Grilled nuggets from Chick-fil-A

The Grilled Nuggets from Chick-fil-A are a healthier option to their famous crispy nuggets. They offer the same tender and juicy chicken, but they’re grilled to perfection. These nuggets, which are easy to prepare and full of protein, are perfect for low-carb diets or for people who enjoy grilled chicken. This homemade version is perfect for a snack or salad. It also tastes great with your favourite dipping dressing.

Ingredients you’ll need:

Marinade for Grilled Nuggets:

• One pound of skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about two breasts).
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed 2 tablespoons
• Honey 2 Tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Half a teaspoon of dried oregano
• Taste salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken:

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. To ensure that they cook evenly, aim for uniform pieces. The chunks should have a size that is similar to the nuggets. This will make them ideal for snacking or dipping.

2. Make Marinade

Combine the olive oil with the lemon juice, Dijon Mustard, garlic powder and onion powder in a large bowl. Add salt and pepper. Mix everything until smooth. Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the Marinade, while lemon juice and Dijon mustard give it a tangy flavour.

3. Marinate the chicken:

Place the chunks of chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the Marinade on the chicken and make sure that it is well coated. Then, seal the bag or cover your dish and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. For best results, marinate the chicken for 1 to 2 hours. You can marinate the dish overnight if you have time.

4. Preheat the grill:

As the chicken marinates, heat your grill or grill pan on medium-high. To prevent the chicken from sticking, clean and oil your outdoor grill. If you’re using an indoor grill pan for cooking, spray it lightly with oil or cooking spray. The grill must be hot in order to get the perfect grill marks and to cook the chicken evenly and quickly.

5. Grilled Chicken Nuggets

After the grill has been preheated, remove the chicken and let any excess marinade drip off. For easier grilling, so you can thread the chicken onto skewers or directly on the grill pan or grill. Grill the chicken on each side for approximately 2-3 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Be careful not to overload the grill, as this could cause the chicken to be cooked unevenly. Grill the nuggets, if necessary, in batches to ensure a constant temperature and even cooking.

6. Serve the Grilled nuggets as follows:

After the chicken has been cooked, remove the skewers if you used them and allow it to rest for one minute. This will seal in all the juices, so serve the grilled nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces–Chick-fil-A’s Zesty Buffalo Sauce, Honey Mustard, or Ranch all pair perfectly. You can serve them with Chick-fil-A waffle fries or on a salad bed.

Serving Suggestions

• Salad: You can add the grilled nuggets to your salad with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. For a delicious meal, pair it with a salad dressing such as balsamic or ranch.
• With Dipping Sauces: You can serve these nuggets grilled with Chick-fil-A’s signature sauces such as Honey Mustard or Polynesian Sauce. You can customize the taste of your nuggets by choosing from a variety of sauces.
• Snacks or Appetizers: These nuggets can be served as a snack or appetizer at parties, thenerve them alongside fresh fruits or vegetables for a healthy snack.
• Wrap or Sandwich – Wrap these nuggets with sauce and fresh vegetables in a tortilla, or put them on bread with lettuce, tomato and your favourite spread.

Grilled nuggets Tips:

• Use boneless and skinless chicken breasts for the best flavour and texture. You can also use skinless, boneless chicken thighs if you prefer the thigh. They are juicier and richer.
• Don’t over-marinate: Although marinating can add flavour, leaving the chicken in the Marinade too long (more than 2 hours) will make it too soft, leading to a mushy consistency.
• Grill in Batches. If you are grilling a large amount of chicken, do so in batches. If you overcrowd the grill, it will cause uneven cooking. It also prevents that delicious charred taste.
• Rest the Chicken. After grilling the chicken, allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The juices will redistribute, and the chicken will stay moist.

Last Thoughts

Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets make a great homemade version of this popular menu item. You can make the same tender and flavorful chicken at your home with the right Marinade. These nuggets will satisfy and impress whether you are looking for a healthy snack, delicious meal or simple appetizer. Enjoy!