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Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Nuggets

Enjoy crispy, tender chicken nuggets that replicate the taste of Chick-fil-A's beloved recipe.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.75 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon paprika
  • Oil for frying vegetable or canola, about 2 quarts

Equipment

  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Three shallow bowls
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack lined with paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and remove any visible fat or connective tissue.
  2. Slice each breast horizontally into roughly three equal pieces, then cut those pieces into bite-sized nuggets about 2 inches long.
  3. Place each nugget between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until roughly 0.75 inches thick.
  4. Place the flour mixed with half the seasonings in one shallow bowl.
  5. Whisk together eggs, milk, and remaining seasonings in a second bowl.
  6. Put the leftover flour in a third bowl.
  7. Dredge each nugget in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and coat again with flour.
  8. Pour oil into a large pot and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Carefully place nuggets into the hot oil in a single layer without crowding.
  10. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and floating on the surface.
  11. Transfer cooked nuggets to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces while they're still crispy.