Craving fast food flavor without the drive-thru (or the guilt)? These Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets deliver all the juicy, golden-brown goodness of the original—but with a lighter twist. Made with lean chicken breast, seasoned just right, and crisped to perfection with minimal oil, they’re perfect for dipping, sharing, or meal prepping. You get all the comfort of your favorite nuggets with none of the mystery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast Food Flavor at Home – No additives or deep frying required.
Lean Protein-Packed – Made from real chicken breast.
Perfectly Seasoned & Crispy – Thanks to a smart blend of spices and light coating.
Air Fryer or Oven Friendly – Crisp without extra oil.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup dill pickle juice (for marinating)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup low-fat milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of avocado/olive oil
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a bowl or zip-top bag with pickle juice. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Prep Coating & Batter
In one bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and all spices.
3. Coat the Nuggets
Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Cook (Air Fryer or Oven)
Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray nuggets with cooking spray and cook in a single layer for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.
5. Serve
Serve hot with your favorite light dipping sauces—honey mustard, BBQ, or a yogurt-based ranch.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Tips for Success
- Pickle Juice Magic: It tenderizes and adds signature flavor—don’t skip the marinating!
- Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness: It helps create a light, crunchy coating without deep frying.
- Batch Cook & Freeze: These nuggets freeze beautifully—reheat in the air fryer or oven for a quick snack or meal.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with roasted veggies, a side salad, or a baked sweet potato for a balanced plate.
Why This Recipe Works
By using real ingredients and smart cooking methods, you get all the comfort and flavor of your favorite fast-food nuggets—without the extra oil, calories, or processed fillers. They’re crispy, juicy, and 100% satisfying.