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Crispy Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets Easy Recipe with Pickle Juice Brine

copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets - featured image
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This recipe recreates the iconic Chick-fil-A nuggets with a crispy coating and juicy interior, using a pickle juice brine for tenderizing and subtle tang. Perfect for game day or family dinners, these nuggets deliver fast food vibes without the drive-thru guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch bite-sized nuggets
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pickle juice from a jar of dill pickles
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups / 1 liter)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken nuggets in a medium bowl and pour 1 cup pickle juice over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  2. In one bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup milk and 2 beaten eggs until combined.
  3. In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well.
  4. Remove chicken from the pickle juice brine, shaking off excess liquid but do not rinse. Pat lightly with paper towels if needed.
  5. Dip chicken pieces into the milk and egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently to help coating stick.
  6. Arrange breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate and let sit for 10 minutes to set the coating.
  7. Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 2-3 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer.
  8. Carefully lower coated chicken pieces into hot oil in batches. Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
  9. Use tongs or slotted spoon to transfer nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate, then move to a cooling rack to keep crispiness.
  10. Serve warm immediately with your favorite dipping sauces or keep warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) until ready to serve.

Notes

Use a reliable brand of all-purpose flour for consistent texture. Powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness; granulated sugar can substitute but is less smooth. For dairy-free, swap milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Let nuggets rest after breading to help coating adhere. Fry in small batches to avoid oil temperature drop. Drain on wire rack after frying to keep crispiness. Brine chicken at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. Double coating can add extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A nuggets, copycat recipe, crispy chicken nuggets, pickle juice brine, fried chicken, homemade nuggets, game day snacks

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-copycat-chick-fil-a-nuggets-easy-recipe-with-pickle-juice-brine/