Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets and Sauce

30 mins
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Cut two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces.
  2. 2Transfer the cut chicken pieces to a mixing bowl.
  3. 3Pour two cups of milk or buttermilk over the chicken.
  4. 4Add one large egg to the chicken and milk mixture.
  5. 5Add two teaspoons of salt to the mixture.
  6. 6Add one teaspoon of MSG to the chicken mixture.
  7. 7Toss all ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.
  8. 8Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  9. 9Heat peanut oil in a pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit when ready to cook.
  10. 10In a separate mixing bowl, combine one and a half cups of all-purpose flour for the dredging mixture.
  11. 11Add two tablespoons of powdered sugar to the flour.
  12. 12Add two teaspoons of paprika to the flour mixture.
  13. 13Add one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of black pepper to the dredging mixture.
  14. 14Add half a teaspoon of baking soda.
  15. 15Add one teaspoon of MSG to the dredging mixture.
  16. 16Stir the dredging mixture all together until well combined.
  17. 17Working in batches, take the marinated chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly in the dredging mixture.
  18. 18Add the breaded chicken nuggets to the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
  19. 19Once the nuggets are done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  20. 20For the Chick-fil-A sauce, add half a cup of mayonnaise to a clean mixing bowl.
  21. 21Add a quarter cup of barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's recommended).
  22. 22Add two tablespoons of mustard (yellow or Dijon) to the sauce ingredients.
  23. 23Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
  24. 24Add one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar.
  25. 25Add one tablespoon of lemon juice.
  26. 26Add a quarter cup of sugar.
  27. 27Add a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder.
  28. 28Add an eighth of a teaspoon of chili powder.
  29. 29Whisk all sauce ingredients together until well combined.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups milk or buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon MSG (monosodium glutamate)
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • peanut oil
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.125 teaspoon chili powder

Equipment

cutting boardknifemixing bowltongsplastic wrappotthermometerskimmerpaper towel-lined platewhisk

Tips

  • MSG is the signature Chick-fil-A flavor for nuggets, add it for the authentic taste.
  • Chick-fil-A marinates their chicken sandwiches in pickle juice, but not the nuggets. The nuggets use a milk/buttermilk marinade.