Craving that legendary Chick-fil-A taste but don't want to hit the drive-thru? Get ready to become the ultimate home chef with this mouth-watering copycat recipe that will have your family and friends begging for more! These crispy, golden chicken nuggets are so close to the original, you'll swear they came straight from the restaurant's kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and our foolproof cooking method, you'll be serving up restaurant-quality nuggets in no time!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into nuggets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken nuggets. Cut 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of buttermilk over the chicken pieces. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate in the buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading mixture. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well to the chicken. Place the breaded nuggets on a plate or baking sheet.
- In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the nuggets, about 2 inches deep. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken nuggets into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the nuggets for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to turn them as needed.
- Once cooked, remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken nuggets.
- Serve the chicken nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce. Enjoy your homemade Chick-fil-A style chicken nuggets!
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the buttermilk marinade. Letting the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes (or even overnight) will ensure maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a cooking thermometer if possible. The ideal frying temperature is between 350-375°F for perfectly crispy nuggets.
- Batch Cooking is Crucial: Never overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Always let nuggets rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and keep them crispy.
- Seasoning Hack: Feel free to experiment with the flour mixture. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or some dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the breaded nuggets in advance and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before frying.
- Reheating Tip: If you have leftovers, reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
