These homemade chicken nuggets are simple to make, kid-approved, and perfect for both lunchboxes and gatherings. Skip the drive through line at chick fil a and make this copycat version with sauce included, at home instead!

As both a mom and teacher, I’m always on the lookout for quick, delicious meals that my kids will love, and these nuggets have become a family favorite. They’ve quickly become a regular feature in my meal prep routine, and I can’t recommend them enough!

Between grading papers, preparing lesson plans, and juggling after-school activities, I don’t always have time to whip up gourmet meals. That’s why I adore this recipe–it’s easy, satisfies my kids’ cravings, and packs a protein punch.

Whether it’s an after-school snack to refuel my little ones or a clever way to fill their lunchboxes, these nuggets are the answer!

why your whole family will love these homemade chick fil a nuggets

  • Delicious Flavor
  • Protein Packed
  • Classic Comfort
  • Quick and Easy
  • Crowd-pleaser
  • Kid-friendly

perfect for lunchboxes

I love making these nuggets ahead of time. On weekends, I’ll make a big batch and store them in a container in the refrigerator. My son in middle school, can easily heat them up and pack them into his thermos for school, paired with a side of homemade chick-fil-a sauce and some fresh fruit.

It makes lunchtime so much more exciting for him and gives me peace of mind knowing he’s eating something nutritious.

game day favorite

We also whip these nuggets out during football season. They always steal the show at our game day gatherings! A big platter of golden, crispy chicken nuggets, served alongside air-fried waffle fries–everyone’s favorites!

Plus, there’s no need to brave the long lines at chick-fil-a when you can enjoy all the great flavor right at home.

fun fact: inspiration from Costco!

A little backstory: I initially set out to create this recipe because of the frozen chicken nuggets they sell at Costco. They taste remarkably similar to chick-fil-a nuggets, and I found myself buying them constantly.

But I wanted to replicate that experience in my kitchen, so I got creative. What I discovered are nuggets that taste just as good, if not better, and with the added benefit of being homemade.

freezer-friendly homemade chicken nuggets

Another fantastic feature of this recipe is that you can easily freeze the nuggets! If you make a big batch, just store some in a freezer-safe bag. They can be easily reheated throughout the week for quick lunches or snacks when things get hectic.

ingredients

To make this easy and delicious homemade chick-fil-a nuggets with sauce recipe you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!

Here’s what we are working with:

chick fil a nuggets
  • boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • dill pickle juice
  • milk
  • egg
  • all-purpose flour
  • powdered sugar
  • paprika
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • peanut oil (or other frying oil)
chick-fil-a sauce
  • mayonnaise
  • honey
  • yellow mustard
  • bbq sauce
  • lemon juice

how to make homemade chicken nuggets that taste just like chick-fil-a

instructions for the chicken nuggets

Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken pieces and dill pickle juice in a bowl or sealable plastic bag, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for extra flavor).

Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg. In another bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from pickle juice, and rinse. Dip each piece into the milk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1-inch of peanut oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Fry Nuggets: Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

instructions for the chick-fil-a sauce

Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, mustard, bbq sauce, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Serve the chicken nuggets hot with the chick-fil-a sauce on the side for dipping.

can I meal prep homemade chicken nuggets?

Yes! On busy Sundays, I often set aside a little time to make a big batch of these yummy chicken nuggets. I then portion them out for lunches or quick dinners to have throughout the work week.

I store the chicken nuggets in individual meal prep containers, and my son can easily reheat them in his thermos for school. Pairing these with a side of pasta and fresh fruit or a small salad makes for a well-rounded meal that keeps him energized throughout the day.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having a home cooked meal on the table your whole family loves, but one that saves you time behind the scenes. 

Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.

Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!

ENJOY!

homemade chicken nuggets served with easy to make chick fil a dipping sauce on a round white serving dish

The Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets (Chick Fil A Copycat Recipe!)

These homemade chicken nuggets are simple to make, kid-approved, and perfect for both lunchboxes and gatherings. Skip the drive through line at chick fil a and make this copycat version with sauce included, at home instead!
Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

for the chick-fil-a nuggets

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • peanut oil (or other frying oil)

for the chick-fil-a sauce

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp bbq sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions 

for the chick-fil-a nuggets

  • Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken pieces and dill pickle juice in a bowl or sealable plastic bag, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for extra flavor).
  • Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg. In another bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from pickle juice, and rinse. Dip each piece into the milk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  • Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1-inch of peanut oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Fry Nuggets: Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels. 

for the chick-fil-a sauce

  • Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, mustard, bbq sauce, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve: Serve the chicken nuggets hot with the chick-fil-a sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Equipment

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