes!
More Copycat Recipes To Try
- Chick-Fil-A mac and cheese
- Little Caesars cheese bread
- Zaxby's chicken fingers
- McDonald's McGriddle
- Cheesecake Factory four cheese pasta
- Chicken noodle soup
- Spicy southwest salad
Chick-fil-A Nuggets (Crispy Copycat Recipe)
These Chick-fil-A nuggets taste exactly like the ones from the restaurant — maybe even better. They’re crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned on the outside, with juicy, tender chicken on the inside. Every bite has that signature Chick-fil-A flavor thanks to the dill pickle brine and the seasoned flour coating. Serve them with a side of copycat Chick-fil-A sauce, and you’ve got a homemade fast-food-style meal that’s spot-on to the real deal — only fresher, more affordable, and made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving takeout, cooking for a crowd, or meal-prepping for the week, this homemade Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor every single time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ Tbsp garlic powder
- ½ Tbsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Warm the pickle juice in the microwave until hot, then stir in the sugar until dissolved. Add the chicken pieces and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge, to brine.
- After brining, combine the flour, salt, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Drain and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, and place on a rack.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs. Add a couple of tablespoons of the egg mixture into the flour mixture and work it with your fingers to create small clumps. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then back into the flour to double coat, shaking off the excess.
- Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before repeating with the remaining batches.
- Serve the crispy chicken nuggets warm with sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 38g
Matt
These nuggets are crispy, crunchy, so tender, and so juicy!!!
Anthony
These have to be as close to chick fil a as you can get
Abigail
Absolutely amazing recipe!
Rita
These turned out great. thanks.
Ryan
Ty sirs.
Avery
The nuggets were better than chick filas
Abbigail
Spot on to chick fil as I'm in love with this!
Desmond
They actually tasted like the Chick Fil A.
Aubrey
Wow I didn't think that these would taste like chick fil as but they totally did!!
Sarah
These are ridiculous. Like so close to Chick Fil A. Amazing recipe!!!
Ash
OMG this was amazing! I cannot get over how legit the nuggets from this recipe actually are. I am going to make a bunch and freeze them. Yay!!
Laurie
I made this with Tofu for my daughter and followed exact recipe it was a hit !!!
Brendan Cunningham
Great idea!! We're so happy it was a hit!
Meg
The list of ingredients says "canola or peanut oil," but the directions say "vegetable oil" twice. I assume it doesn't matter then?
Brendan Cunningham
It doesn't matter. Any frying oil is great. Sorry for the confusion!!