The Littles love Chick-fil-A. I think our oldest could live happily ever after on the spicy chicken sandwich. And the nuggets? My word they are good.
When my friend Annie told me she had a chicken nugget recipe that was as good, or even better, than Chick-fil-A, I raised an eyebrow. Really? How could that be possible? And, how on earth would I coax the recipe out of my friend?.
Annie emailed me the too-good-to-be true recipe later that day. Friends, the recipe is better than good, and with only a short list of ingredients, you can feel good about indulging in these tasty nuggets.
Powdered sugar. Yep. Two tablespoons. Enough to give the batter a perfect crispy finish, but still not too sweet when balanced with the spices.
I used Pamela’s Gluten-Free Baking Mix in lieu of all-purpose flour making these a perfect gluten-free option for all the Littles.
Chick-fil-A’s chicken nuggets have a cult-like following because of how they taste and feel. To find out what exactly goes into making these tasty bites of breaded chicken, keep reading.
A Look at the Main Ingredients
The star ingredient is 100% real boneless skinless chicken breast. Chick-fil-A uses whole muscle rather than processed chicken meat to achieve premium quality and texture.
Different herbs, spices, salt, sugar, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are mixed together and left on the chicken for a while. This imparts a savory, slightly sweet flavor profile.
For the signature breading, Chick-fil-A uses a mixture of flour, salt, sugar, leavening agents like sodium bicarbonate, and more spices. The breading provides a crispy crunch without overpowering the chicken.
The Breading Process
Chick-fil-A has perfected a multi-step breading technique. The chicken is first dipped in a buttermilk marinade to make it soft. After being dipped in the seasoned flour mixture, it is given an egg wash. Finally, it’s rolled in the breading mix one more time before it’s fried.
Cooking Method
Here’s where the magic happens. Chick-fil-A pressure-fries the breaded chicken in refined peanut oil. This cooking method seals in moisture and flavors. The peanut oil also adds a subtle nutty taste.
The nuggets are fried at a precise temperature to achieve ideal crispness on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy,
Why It’s So Good
Several factors make Chick-fil-A nuggets stand out:
- Real, high-quality boneless chicken breast (never processed)
- Unique blend of seasonings and spices
- Signature multistep breading technique
- Pressure-frying method in peanut oil
This combination produces a distinctly crispy exterior with a savory, slightly sweet flavor. The inside stays remarkably moist and tender. It’s a recipe perfected over decades to create Chick-fil-A’s famous nuggets.
Nutrition Facts
An 8-count serving contains around:
- 260 calories
- 28g protein
- 13g fat
- 2g carbs
So they are high in protein, relatively low carb, but also high in fat and sodium. Moderation is key for healthy consumption.
Ingredients to Avoid
Chick-fil-A nuggets contain:
- Wheat (not gluten-free)
- MSG
- Peanut oil (allergens)
They are cooked in shared fryers so not suitable for those with severe allergies.
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter option, order the grilled chicken nuggets. They have the same premium chicken but are grilled instead of breaded and fried.
Salads with grilled or fried nuggets are another healthier choice. Watch out for high-calorie dressings though.
Fun Pairings
Signature sauces like Chick-fil-A sauce, Polynesian, honey mustard, and bbq sauce pair deliciously with the nuggets.
For a complete meal, add sides like waffle fries, mac and cheese, fruit cups, or yogurt parfaits. Don’t forget the lemonade!
Why So Popular?
Chick-fil-A nuggets have gained an almost cult-like following because of their:
- Irresistible crunch and texture
- Juicy, tender chicken breast meat
- Well-balanced savory and sweet flavors
- High-quality ingredients like real breast meat
Customers keep coming back for this winning chicken nugget recipe that Chick-fil-A has perfected over the years.
So next time you bite into these addictive nuggets, remember the care that goes into making each one so tasty!
Homemade Chick-fil-A Nuggets Recipe
4.6 from 26 reviews
Lip smackin’ good chicken nuggets with a short list of ingredients you already have on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 – 6 1x
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, about 4, boneless, skinless
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- peanut oil, for frying
- Cube chicken into bite sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg and milk. Add the chicken to the egg mixture, stir to combine. Cover and marinate for 3-4 hours.
- Put the flour, powdered sugar, and spices in a gallon-sized ziplock bag and mix them together well. Add the chicken pieces and shake well.
- Put two inches of peanut oil in a large cast iron skillet or frying pan. Heat oil over medium-high heat.
- When oil is hot, add battered chicken to the pan. Turn the chicken nuggets over once every half hour while cooking until they are golden brown.
- Drain chicken nuggets on a paper towel and serve.
Let’s give a shout out to Annie for sharing the recipe. I love my village.
Chick-fil-A worker reveals how nuggets are made in viral TikTok video
FAQ
Does Chick-fil-A use real chicken in their nuggets?
Real ingredients Chick-fil-A sources real boneless breast of chicken with no added hormones, fillers or steroids, so its natural flavor shines.
What kind of meat are Chick-fil-A nuggets?
Bite-sized pieces of freshly marinated boneless breast of chicken, grilled for a tender and juicy backyard-smoky taste. Available with guest’s choice of dipping sauce.
What ingredients are in Chick-fil-A nuggets?
Chick-fil-A nuggets are made with boneless, skinless chicken breast, a breading of enriched bleached flour, salt, spices, and a milk and egg wash.
Is Chick-fil-A nuggets processed meat?
… sources 100% real, whole, boneless breast of chicken that has never been ground or separated, and that contains no fillers or added steroids or hormones*.
Does Chick fil A make chicken nuggets?
Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken nuggets are made from high-quality, 100% whole chicken breasts. Before being grilled, the chicken is marinated in a special mix of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This makes the chicken taste better. How many calories are in an 8-count serving?.
What makes Chick-fil-A grilled chicken nuggets special?
Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken nuggets stand out for their unique flavor and tender texture. These nuggets consist of high-quality chicken breast, which undergoes a careful marination process. The marinate includes a blend of seasonings and natural flavors, enhancing the chicken’s taste without overpowering it.
Are Chick-fil-A Nuggets copycat?
Many copycat Chick-fil-A nugget recipes do a good job replicating them, but the franchise’s secret is simple: Focus on the ingredients and use a foolproof process. The Chick-fil-A website has a three-step chicken-making process that the company has used since the beginning. It’s the same basic recipe for nuggets and sandwiches.
How are Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets cooked?
Next, it’s breaded in a flour mixture. Finally, the chicken is pressure cooked in 100% refined peanut oil. While the chain uses free-range chicken void of antibiotics and artificial additives, this isn’t all that matters. The way Chick-fil-A’s nuggets are cooked is just as important — if not the most important factor.
How much sodium is in Chick-fil-A Nuggets?
Sodium: With 440 milligrams of sodium per serving, the nuggets provide flavor without excessive salt content. This nutritional breakdown highlights the care Chick-fil-A takes in crafting the recipe. By keeping ingredients simple and focusing on quality, the restaurant creates a meal option that fits a variety of dietary preferences.
Why are Chick-fil-A Nuggets crispy?
This helps ensure a juicier end product. This is why Chick-fil-A nuggets, when cooked correctly, are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. A 2021 TikTok video demonstrated the process from start to finish, illuminating many viewers on what happens at their local Chick-fil-A.