Craving those juicy Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets but don’t want to make a trip to the restaurant? Good news—you can make them right in your own kitchen! I’ve perfected a copycat recipe that captures that signature flavor we all love, while giving you the flexibility to customize it to your taste.
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What Makes These Nuggets So Special?
If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered what makes Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets so addictive. It’s not just the convenience—these little bites of chicken have a flavor profile that’s hard to match. They’re juicy, perfectly seasoned, and offer a healthier alternative to fried options without sacrificing taste.
The beauty of these nuggets lies in their versatility. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding picky kids, or looking for a protein-packed snack, these grilled nuggets fit the bill perfectly.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate that Chick-fil-A magic:
The Chicken: Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you can. Fresh chicken will give you the best results, but if you’re working with frozen, just make sure it’s completely thawed before marinating.
The Marinade: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Feel free to play around with these proportions. If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, apple cider vinegar makes a great substitute. For a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular.
Prepping Your Chicken
First things first—let’s get that chicken ready:
- Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Give them a quick rinse under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better.
Making the Perfect Marinade
Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, mix together all your marinade ingredients until well combined. Toss in your chicken pieces and make sure each piece is fully coated.
Pro tip: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. But if you can plan ahead, marinating for 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will take these nuggets to the next level.
Cooking Your Nuggets
You’ve got several options here, depending on what equipment you have available:
On the Grill
Nothing beats the smoky flavor of outdoor grilling:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat
- Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking
- Grill the nuggets for 4-5 minutes per side
- Check for an internal temperature of 165°F before removing
Using a Grill Pan
No grill? No problem!
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat
- Add a touch of olive oil
- Cook the nuggets for 4-5 minutes on each side
- Look for those beautiful grill marks that add visual appeal
In the Oven
For a hands-off approach:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Arrange the nuggets in a single layer
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through
Air Fryer Method
If you have an air fryer, you’re in luck:
- Preheat to 375°F
- Place the nuggets in a single layer in the basket
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway
- Enjoy the crispy exterior without extra oil!
Taking Your Nuggets to the Next Level
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, why not experiment with some variations?
For Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to your marinade.
For Spicy Nuggets: Mix in some cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
For Herb-Infused Nuggets: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley add brightness and color.
Serving Suggestions
These nuggets are incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
Dipping Sauces: Set out a variety of sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, or sweet and sour.
Complete Meals: Pair with sides like steamed veggies, sweet potato fries, quinoa salad, or rice pilaf for a well-balanced meal.
On-the-Go: Pack them in lunch boxes with some cut veggies and fruit for a protein-packed lunch.
Tips for Perfect Nuggets Every Time
After making these countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- Don’t overcook: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F) to avoid dry chicken.
- Let them rest: Give the cooked nuggets a few minutes to rest before serving to retain juices.
- Oil your cooking surface: This prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect exterior.
Storing and Reheating
Made too many? Lucky you! These nuggets make great leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain texture.
- For a quick option, microwave works too, though the texture won’t be quite the same.
FAQs
Does Chick-fil-A have a 12 count grilled nugget?
Yes, Chick-fil-A does offer a 12-count grilled nugget option. They typically serve their grilled nuggets in 8-count and 12-count sizes, giving customers flexibility based on their appetite or whether they’re sharing.
Can you buy Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets?
Absolutely! You can purchase Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets at any Chick-fil-A restaurant location. They’re available for dine-in, carry-out, drive-thru, and even through their mobile app for pickup or delivery. They’re a regular menu item, not a limited-time offering.
How many calories are in 8 piece Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets?
An 8-count of Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets contains approximately 130 calories. This makes them one of the lower-calorie protein options on their menu, especially compared to their regular fried nuggets which contain about 260 calories for an 8-count.
Can you cook chicken nuggets in the grill?
Yes, you can definitely cook chicken nuggets on the grill! While store-bought frozen nuggets (which are typically pre-cooked and breaded) are usually better suited for oven, air fryer, or deep fryer preparation, homemade fresh chicken nuggets like the ones in this recipe are excellent for grilling. Grilling fresh nuggets gives them a delicious smoky flavor and attractive grill marks while keeping them juicy inside.
Give It a Try!
Making Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets at home isn’t just economical—it’s also fun and gives you complete control over the ingredients. Plus, there’s something satisfying about recreating a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.
So next time you’re craving those delicious grilled nuggets, skip the drive-thru and head to your kitchen instead. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!
Easy Homemade Grilled Nuggets
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh is best
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika for extra flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better.
- In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure each piece is fully coated.
- Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.