Description
Enjoy a homemade version of Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets that are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. These bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in a milk and egg mixture, coated with a seasoned flour and powdered sugar blend, then fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a delicious snack or meal, these nuggets offer a satisfying crunch and tender interior just like the original.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
Coating
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Frying
- Peanut oil or canola oil, enough for deep frying (about 2 inches in oil depth)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. This mixture will tenderize the chicken and add moisture.
- Cut the Chicken: Trim away any excess fat from the chicken breasts, then cut them into bite-sized nugget pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Marinate: Place the chicken pieces into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring they are submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and the chicken to tenderize.
- Make the Coating: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Heat the Oil: Pour peanut or canola oil into a deep pot or large saucepan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to a temperature of 375°F (190°C), using a thermometer for accuracy.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade one at a time, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place them into the flour mixture bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until each piece is well coated.
- Fry the Nuggets: Carefully place 6 to 8 coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry them for about 2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuggets to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat and Serve: Continue the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces. Serve the nuggets hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch for a delicious treat.
Notes
- For best results, do not skip marinating the chicken as it greatly improves tenderness and flavor.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to ensure crispy, non-greasy nuggets.
- You can substitute garlic powder with paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier coating.
- Allow the oil to return to temperature between batches for even cooking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
