As a busy parent, finding quick, healthy meals is a must. That’s why I love this Chick Fil A grilled chicken nuggets recipe. It lets me make my favorite fast-food flavors at home. With a few ingredients and some shortcuts, I can make these tasty nuggets. They’re healthier and save me from the drive-thru.
More than 38.3K people have shared this recipe online. It’s been pinned over 38.2K times on Flipboard. With a 4.59 out of 5 rating from 796 votes, your family will surely enjoy them.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chick Fil A Grilled Nuggets Recipe
If you love Chick Fil A’s grilled chicken nuggets, you can make them at home. This homemade version is smart and satisfying. It offers many benefits.
Time and Money Savings
Making your own healthy chicken nugget recipes saves time and money. You won’t have to drive to Chick Fil A or wait in line. Plus, cooking these homemade fast food nuggets takes only 7-10 minutes.
Healthier Alternative
This homemade recipe lets you control what goes into your food. It’s a healthier alternative with fewer calories and more protein. Each serving has 213 calories, 36g of protein, 2g of carbs, and 6g of fat.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These grilled chicken nuggets are great for meal prep ideas. You can make a big batch and store it for up to 5 days. Reheat them when you’re ready for a tasty and healthy meal or snack.
This homemade Chick Fil A grilled nuggets recipe is perfect for saving time and money. It’s also great for those who want to eat healthier. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Essential Ingredients for Copycat Grilled Nuggets
Do you love the juicy, flavorful grilled chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A? You can make them at home with just a few ingredients. The secret is in the marinade and seasoning blend.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the base for your homemade nuggets
- Dill pickle juice – adds a tangy, pickle-like flavor
- Milk – tenderizes the chicken and keeps it moist
- Powdered sugar – adds a hint of sweetness
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and seasoned salt – a special mix of spices for that Chick-fil-A taste
- Olive oil or sunflower oil – for cooking the nuggets to perfection
These ingredients together give you the Chick-fil-A flavor and texture you love. With a bit of prep, you can make restaurant-quality nuggets at home.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | The base for the homemade grilled nuggets |
| Dill Pickle Juice | Provides the signature tangy, pickle-like flavor |
| Milk | Helps tenderize the chicken and retain moisture |
| Powdered Sugar | Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the other seasonings |
| Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Seasoned Salt | Custom seasoning blend to recreate the iconic Chick-fil-A taste |
| Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil | For cooking the grilled nuggets to perfection |
The Secret Behind Chick Fil A’s Iconic Marinade
The secret to Chick Fil A’s flavor in homemade grilled chicken nuggets is the marinade. It combines pickle juice and milk. These ingredients tenderize the chicken, making it moist and flavorful.
The Pickle Juice Mystery
Pickle juice in the marinade is a culinary enigma. It tenderizes the chicken and adds a dill flavor. The acidity in the pickle juice balances the richness of the milk, creating a perfect marinade.
Perfect Marinade Timing
Timing is crucial when marinating chicken. Chick Fil A recommends at least 30 minutes. But for the best flavor, marinate overnight. This lets the flavors fully soak into the meat.
Key Seasoning Blend
The marinade also includes a signature seasoning blend. It has powdered sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and seasoned salt. These spices and herbs create the iconic Chick Fil A flavor, enhancing the grilled chicken nuggets.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Want to make Chick Fil A grilled chicken nuggets at home? Follow these simple steps for tasty results. This recipe is perfect for a healthier meal or when you miss Chick Fil A’s flavor.
- Begin by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
- In a big bowl, mix the chicken with pickle juice and milk. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the fridge.
- After marinating, remove the chicken and dry it with paper towels. Then, season it with a Chick Fil A-inspired mix.
- Heat a large, oiled skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook the seasoned chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping often, until it’s 165°F inside.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This step keeps the juices and flavors in.
This recipe works well on the stovetop, in an air fryer, or on the grill. For more details, see the Cooking Methods and Variations section.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Serving Size | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 18 minutes | 1 hour 3 minutes | 5 | 5 out of 5 stars |
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy Chick Fil A’s grilled chicken nuggets at home. It’s great for meal prep or a healthier fast-food fix. These homemade nuggets will hit the spot every time.
Cooking Methods and Variations
Getting that Chick Fil A taste at home is simpler than you think. You can grill chicken nuggets perfectly or use the air fryer for ease. Let’s dive into the options:
Grilling Method
For a true grilled chicken nugget taste, heat your grill to medium-high. Place the nuggets on the grates and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. They should be golden and juicy inside.
Air Fryer Instructions
The air fryer makes air fryer chicken nuggets crispy at home. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the nuggets in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be golden and crunchy.
Stovetop Technique
If you don’t have a grill or air fryer, the stovetop is a great choice. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high with oil. Cook the grilled chicken nuggets for 7-8 minutes, flipping often. They should be golden and cooked through.
Whichever method you choose, adjust the cooking time for your nugget size and equipment. The aim is to get that Chick Fil A texture and taste in your homemade nuggets.
Want to try something different? Go for BBQ-glazed, buffalo-style, or honey mustard nuggets. You can make your Chick Fil A chicken nuggets your own.
Best Dipping Sauces and Pairings
Make your homemade Chick Fil A grilled chicken nuggets even better with tasty dipping sauces. The famous Chick Fil A sauce is a top pick. But, don’t hesitate to try other flavors like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch.
For a full meal, add a side salad, fresh fruit, or crispy fries to your nuggets. The mix of savory and sweet is a hit. Want something different? Try them with a green goddess salad or smoky mac and cheese.
| Dipping Sauce | Key Ingredients | Best Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Chick Fil A Sauce | Mayonnaise, Honey, Barbecue Sauce, Mustard | Chicken Nuggets, Waffle Fries, Chicken Sandwiches |
| Honey Mustard | Mayonnaise, Honey, Dijon Mustard | Chicken Nuggets, Tenders, Salads |
| Ranch | Buttermilk, Herbs, Spices | Chicken Nuggets, Veggies, Dips |
| Barbecue Sauce | Tomato, Brown Sugar, Vinegar, Spices | Chicken Nuggets, Grilled Chicken, Ribs |
With these tasty sauces and pairings, your Chick Fil A chicken nuggets will be a hit at home. Try out different flavors to find your favorite!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Enjoying your homemade Chick-fil-A grilled chicken nuggets can last longer than one meal. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy their taste and texture for days.
Proper Storage Methods
After your grilled chicken nuggets cool, put them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Your homemade grilled chicken nuggets can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-12 minutes, until hot and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C). Reheat the nuggets for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway. They should be hot and crispy.
- Microwave: Place the chicken nuggets on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 20-30 second intervals until warm. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the bread moist.
Choose any reheating method, but always check the chicken temperature with a food thermometer. It should be at least 165°F (74°C) for safety. Don’t overcook to keep the nuggets juicy and tender.
Nutrition Information and Dietary Considerations
Enjoying Chick Fil A’s grilled chicken nuggets at home is great. But, it’s key to know the nutrition facts. One serving, about 6 nuggets, has 288 calories, 36g of protein, 9g of carbs, and 11g of fat. This is less than the Original Chicken Sandwich at 420 calories.
The recipe is low in carbs, perfect for gluten-free or keto-friendly diets. For a keto version, swap brown sugar for a sugar substitute. Use heavy cream or almond milk instead of regular milk.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (6 nuggets) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 288 |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fat | 11g |
The chick fil a nutrition for these nuggets is mostly healthy. But, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich at Chick-fil-A has 770 milligrams of sodium. This is a big part of the daily 2,300 milligrams limit. To watch your sodium, pair the nuggets with fresh veggies, a side salad, or a low-sodium sauce.
Conclusion
This homemade Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipe is a tasty and healthier choice. It lets you enjoy the Chick-fil-A taste at home any day. It’s easy to make and fits many diets, making it great for families.
Looking to save time and money or eat healthier? This Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipe is perfect. It has tender chicken and a great marinade. You can make it in your kitchen and enjoy it with your favorite sauces and sides.
Learning to make this chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe means you have a healthy fast food alternative for your family. Enjoy the yummy flavors and the health benefits of a nutritious meal. All while bringing the Chick-fil-A experience right to your home.