how to make chick fil a grilled nuggets

3 min read 07-02-2025

Meta Description: Craving Chick-fil-A's grilled chicken nuggets? This comprehensive guide teaches you how to recreate that delicious taste at home, with step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Learn how to marinate, bread, and grill your nuggets for a restaurant-quality experience.

Introduction

Chick-fil-A's grilled chicken nuggets are a popular choice for those seeking a healthier, yet equally satisfying alternative to their breaded counterparts. Their tender, juicy texture and subtly seasoned flavor profile are hard to resist. But what if you could recreate this deliciousness in your own kitchen? This guide will walk you through the process of making homemade Chick-fil-A-style grilled nuggets, offering tips and tricks to achieve restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients You'll Need

Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use chicken tenders for a more nugget-like shape.
Marinade:
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Breadcrumbs:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup corn starch (optional, for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Oil: For greasing the grill pan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Why Marinating is Key: Marinating the chicken is crucial for both flavor and tenderness. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, while the spices add depth of flavor.

In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients.
Add the chicken cubes and toss to ensure they're evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Prepare the Breading Station

Efficient Breading: Setting up a breading station helps ensure even coating and minimizes mess.

Place the flour in a shallow dish.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch (if using), salt, and pepper.

3. Bread the Chicken

Even Coating is Important: Ensure each nugget is fully coated to achieve a crispy exterior.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Then, dip the floured chicken into the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Grill the Nuggets

Grilling for Flavor and Texture: Grilling gives the nuggets a nice char and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking oil.
Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets in a single layer on the hot grill pan.
Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions: Your homemade Chick-fil-A-style grilled nuggets are ready! Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or Chick-fil-A sauce (which you can easily find recipes for online).

Tips for Success

Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will prevent proper browning and cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the heat of your grill. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices in the marinade or breading to customize the flavor to your liking.
Make it ahead: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill.

Conclusion

Making Chick-fil-A-style grilled nuggets at home is easier than you might think. By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken any time you crave it. Enjoy your homemade nuggets! Remember to always ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.