Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade chicken nuggets marinated in dill pickle juice and milk, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and flour mixture, then fried to a golden perfection. This recipe replicates the beloved Chick Fil A nuggets, perfect for a tasty snack or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into chunks)
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup whole milk
Breading Mix
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
For Frying
- peanut oil (for frying, at least 1 inch deep)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken chunks in a large zip-close bag. Pour in the dill pickle juice and whole milk. Seal the bag and gently smoosh the chicken around to ensure all pieces are coated. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: While the chicken marinates, combine the all purpose flour, plain breadcrumbs, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Heat the Oil: Pour peanut oil into a deep fryer or large, heavy skillet to a depth of at least 1 inch. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using a thermometer for accuracy to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Coat the Chicken: Drain the marinade from the chicken chunks and discard the liquid. Dip each piece of chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is fully and evenly coated.
- Fry the Nuggets: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches. Fry each batch for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is a deep golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the oil to maintain temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken nuggets and place them on a wire cooling rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly. Repeat frying with remaining chicken pieces. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a crispier coating, double-dip the chicken by repeating the dredging process in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Ensure the oil temperature stays at 350°F for optimal frying; too low will make nuggets greasy, too high may burn the coating.
- If peanut oil is unavailable, canola or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute.
- Marinating time can be increased up to 1 hour for more tender chicken and enhanced pickle flavor.
- Serve with homemade Chick Fil A-style sauce for an authentic experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 226 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 886 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 74 mg
