Perfectly Crispy Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets Recipe

This copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets recipe delivers the irresistible flavor you love with perfectly tender chicken bites and a crisp coating that rivals the iconic original.

Imagine biting into juicy, flavorful chicken wrapped in a golden, crispy batter, paired with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that completes the experience. Even better, this recipe is easy to follow, budget-friendly, and takes less than 30 minutes of cooking time.

What makes it really special? You don’t need a deep fryer or any fancy equipment to nail that signature Chick-fil-A taste at home—and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Your family and friends will rave about these nuggets, and the best part? You can whip them up fresh whenever the craving strikes!

My Story Behind These Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

The first time I tried Chick-fil-A’s nuggets, I was hooked. The crunch of the coating, the juicy inside, and that hint of pickle brine—it was pure magic.

But like many of you, I wanted a way to recreate that magic at home. After countless tests in my own kitchen, I’ve nailed this easy Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets recipe. I’ve experimented with every detail, from the thickness of the batter to the oil temperature, to ensure you get the best chicken nuggets copycat recipe every time.

I know how busy life gets, so I designed this recipe to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a crowd, these crispy fried chicken nuggets are foolproof.

Pair them with my homemade Chick-fil-A-style nugget dipping sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s as good as—or dare I say, better than—the original.

Ingredients for Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 large egg white
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey

How to Make Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and pickle juice. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. This brine keeps the chicken moist and adds the signature tangy flavor.
2. While the chicken marinates, prepare the batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, egg white, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Add the chicken to the batter mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let it rest for a few minutes while you heat the oil.
4. In a deep skillet, heat 1 inch of oil to 375°F. You’ll know the oil is ready when a drop of batter sizzles and floats to the surface.
5. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook each batch for 1–2 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F when done.
6. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. To make the sauce, whisk together Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Serve alongside the freshly fried nuggets.

My Chef Tips for the Best Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets

• Don’t skip the pickle juice: It’s the secret to tender chicken with a tangy twist.
• Use a thermometer for frying: Keeping the oil at a consistent 375°F is key to crispy, non-greasy nuggets.
• Breading upgrade: For extra crunch, coat the battered chicken in panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before frying.
• Batch cooking: These nuggets freeze beautifully. Fry them, cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.
• Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance to save time on busy days.
• Oil choice matters: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like peanut or canola oil, for the best frying results.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets FAQs

Can I bake these nuggets instead of frying?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the battered nuggets on the sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

What’s the nutritional info for these nuggets?

One serving contains 307 calories, 16g of fat, 14g of carbs, 24g of protein, and 2g of saturated fat.

Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?

Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the battered nuggets in a single layer in the basket, spray with cooking oil, and air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

What’s the best oil for frying chicken nuggets?

Peanut oil is ideal for its high smoke point and ability to create a crispy exterior, but canola or vegetable oil works well too.

How do I recreate Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian sauce?

Combine 1/4 cup Catalina dressing, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar for a homemade version of their tangy sweet sauce.

Ready to Make These Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets?

These perfectly crispy, golden-brown nuggets are irresistibly good—you’ll love how simple they are to make, and your family will savor every bite. Whether you’re whipping these up for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, they’re sure to be a hit.

What’s your favorite dipping sauce for chicken nuggets? Try this recipe and let me know in the comments or tag me in your creations on social media. I can’t wait to see how your copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets turn out!