Chick-Fil-A Nuggets Clone Recipe
If you’ve ever craved those perfectly seasoned chicken nuggets on a Sunday (you know the ones), this Chick-fil-A Clone recipe is here to save the day. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and kissed with just the right hint of sweetness, these homemade nuggets taste like the real deal – maybe even better.
The secret? A simple pickle juice brine that keeps the chicken tender and flavorful, followed by a coating made from pancake mix and powdered sugar for that signature golden crunch. Whether you’re serving them up for lunch, game day, or dinner with the family, these copycat nuggets are bound to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 2–3 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Peanut oil (for frying)
- 2 cups dry pancake mix
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Pickle juice
Instructions
- Brine the chicken. Soak the chicken pieces in pickle juice and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Mix the breading. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl or container and set aside.
- Heat the oil. Pour peanut (or vegetable) oil into a large skillet and heat to 350°F.
- Coat the chicken. Drain the brined chicken and coat each piece thoroughly with the dry breading mixture.
- Fry to perfection. Fry for 4–6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Place cooked nuggets on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Storage
Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to keep them crispy – the microwave just won’t do them justice.
If you’re all about recreating restaurant favorites at home, you’ve got to try a few more of my copycat recipes. My Lambert’s Throwed Rolls Copycat brings that famous fluffy bread right to your kitchen, Wendy’s Chili Copycat is perfect for cozy nights in, and Alabama White Sauce adds a tangy kick to any grilled chicken or smoked meat. They’re all easy to make and sure to impress your hungry crew.
Chick-Fil-A Clone
Ingredients
Method
- Soak chicken in pickle juice and place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large container and set aside.
- Place peanut or vegetable oil in large skillet and heat to 350 degrees.
- Drain chicken and coat each piece with dry batter.
- Fry for approximately 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Place cooked nuggets on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- To get those extra crunch pieces of goodness that are found on some of the nuggets, take a little bit of milk and splatter it into the dry mix before breading your nuggets. [Serious Eats]
- If you don’t have a thermometer and want to check if you have your oil at the right temperature of 350 degrees, you can test it by placing a couple of popcorn kernels in your hot oil. The popcorn will pop right around that temperature. [Cooking Comically]
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Tips for Success
- Brine time matters: Two hours is great, but if you can go longer, the flavor gets even better.
- Batch fry: Avoid overcrowding the skillet – it keeps the oil hot and your nuggets crisp.
- Serving idea: Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or make a homemade Chick-fil-A sauce for that true fast-food feel.
Final Bite
Comment below and let me know how your homemade Chick-fil-A nuggets turned out! Did they pass the taste test? I’d love to hear your thoughts – and if you’re as hooked as I am, be sure to share or pin this recipe so you can skip the drive-thru and make them anytime those nugget cravings hit.
Seems very tasty and yummy. i am surely going to try it.
This look delish! I’m interested in what type of dry pancake mix you use.
Hi Cynthia,
I think any dry pancake mix will do, but I often find myself using Hungry Jack.
(I know – my diet is all over the place. One day I will be good.)
Lynda
My kids are gonna love you when I make this for them one day 🙂
I LOVE Chick-Fil-A … will have to try this recipe!