Lunches · 4 min read
Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets (Copycat)
Make tender, crispy Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets at home with a flavorful overnight bouillon marinade and a crunchy flour and saltine cracker coating that tastes just like the original.
★ 5.0 (22)
This Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets copycat started with a Sunday afternoon craving, the one day you can't get the real thing. After a few batches, I found the secret is the overnight bouillon marinade and that salty-sweet saltine cracker coating. The nuggets come out juicy inside, with a thin, crispy crust that tastes remarkably close to the drive-thru.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- The overnight marinade with bouillon and seasoned salt seasons the chicken all the way through, so every bite is flavorful, not just the outside.
- The saltine cracker crumbs mixed with flour and a touch of powdered sugar create that signature crispy, slightly sweet coating.
- Frying in peanut oil at 350°F gives a golden crust that stays crunchy even after the nuggets cool.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
- Chicken bouillon cubes are the backbone of the marinade; they dissolve into the water and season the chicken from the inside. Use low-sodium cubes if you prefer less salt, and make sure they're fully dissolved before adding the chicken.
- Saltine cracker crumbs give the coating its signature crunch and a hint of salt. Crush them very finely so they cling to the chicken; a food processor works well. You can substitute plain panko for a slightly different texture.
- Peanut oil is the traditional frying oil here because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor that lets the chicken shine. If you have a peanut allergy, use canola or vegetable oil instead.
Kitchen Tools for Making Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
- Deep fryer or a large, heavy pot for frying; if using a pot, add enough oil to reach 4 inches deep.
- A deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 350°F.
- A wire rack for resting the coated nuggets and draining the fried ones; this keeps them crisp.
- A shallow dish for the flour and cracker mixture so you can coat the chicken easily.
Tips for Making the Best Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Copycat
- Cut the chicken into uniform bite-size pieces so they cook evenly and get the same crispy coating on every piece.
- Let the coated nuggets rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before frying; this helps the flour mixture stick and prevents it from falling off in the oil.
- Keep the oil at 350°F and fry in small batches so the temperature doesn't drop too much, which would make the nuggets greasy instead of crisp.
Expert Tips for Extra Crispy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil; if it climbs above 350°F, the coating can brown too quickly while the chicken stays undercooked inside.
- After frying, drain on a clean wire rack instead of paper towels so the nuggets stay crisp on all sides instead of steaming on one side.
- For the most accurate copycat flavor, dissolve the bouillon cubes completely in cool water before adding the chicken, and don't skip the overnight rest in the fridge.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets Recipe Variations to Try
- Spicy version: add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade for a kick.
- Gluten-free: swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free saltine crackers; the coating will be a little more delicate, so handle gently.
- Air fryer: after coating, spray the nuggets lightly with oil and air fry until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Baked: place coated nuggets on a greased baking sheet and bake until golden and cooked through, turning once, for a lighter version.
What to Serve with Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Dipping Sauces for Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
- Chick-fil-A sauce: mix mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, and a splash of BBQ sauce for a tangy-sweet dip.
- Honey mustard or ranch are classic choices that pair with the salty-sweet coating.
Side Dishes to Serve with Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Waffle fries or a simple green salad round out the meal.
- Coleslaw or mac and cheese also work well with the crispy nuggets.
How to Store Leftover Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Leftover nuggets keep well in the fridge. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture. They'll stay good for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat them, reheat using the method below rather than the microwave to bring back the crunch.
Can You Freeze These Chicken Nuggets?
Yes, you can freeze these nuggets. Arrange the cooked, cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them frozen on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 400°F oven until hot and crisp, or use an air fryer.
Best Ways to Reheat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
The oven or air fryer gives the best results. Put the nuggets on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm them at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, or air fry at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes, until they're hot and the coating is crisp again. The microwave will make the coating soggy, so avoid it if you can.
Source recipe: Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets (Copycat) (SnapChef ID 8c1e2af0-4cac-44f8-b6a8-99e88b825734). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Ingredients
Directions
- Dissolve the bouillon cubes in 2 cups of cool water and add 1/4 teaspoon Morton Season-All. Place cubed chicken in the water, mix, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Heat the oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large pot. If you are using a large pot, add enough oil so the oil is 4 inches deep.
- Combine the flour, cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and paprika in a shallow dish.
- Pour off and discard the excess marinade from the chicken. Coat the chicken with the flour mixture and place on a wire rack to rest for a few minutes to help the coating better adhere to the chicken during frying.
- Fry the chicken nuggets a few at a time until they are golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on a clean wire rack.
Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.
Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated
Amount per serving
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).
Good to know
Questions, answered
Why does the chicken need to marinate overnight?
The bouillon and seasoned salt penetrate the meat, making it tender and flavorful. Even a few hours helps, but overnight gives the best result.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs will be juicier but may need slightly longer frying time; ensure they reach 165°F.
What if I don't have Morton Season-All?
Use any seasoned salt, or make your own with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free saltines; the coating will be a bit more delicate.
How do I know when the nuggets are done?
They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F; the coating should be crisp.
