Copycat Chick fil A Nuggets
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Marinating Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
40 nuggets
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Calories
297 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Copycat Chick fil A Nuggets
Description
Copycat Chick fil A Nuggets use boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into nugget-sized pieces, which are marinated in a mixture of milk (or buttermilk), beaten egg, salt, and optional monosodium glutamate to add tenderness and flavor. The coating mixture includes all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, optional MSG, and baking soda, which adds slight puffiness and crispiness to the crust when fried. Peanut oil is heated to the correct temperature for frying, ensuring the nuggets cook through and develop a golden-brown crust.
The marination softens the chicken and infuses moisture, while the powdered sugar in the dredging mixture adds subtle sweetness and helps promote browning. Frying at around 350°F allows the nuggets to crisp quickly without absorbing excess oil, delivering a crunchy exterior with a juicy interior.
These nuggets work well served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal with dipping sauces and sides. Their familiar flavor and texture replicate the famous fast food chain’s nuggets, making them enjoyable for homemade preparation.
The original notes include a sauce recipe combining mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, sugar, mustard, garlic powder, and various vinegars and lemon juice, which can serve as a tangy accompaniment. This sauce should be whisked until smooth and refrigerated until served.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast about 2 pounds, boneless skinless
- 2 cups milk or buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate optional
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
Dredging Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate optional
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
For Frying
- 2 to 4 cups peanut oil
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes (nugget-sized pieces). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, egg, salt, and M.S.G. (if using). Add in nugget pieces and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- When ready to cook, pour enough peanut oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom with 2 inches of oil. Heat peanut oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and monitor temperature.
- Make the dredging mixture by combining flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, M.S.G. (if using), and baking soda in a shallow bowl or gallon-sized resealable plastic bag.
- Remove the chicken breast pieces from the fridge. Remove chicken pieces from milk mixture and tap off excess liquids.
- Working in small batches, toss the chicken breast pieces in the dredging mixture to coat. Place on a wire rack until ready to fry.
- Fry chicken in peanut oil in small batches for 4 to 5 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove nuggets from oil and transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Serve hot.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours helps tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Tap off excess liquid from chicken pieces before dredging to ensure the coating adheres and fries crisply.
- Peanut oil is used for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- The included sauce combines mayonnaise and barbecue flavors with vinegars for a balanced dipping option.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 40nuggets
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 8nuggets | |
| Calories | 297kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 1089mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 477mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 324IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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