✔ Updated · pickle-juice brine, coating recipe, air fryer option and step photos
My copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets are bite-size chicken breast pieces soaked in pickle juice and egg wash, dredged in a lightly sweet coating and fried golden. They taste a lot like the ones from our local Chick-fil-A.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Let the breaded pieces rest on a rack for 5 to 10 minutes before frying. The coating sets and stays on the chicken instead of in the pot.
Why You'll Love These Copycat Nuggets
- That signature flavor, pickle juice brine and a hint of sweetness.
- Juicy inside, crisp outside, thanks to the egg and milk soak.
- Freezer-friendly, bread a big batch and fry what you need.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Don't skip the pickle juice. It seasons the chicken all the way through and gives that familiar tangy note. Thirty minutes is enough; past a few hours the texture changes.
- Peanut oil for the flavor. It's what gives that classic fried taste. If anyone has a peanut allergy, use canola or vegetable oil instead.
- Fine crumbs, light coat. Blitzing the breadcrumbs very fine gives a thin, even crust rather than a shaggy one.
- Gear that helps. A heavy Dutch oven holds the oil temperature steady, a spider strainer lifts nuggets out fast, and a wire rack keeps them crisp. Paper towels make the bottoms steam.
- Air fryer version. My personal favorite on weeknights. Spray the coated nuggets well with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway, until 165°F inside.
- Bake them. Spread on an oiled rack over a sheet pan, spray with oil and bake at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
4
servings20
minutes15
minutes370
kcal1
hour5
minutesA copycat inspired by Chick-fil-A nuggets: bite-size chicken breast pieces brined in pickle juice, soaked in an egg and milk wash, dredged in a seasoned flour and fine breadcrumb coating with a little powdered sugar, then fried in peanut oil until golden and 165°F inside. Serves 4.
Ingredients
- For the chicken
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup dill pickle juice
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
- For the coating
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs, blitzed very fine
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder or paprika
- To fry
6 cups peanut oil (or another neutral oil), about 3 inches deep
Directions
- Put the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag with the pickle juice and refrigerate 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- Blitz the breadcrumbs in a food processor until very fine, then whisk with the flour, powdered sugar, salt, white pepper and chili powder in a wide, shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs and milk in another bowl.
- Drain the chicken and discard the pickle juice. Soak the pieces in the egg mixture for 10 minutes while the oil heats.
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F. Lift the chicken out of the egg a few pieces at a time, toss in the coating, press it on and shake off the excess. Rest on a rack 5 minutes.
- Fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning, until golden brown and 165°F inside. Keep the oil between 340°F and 360°F.
- Drain on a wire rack set over a sheet pan and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Like this recipe?
Follow us @recipefairy on Pinterest
How to Store and Freeze
I freeze these breaded nuggets uncooked, never fried, because cooked nuggets go soft in the freezer. On Sundays I bread a big batch, freeze them on a tray, then bag them.
Cooked leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F until hot and crisp, 165°F inside.
Sauces and Sides
Serve them with my copycat Chick-fil-A sauce, a scoop of Chick-fil-A coleslaw and some mac and cheese. Want a different style? Try my McDonald's chicken nuggets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chick-fil-A breading made of?
The restaurant doesn't share its exact recipe. Copycats like this one use flour, fine breadcrumbs, a little powdered sugar, salt, white pepper and a pinch of chili powder or paprika, which gives a similar lightly sweet, peppery coating.
Why is pickle juice used for Chick-fil-A style chicken?
Pickle juice works as a quick brine. The salt and vinegar season the chicken all the way through and keep it juicy, and it adds a subtle tang. You won't taste pickles in the finished nuggets.
Can I freeze homemade nuggets?
Yes. I freeze them breaded and uncooked: spread on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then bag for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen at 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes, until 165°F inside.
What temperature should the oil be?
Heat it to 350°F and keep it between 340°F and 360°F. Use a thermometer and fry in small batches so the temperature doesn't crash.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless thighs are juicier and more forgiving. Cut them into 1-inch pieces and fry to 165°F; they may need an extra 30 seconds.
