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CHICK FIL A GRILLED CHICKEN NUGGETS centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Thomas Baker

Easy Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe at Home

Enjoy a homemade version of the beloved Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets that are juicy, flavorful, and tender. This recipe uses a tangy pickle juice marinade and a well-balanced seasoning to deliver that classic Chick Fil A taste right in your kitchen.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
  • ¾ cup dill pickle juice from a jar of pickles
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for a little heat
  • Cooking spray or extra olive oil for grilling

Method
 

  1. Combine pickle juice, milk, and Greek yogurt or buttermilk in a bowl until blended well.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, fully cover, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for stronger flavor.
  3. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the seasoning blend.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss with the prepared seasoning so all pieces are evenly coated.
  6. Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet to medium-high and lightly oil the surface with cooking spray or olive oil.
  7. Place chicken chunks in a single layer and grill each side for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely browned with grill marks and cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
  8. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and achieve even cooking.
  9. Transfer cooked nuggets to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy.
  10. For an extra authentic touch, brush the grilled nuggets with melted butter immediately after cooking to boost richness and flavor.

Notes

  • For best results, do not skip drying the chicken after marinating as this helps achieve a perfect sear. You can marinate for longer than 30 minutes if time allows for stronger flavor. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or a side salad.