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Homemade Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets and Sauce photo

Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets and Sauce

These Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with a delicious homemade dipping sauce!
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Nuggets:
  • 2 pounds chicken breasts Fresh, boneless, and skinless
  • 2 cups flour All-purpose
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs For crunch
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk For tenderness
  • ½ cup pickle juice For tanginess
  • 1 unit egg For breading adhesion
  • Oil for frying Canola or vegetable
For the Dipping Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayo Creamy base
  • 2 teaspoons prepared mustard Adds zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice Brightens flavors
  • 2 tablespoons honey For sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon smoky BBQ sauce For a twist

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Frying Pan or Deep Fryer
  • Meat thermometer
  • Slotted spoon or spider

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  2. Step 2: Marinate the Chicken - Combine buttermilk and pickle juice, submerge chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station - Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in one bowl. Whisk the egg in another bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  4. Step 4: Bread the Chicken - Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Step 5: Heat the Oil - Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Step 6: Fry the Nuggets - Fry breaded chicken in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C).
  7. Step 7: Drain and Serve - Transfer cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and serve hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Don't skip the marinade for tender chicken.
  • Ensure oil is preheated for crispy nuggets.
  • Fry in batches to avoid sogginess.