Chick fil A Grilled Nuggets Recipe
Discover the perfect Chick Fil A Grilled Nuggets Recipe! Enjoy this healthier, flavorful copycat version of the classic, made easily at home.
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein of this recipe, boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for grilling. They cook quickly and remain juicy, ensuring your nuggets have that tender texture you’re craving.
Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor to the chicken. It's a key part of the seasoning blend that mimics the signature Chick-fil-A taste.
Garlic powder: A pinch of garlic powder helps bring a savory richness to the grilled nuggets. It complements the other seasonings perfectly without overpowering the flavor.
Dill pickle juice: This ingredient is essential for marinating the chicken. The tangy, slightly salty pickle juice not only helps tenderize the chicken but also gives it that unique, crave-worthy flavor that makes Chick-fil-A's grilled nuggets so special.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a mild acidity to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken and helping to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
Avocado oil: A small amount of avocado oil is used to coat the chicken for grilling. It helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill and ensures a nice, even cook.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a mild kick of heat, enhancing the savory seasoning blend.
Chick-fil-A sauce (optional for dipping): While this is optional, serving your grilled nuggets with Chick-fil-A's iconic dipping sauce can really take the dish to the next level. The creamy, tangy sauce complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized chunks. Aim for roughly 1-2 inch chunks, which will cook evenly and give you perfectly sized nuggets. Place the chicken pieces into a large bowl or a ziplock bag.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a separate bowl, combine the following ingredients to create the marinade:
- ½ cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Mix everything well until the spices are fully dissolved in the liquids. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, making sure each nugget is well coated.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
- Seal the bowl or ziplock bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate it for 1-2 hours. This will allow the chicken to absorb the tangy pickle juice and the seasonings, making the meat tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you're using a grill pan, lightly brush it with avocado oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. If you're using an outdoor grill, brush the grill grates with oil or spray them with a non-stick cooking spray.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken Nuggets
- Once the grill is hot, it’s time to start cooking the chicken! Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill in a single layer, making sure there’s space between each nugget for even cooking. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes to lock in the juices. Serve the grilled chicken nuggets immediately with your favorite dipping sauce whether that’s Chick-fil-A sauce, honey mustard, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
- These grilled nuggets make for a delicious and satisfying meal, whether you’re serving them as a main course, adding them to a salad, or enjoying them as a snack. Now, you’ve got your very own copycat Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets perfectly grilled and packed with flavor!
- With these simple steps, you’ll be able to make a batch of grilled chicken nuggets that taste just like the ones from Chick-fil-A, right in your own kitchen!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg