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Almost Chick Fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2-4 hours marinating)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Frying
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.