Chick-fil-A Nuggets

You can recreate the crispy and tender goodness of Chick-fil-A nuggets at home. The Chick-fil-A Nuggets  have been marinated in buttermilk and then coated with a seasoned flour mixture. This gives you the perfect crisp outside and juicy interior from Chick-fil-A.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts and thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 tbsp of pickle juice
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Peanut Oil
• Dipping Sauce (such as honey mustard, BBQ, or Chick-Fil-A sauce).

Instructions:

1: Marinate your chicken

• Cut the breasts and thighs into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and pickle juice (optional). Stir the mixture until it is well blended.
• Add the chicken pieces into the bowl and cover them with the marinade.
• Cover and refrigerate at least for 1 hour or overnight for the tenderest nuggets.

2: Prepare Coating

• Mix the flour, paprika (optional), salt, black pepper and the cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl or dish.

3: Coat the Chicken

• Removing the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, let the excess liquid drain off.
• Then, gently press each chicken nugget into the flour mixture to coat it evenly.
• Allow the chicken to sit for two minutes so that the flour can adhere properly.

4: Fry the Nuggets

• Heat Peanut Oil in a large pan or deep fryer to approximately 350degF (177degC). You will need enough oil for the nuggets.
• Drop the nuggets in the oil carefully, and do not overcrowd it.
• Fry each nugget for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165degF (75.2degC).
• Place the nuggets on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5: Serve

• Serve your crispy chick-fila-style nuggets along with your favourite dipping condiment. Honey Mustard or Barbecue sauce, as well as the iconic Chik-fil-A sauce, make great dipping sauces!

Nuggets Tips:

1. Marinate chicken with buttermilk to get a juicy, tender result. Pickle juice gives the chicken a signature taste.
2. When frying, use peanut oil. It creates a crispy and flavorful outside while maintaining the interior.
3. It can be added to seasonings for a spicy kick.
4. Fry the nuggets in batches so that the oil temperature stays high and the nuggets are extra crispy.

Why you’ll love these homemade Chick-fil-A nuggets

• They have the same crisp texture as the fast food version but with the satisfaction that you made them yourself.
• These crispy nuggets are perfect for dipping in your favourite sauces like Chick-fil-A sauce or honey mustard.
• This is a perfect recipe that’s family-friendly. Everyone will love it, whether they are served as an appetizer or meal.