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Crispy Chick-fil-A Style Nuggets

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These crispy, juicy Chick-fil-A style nuggets are marinated in dill pickle juice for a tangy flavor, then double-dipped in a sweet and savory coating, making them the perfect handheld snack for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle juice from jarred pickles
  • 1/4 cup milk any dairy or unsweetened plant milk works; full-fat gives richer coating
  • 1 piece egg
  • 2 pieces boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces (about 1–1½ inches)
For the Coating
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness; substitute 1 tbsp granulated sugar if needed
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying enough for 1–2 inches in a skillet
For Serving
  • to taste Honey mustard sauce for dipping

Method
 

Marination
  1. Combine the dill pickle juice, milk, and egg in a bowl and whisk until blended.
  2. Add the bite-size chicken pieces. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Wet Coating Preparation
  1. Re-whisk the marinating liquid or set aside a fresh mixture of egg + milk + tablespoon pickle juice to use as the wet dip.
Dry Coating Preparation
  1. In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coating the Nuggets
  1. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
  2. Dip each piece into the wet mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the dry mix. For a thicker crust, double-dip: return to the wet mix and again to the dry mix.
Frying
  1. Heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C) in a skillet or Dutch oven.
  2. Fry nuggets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain. Let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with honey mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Notes

For best results, keep oil temperature steady and consider using a thermometer. For freezing, flash-freeze the uncooked nuggets before transferring them to freezer bags. Reheat fried nuggets in the oven or air fryer for great texture.
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