Description
These Almost Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets are a delicious and easy-to-make homemade version of the popular fast-food favorite. Made from tender, marinated chicken breast pieces coated in a slightly sweet, crispy flour mixture and fried to golden perfection, these nuggets deliver that classic Chick Fil-A taste right in your kitchen. Perfect for a quick snack or a family meal, they pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
Coating
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For Frying
- Peanut oil or canola oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk the egg together with the milk until fully combined, creating a smooth marinade for the chicken.
- Cut the Chicken: Trim any fat from the chicken breasts, then cut them into bite-sized pieces suitable for nuggets.
- Marinate: Place the chicken pieces into the milk and egg mixture, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Make the Coating: In a resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using), shaking to mix thoroughly.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of peanut or canola oil into a deep pot and heat it to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it is hot enough for frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the liquid and add them to the bag with the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake well to evenly coat each piece.
- Fry: Carefully place 6 to 8 coated chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry them for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Repeat & Serve: Continue frying the remaining chicken pieces in batches. Serve the nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a tasty meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 375°F for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the pot while frying; it lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy nuggets.
- Peanut oil is preferred for authentic flavor but canola oil is a good alternative.
- Drain the nuggets well on paper towels to remove excess oil.
