Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero , food blogger and creator of Savvy with Abbie. All photos original.

Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets

I don't think I've ever had Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets, but if you try this recipe, you’ll have to let me know if it tastes similar. These chicken nuggets were fried perfectly—crispy, juicy, and golden in every bite. The heat was light, they were super addicting (I kept eating more off another plate), and Jace had seconds.

The hardest part about this recipe is getting the perfect fry on the chicken without burning them (which has taken me a long time to perfect). You can adjust them to your flavor palate as well as your level of crispiness.

Crispy, juicy homemade Chick-fil-A style chicken nuggets – perfectly golden, flavorful, and addicting in every bite.

Crispy chicken nuggets with a side of sourdough bread and rice.

• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Serving size: 3-4
• Family friendly: YES! My son and I both had seconds (and possibly thirds)
• Rating: 10/10
• Total cook time: 10-15 minutes
• Serving suggestions: Serve with sourdough bread, white rice and a side salad. You can also dip in a barbecue sauce or ranch dressing

What Makes These Chicken Nuggets Different

These chicken nuggets are crispy in every bite - similar to popcorn chicken - and it’s hard to stop at one. Each chicken tastes very light and airy. This recipe calls for 7 simple ingredients with a total cook time of less than 15 minutes. If you are looking for a recipe to make during a busy weekday, this is it. 

They’re crunchy outside, tender inside, and taste just like the real thing - but made right at home with simple pantry ingredients.

What Inspired This Dish

We are always looking for fried chicken dishes and found this one by Big Recipe. We adapted this to our liking which included eliminating salt, using olive oil instead of peanut oil, and using black pepper instead of white pepper.  

We have chicken recipes every other day and I currently have five or more packages of chicken in my freezer ready to go. Jace is taking a cooking class this year (first year of High School) and his goal is to learn more about frying the perfect chicken. What a great recipe to try this out on! 

These nuggets were honestly so crispy that Jace and I couldn’t stop taste-testing them as they came out of the pan. They were lightly sweet, buttery, and had that classic crunch you expect from restaurant nuggets.

If You Enjoy Chicken Nuggets as Much as We Do, You May Like

• Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders
• Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
• Stovetop Blackened Chicken Tenders
• Crispy Ramen-Crusted Chicken

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store chicken nuggets in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave, air fryer, or on the stove. 

Helpful Tips

I did not have vegetable oil which is why I used olive oil. I noticed right away that olive oil splatters more when frying so it's important that you keep the heat lower initially to avoid splatter. 

For the perfect fry, set your stovetop to medium (or lower). Let the oil get hot - about 5 minutes - then add the chicken, turning every 3-4 minutes until you get the perfect crispy layer. 

To avoid overcrowding the pan, you can fry in batches; you may want to reduce the heat initially and then slowly turn the heat up to avoid splatter.

Ingredients for Chicken Nuggets

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• *3/4 cup Italian Style breadcrumbs (or *Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs for a healthier alternative)
• 1.5 large chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• *1-2 cups of Olive oil
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• *1/2 tsp Chipotle Chili Powder

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the milk and egg mixture. You can also use buttermilk for a tangier flavor or air fry instead of pan-fry to reduce oil.

How to Make Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets

✓ Step #1: Add chicken and liquids to a freezer bag - In a freezer bag, add the two eggs, one cup of milk, and the chicken pieces. Zip the bag and add it to the fridge for 20-30 minutes. 

Diced chicken in a freezer bag with milk and eggs. 

✓ Step #2: Crush your breadcrumbs - In another bag, add your breadcrumbs. Using a rolling pin, roll over the bag several times until the breadcrumbs are crushed, or thin. 

✓ Step #3: Combine your dry ingredients – In a bowl, add the breadcrumbs, flour, pepper, powdered sugar and chili powder ingredients.

Breadcrumbs, flour, pepper, powdered sugar, and chili powder in a bowl. 

✓ Step #4: Heat your oil for frying: Add a pot to a stove and pour in 1-2 cups of olive oil. Turn heat on to medium and wait about five minutes until you hear it sizzling.

Olive oil in a pot on the stove, ready for chicken. 

✓ Step #5: Dredge the chicken in dry seasonings – After 15 minutes, take the chicken out of the fridge and add it to the breadcrumb mixture. Working in batches, add them to the sizzling olive oil. Fry the chicken about 3-4 minutes per side (and longer if you want it to be crispier). Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. 

Diced chicken pieces in olive oil, frying.

✓ Step #6: Add to plate – Transfer the chicken nuggets to a plate. Let cool and then serve with your favorite sides. 

Crispy and juicy chicken nuggets. 

Did You Enjoy These Chicken Nuggets?

What was your favorite part of this chicken? The crisp? The flavor? The light or mild seasoning? 

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Chick-fil-A® is a registered trademark of Chick-fil-A, Inc. This recipe is an independent copycat and not endorsed by the brand.