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Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets

Enjoy the delicious taste of Chick-fil-A at home with these Copycat Chicken Nuggets. Juicy, tender chicken pieces are marinated in a flavorful blend of seasonings and then breaded for a crispy finish. Perfect for a family meal or serving at a party!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 shallow dish or plate
  • 1 frying pan or deep fryer
  • 1 tongs
  • 1 paper towels
  • 1 cooking thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cooking oil (for frying, such as peanut oil or vegetable oil)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to marinate.
  • In a shallow dish, place the flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
  • Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour until fully coated, pressing lightly to adhere.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken nuggets in the pan. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Use tongs to transfer the cooked nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • Serve the nuggets warm with your choice of dipping sauce.

Notes

For a healthier version, you can bake the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Experiment with different dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch for a tasty twist!