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Almost Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings (approximately 12-16 nuggets)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets inspired by Chick-fil-A’s famous recipe. These homemade nuggets are marinated in a milk and egg mixture, coated with a seasoned flour blend including powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness, then perfectly fried to golden perfection. Ideal for a quick snack or casual meal, they come together with simple ingredients and deliver a satisfying crunch and juicy interior.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg

Coating Mixture

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For Frying

  • Peanut oil or canola oil (enough for about 2 inches deep in the pot)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined to create the marinade base.
  2. Cut the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts, then cut them into bite-sized nugget pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to tenderize and flavor the meat.
  4. Make the Coating: In a resealable plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, salt, black pepper, and the optional garlic powder. Shake gently to blend evenly.
  5. Heat the Oil: Pour peanut or canola oil into a deep pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F, using a thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully.
  6. Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the milk mixture, letting excess drip off. Place them in the flour mixture bag, seal, and shake well to evenly coat each piece with the seasoned flour.
  7. Fry the Nuggets: Fry about 6 to 8 chicken nuggets at a time in the hot oil. Cook them for approximately 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Repeat & Serve: Continue frying the remaining chicken pieces in batches, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent. Serve the crispy nuggets hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • The optional garlic powder adds a subtle savory note, but you can omit it if desired.
  • Maintaining the oil temperature at 375°F is crucial for crispy, non-greasy nuggets.
  • Use peanut oil for a more authentic Chick-fil-A flavor, but canola oil is a suitable alternative.
  • Adjust the size of the chicken pieces for bite-sized nuggets that cook evenly.
  • Allow the nuggets to rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil for a less greasy finish.