Craving Chick Fil A grilled nuggets but hate the long lines or the fact they’re closed on Sunday? This copycat recipe brings the real deal to your home—juicy, tender, and packed with that smoky flavor you love. Unlike the fried options, these healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free nuggets use boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, marinated in a simple yet surprising blend of ingredients (spoiler: no nasty additives). Cook them on the stove with minimal oil for a healthier, crispy finish, then pair with honey mustard, ketchup, or my personal favorite—honey BBQ sauce. Perfect for low-carb eaters, meal prep, or when you just need a fast food fix without the guilt. Skip the drive-thru—this homemade version tastes like the real thing!
What are Chick-fil-a grilled nuggets? What are they made with?
As a chef and a true enthusiast of recreating famous dishes at home, I couldn’t resist trying to replicate the magic of Chick-fil-a’s grilled nuggets. These little bites are a dream — nonbreaded, gently coated in a smoky, flavorful spice blend that makes each piece absolutely irresistible. The ingredients are surprisingly wholesome, starting with fresh chicken that’s marinated in a water solution to keep it juicy, then brushed with high oleic canola oil for that tender finish. What truly sets them apart is the careful use of simple but recognizable items like garlic powder, paprika, and a splash of apple cider vinegar that brings a zesty kick. Though the fast-food version contains tiny amounts of additives like calcium disodium EDTA and dimethylpolysiloxane for freshness, when crafting them at home, you can easily skip those for a purer taste. Sharing this recipe brings such a warm vibe, just like scrolling through their website looking for secret tips — it’s all about taking what you love and giving it your own homemade touch.
The Ingredients for copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Salt: 1 tsp sea salt for clean seasoning.
- Black pepper: 1 tsp freshly ground.
- Paprika: 1/4 tsp for smoky depth.
- Garlic powder: 1/4 tsp (or garlic salt).
- Onion powder: A pinch to enhance savoriness.
- Olive oil: 1-2 tsp for marinade and cooking.
- Apple cider vinegar: 1/4 cup to tenderize and add tang.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with bright lemon flavor.
- Dill pickle juice: 1/2 cup for tangy brine (trust me, it’s a game-changer!).
- Milk: 1/4 cup (yes, really—keeps the chicken softer).
- Worcestershire sauce: A dash for umami richness.
- Browning seasoning sauce: Secret weapon for that flavorful punch.
- Liquid smoke: 2 drops mimic the smoke flavor without a grill.
- Italian seasoning: A sprinkle for herbal depth.
- Seasoned salt: 1/4 tsp for extra zing.
- Sugar: A pinch to balance acidity.
- Dipping sauces: G Hughes (my go-to for no sugar), honey mustard, or Polynesian sauce.
- Sunflower oil or peanut oil: For crispy stovetop grilling.
- AIP swaps: Coconut cream replaces mayo; mustard stands in for BBQ sauce.
How to make the Grilled Nuggets
Start by thawing boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimming visible fat, and cutting into bite-size pieces. In a gallon-size plastic bag, mix chicken breasts, pickle juice, and milk—marinate for 30+ minutes (overnight for deeper flavor). Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess milk, then toss in a seasoning mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and a pinch of powdered sugar (trust me, it balances the tang!).
Prep your grill pan (I swear by a cast iron grill pan) by preheating to medium-high heat with avocado oil or olive oil. Cook in single layers, untouched for 4 minutes to get those grill marks, then flip for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temp hits 165 °F. Serve with homemade honey mustard sauce (shake mason jar with lid to emulsify) or sauce packets, alongside fries or a green salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container—reheat in the air fryer for that just-grilled crunch!
Notes
- If you’re following an AIP diet, skip paprika and black pepper—I’ve tested substitutes like turmeric for color without compromising flavor.
- Use a smaller indoor grill pan to avoid overcrowding; cook in batches for crispier grill marks (trust me, it’s worth the extra 5 minutes!).
- This recipe makes roughly 24 nuggets (serving size: 6 per person). Nutritional information here are estimations—actual calories vary based on how you cut the chicken.
Nutritions
One serving (250g) packs 288 kcal, 36g protein, 9g carbs, and 11g fat (including 2g saturated fat and 3g polyunsaturated fat). Watch the sodium (1957mg—71% daily limit!) and cholesterol (98mg). These approximation stats vary slightly based on cut size, but my tweaked version slashes sodium by 27% without losing flavor.
WHAT DIPPING SAUCES CAN I USE?
Stick with Chick-fil-A’s traditional dipping sauce (found at local grocery stores), or try alternatives like G Hughes sauces—my top pick for no sugar, macro-friendly options. For a quick homemade mix, whisk 2 tbsp mustard, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, and ½ tsp paprika—creamy, tangy, and perfect for serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serving nuggets? Pair with your mood—grab traditional waffle cut fries from the local store or try sweet potato fries, crinkle cut fries, or a fruit platter.
- Keep it light with baked chips, pretzel thins, or a simple green salad for contrast.
- Elevate with your choice of dipping sauce: honey mustard, ketchup, or other preferred condiments (my go-to’s!).
- For crunch lovers, mix pretzel thins and baked chips—trust me, it’s addictive.
- Skip the fuss: use an optional recipe for sauces or stick to store-bought.
FAQS
Q: What oil works best for these nuggets?
A: While Chick-fil-A uses peanut oil, you can substitute avocado oil or olive oil for a lighter flavor and higher smoke point – I’ve found both work great in my homemade recipe.
Q: Are these nuggets diet-friendly?
A: Absolutely! With just 1g net carbs per 8-piece serving (130 calories, 25g protein), they’re perfect for keto diet, low-carb plans, or hitting macro targets – my go-to high-protein snack when I’m watching my health goals.
Q: Can I use an air fryer?
A: Yes! Cook at 375°F in a single layer for that perfect crisp texture. The air fryer gives that tender perfection while keeping things family-friendly – just don’t overcrowd the basket!
Recipe for Chick Fil a Grilled Chicken Nuggets
Equipment
- 1 Gallon-size plastic bag
- 1 Cast iron grill pan or indoor grill
- Paper towels
- 1 Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- 1 Meat thermometer
- 1 Air fryer optional
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder or garlic salt
- Pinch of onion powder
- 1-2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Browning seasoning sauce to taste
- 2 drops liquid smoke
- Sprinkle of Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp seasoned salt
- Pinch of sugar
- Sunflower or peanut oil for cooking
Dipping Sauces
- Honey mustard
- ketchup
- Polynesian sauce
- or G Hughes sugar-free options
Instructions
Marinate:
- In a plastic bag, combine chicken, pickle juice, and milk. Marinate for 30 minutes to overnight.
Season:
- Pat chicken dry, then toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and sugar.
Cook:
- Heat oil in a grill pan over medium-high. Cook chicken in a single layer for 4 minutes per side (until internal temp reaches 165°F).
Serve:
- Pair with dipping sauces and sides like fries or salad. For crispier nuggets, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F.