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.
There isn’t a Chick Fil A in my city, and since I am not fond of their personal view points, I won’t be eating there anytime soon. That being said, I have heard nothing but great things about their food so this recipe rocks! Now I can have my chicken and eat it too 🙂
Nom nom! Can you clone their Polynesian sauce next?
I’ve never had chik fil a but this looks really good!
Those look just like Chick-fil-A nuggets! I am so trying this recipe.
I’ve never been to Chick-Fil-A nor have I brined chicken before. I would have to come up with a substitute since I don’t eat wheat but I bet I could come up with something! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
I’ve never been to Chick-fil-A, but this looks really good!
This is similar to how my sister makes her CopyCat Chick Fil A nuggets…. great minds! 🙂
Um, I think I like your ingredients MUCH better, lol…thanks!
I love Chick-Fil-A! I am going to try your recipe.
I like the sandwich! I’ll have to try this.
Now this is a cool recipe for us because we don’t have any Chick-Fil-A anywhere nearby. I’ve never tried it before so this will probably be my chance.
My son would love this. 🙂
I love the Chick-fil-A sandwich and waffle fries :0. I have to give this a try my children LOVE their nuggets.
I am so making this! I will use it on our “Chinese” night with rice!
Looks like Chick-fil-A! I’ll have to give it a try!
Yum! I love Chick-fil-A but it’s so far away from me.