Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken nugget that rivals your favorite fast-food chain—without ever leaving your kitchen! These Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Nuggets are about to become your new obsession, promising restaurant-quality flavor with a homemade touch that will have your family and friends begging for more. Forget bland, dry chicken nuggets—this recipe is a game-changer that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Take 1 pound of chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup of pickle juice. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best results.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and drain the pickle juice. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to create a buttermilk-like consistency.
- Once the milk mixture is ready, add the marinated chicken pieces to the bowl and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. This will be your seasoning mix.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken pieces and toss to ensure each piece is well coated with the spices.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing for nice grill marks to form.
- Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the grilled nuggets from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Tips
- Marinating is key: Don't skip the pickle juice marinade! This secret ingredient tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature Chick-fil-A flavor.
- Temperature matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked nuggets.
- Uniform sizing: Cut chicken pieces into equal sizes to guarantee even cooking.
- Let them rest: Allow nuggets to rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain maximum juiciness.
- Experiment with seasonings: While paprika is classic, try adding garlic powder or dried herbs for a personal twist.
- Avoid overcrowding: Grill nuggets in a single layer to achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevent steaming.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 26g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg
