Craving that irresistible Chick-fil-A flavor but don't want to hit the drive-thru? Prepare to be amazed by our ultimate copycat chicken nuggets recipe that brings restaurant-quality deliciousness straight to your kitchen! These crispy, golden nuggets are so close to the original, you'll be shocked they're homemade. Whether you're a die-hard Chick-fil-A fan or just looking for the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- In a separate large bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even seasoning distribution.
- Remove marinated chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each chicken piece completely in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring full and even coating.
- Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature.
- Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove nuggets using a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Let nuggets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow coating to set and prevent burning.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or classic Chick-fil-A sauce.
Tips
- Marinating is key! The longer you let the chicken sit in buttermilk (ideally overnight), the more tender and flavorful your nuggets will be.
- Temperature matters: Use a cooking thermometer to ensure your oil stays consistently at 350°F for that perfect golden-brown crunch.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each nugget gets crispy and evenly cooked.
- For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
- Want to make ahead? These nuggets can be frozen after cooking and reheated in an air fryer for maximum crispness.
- Pro hack: Save any leftover seasoned flour mixture in an airtight container for future batches!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
