✔ Updated · new copycat recipe with step photos
This copycat Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipe gives you juicy, lightly charred bites of chicken with a bright lemon and pickle marinade. A 2 hour soak and a very hot grill pan do all the work.
How Do You Make Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets? (Quick Answer)
Cut 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breast into 1 inch pieces and marinate for 2 hours in pickle juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, honey and mild spices. Sear on a very hot oiled grill pan for about 3 minutes per side until 165°F inside, rest for 2 minutes and serve with sauce.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Pat the chicken dry after marinating. Dry pieces get real char marks instead of steaming.
Why You'll Love These Grilled Nuggets
- Light and juicy no breading, lots of flavor.
- Meal prep friendly great in lunch boxes and salads.
- Fast cook about 6 minutes on the pan.
- Kid sized bite size and easy to dip.
- Works outdoors grill them on skewers too.
What Are Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets?
They're the grilled version of the classic nuggets at Chick-fil-A: bite size pieces of marinated chicken breast cooked on a grill instead of fried.
This homemade version uses a grill pan and a short marinade, so you get the same juicy, lightly smoky bites at home.
Ingredient Notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Chicken breast: lean and easy to cut into even bites.
- Pickle juice: seasons the chicken and keeps it juicy.
- Lemon and garlic: bright, fresh flavor.
- Honey: just a teaspoon to help the char marks form.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Cut evenly. Same size pieces finish at the same time.
- Don't crowd the pan. Too many pieces drop the heat and you lose the char.
- Leave them alone. Let each side sear for the full 3 minutes before turning.
- Outdoor grill. Thread on skewers and grill over high heat for the same time.
- Lunch boxes. They're good cold the next day with a little sauce.
- At our table. Lucy dunks every single nugget, so I make a double batch of sauce.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets
4
servings10
minutes12
minutes210
kcal2
minutesA copycat Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets: bite size pieces of chicken breast marinated for 2 hours in pickle juice, lemon, garlic and a touch of honey, then seared on a very hot grill pan for about 3 minutes per side. Serves 4.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup dill pickle juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon oil, for the grill pan
as needed dipping sauces, for serving
Directions
- Trim the chicken and cut it into 1 inch bite size pieces, keeping them as even as you can.
- Whisk the pickle juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, onion powder, smoked paprika and pepper in a glass bowl. Add the chicken, cover and marinate in the fridge for 2 hours, up to 6.
- Heat a cast iron grill pan over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes and brush it with oil. Lift the chicken from the marinade and lay it on the pan in a single layer with space between pieces.
- Grill for about 3 minutes per side, until charred in lines and 165°F inside. Work in batches so the pan stays hot.
- Rest the nuggets for 2 minutes, then pile them into a paper lined tray and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
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Storage
Keep leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet for 2 to 3 minutes or eat them cold.
More Chick-fil-A Copycats
Compare them with my fried Chick-fil-A nuggets, add a kale salad on the side, or see all my Chick-fil-A recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Chick-fil-A grilled nugget marinade?
This copycat uses pickle juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, a little honey and mild spices. It gives the same bright, savory flavor.
Can I bake them instead?
Yes. Bake on a lined sheet pan at 425°F for 12 to 14 minutes, until 165°F inside. Broil for 1 minute for some color.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Thighs stay even juicier. Grill them about 1 minute longer per side.
What sauce goes with grilled nuggets?
Try my <a href="https://recipefairy.com/chick-fil-a-sauce/">Chick-fil-A sauce</a>, honey mustard or a little barbecue sauce.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
At least 2 hours and no more than 6. Longer and the acid makes the texture soft.
