Chick Fil A Grilled Nugget Recipe Made Easy at Home

If you’re a fan of Chick-fil-A’s famous grilled nuggets but want to enjoy them from the comfort of your own kitchen, you’ve come to the right place. This Chick-fil-A grilled nugget recipe captures the juicy, tender, and flavorful essence of the original, with a homemade twist that you can customize to your liking.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried nuggets or simply want to impress your family with a restaurant-quality meal, these nuggets are sure to become a new favorite.

The secret lies in the marinade and the grilling technique, which infuses the chicken with a subtle, smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Plus, this recipe is straightforward enough for even novice cooks to master.

So grab your grill or grill pan, and let’s dive into making these delicious nuggets that are perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day snacking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets but wants a homemade version. Here’s why:

• Healthy and flavorful: Grilling instead of frying means less oil and fewer calories, without sacrificing taste.
• Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and marinade to suit your preference, from mild to spicy.
• Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tender, bite-sized chicken nuggets.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup dill pickle juice (for authentic Chick-fil-A flavor)
• 1/2 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Cooking spray or olive oil for grilling
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (recommended for accuracy)
• Plate lined with paper towels

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut them into bite-sized, nugget-like pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
2. Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the dill pickle juice and milk. Add the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature Chick-fil-A tang.
3. Make the batter: In another bowl, whisk together the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
4. Coat the chicken: Drain the chicken pieces from the marinade. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, ensuring an even coating. Set aside on a plate.
5. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Grill the nuggets: Place the coated chicken pieces on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks. Use tongs to turn the nuggets carefully.
7. Rest and serve: Transfer the grilled nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil or juices. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips & Variations

“Marinating the chicken in pickle juice is the key to replicating Chick-fil-A’s unique flavor. Don’t skip this step!”

• Make it spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg batter for a spicy twist.
• Use boneless thighs: For juicier nuggets, substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Oven option: If you don’t have a grill, bake the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Double coating: For a slightly crispier texture, after dipping in the egg mixture, coat nuggets lightly in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and a little seasoning before grilling.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk or another plant-based milk alternative in the marinade and batter.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These grilled nuggets are incredibly versatile. Serve them with a side of homemade waffle fries or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.

They also pair beautifully with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or Chick-fil-A’s classic Polynesian sauce.

For a hearty lunch or dinner, add them to a wrap or grain bowl with avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing. You can also toss them with steamed veggies and quinoa for a nutritious, filling option.

Conclusion

Making Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets at home is both rewarding and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy grilling method, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken nuggets that rival your favorite fast-food chain.

This recipe is perfect for those who want a healthier alternative without compromising on taste or texture.

Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also offers a blank canvas for you to experiment with spices and coatings. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a game day party, these grilled nuggets will be a hit.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a homemade version of a beloved classic!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Tender grilled chicken nuggets marinated in a flavorful blend of spices. Perfectly juicy and smoky, these nuggets make a healthy and delicious snack or meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces”, “1/2 cup dill pickle juice”, “1/2 cup milk”, “1 large egg”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine pickle juice, milk, and egg in a bowl and whisk together.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove chicken from marinade and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brush grill with oil to prevent sticking.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grill chicken nuggets for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “28g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “2g”}}