Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Easy Copycat)

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I never thought I’d be able to recreate those perfectly seasoned, juicy Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe at home, but here we are.

My kids went through a phase where they’d only eat these nuggets, and with three trips to Chick-fil-A per week, my wallet was feeling it. One particularly busy Tuesday, when the drive-thru line stretched around the building, I decided enough was enough.

I went home and started experimenting. After about five batches (and a lot of taste-testing), I finally nailed it. The secret isn’t just in the marinade, it’s in understanding how Chick-fil-A gets that signature char without drying out the chicken. Now I make these at least twice a week, and honestly, my family can’t tell the difference.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	15 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	2 hours 25 minutes
Servings	4 servings (about 20-24 nuggets)
Difficulty Level	Easy

Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe High Protein Meal

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe

These homemade grilled chicken nuggets are an absolute revelation if you’re trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. They’re packed with protein, low in calories, and have that same addictive seasoning that keeps you reaching for just one more.

The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with flavor while keeping the chicken incredibly tender. Unlike fried nuggets, these won’t leave you feeling weighed down, and you can feel good about serving them to your family any night of the week.

Here’s what makes this recipe special:

Healthier than fried – Grilled instead of deep-fried, saving you hundreds of calories without losing any flavor
Kid-approved taste – Even picky eaters go crazy for these, making dinner time so much easier
Meal prep friendly – Make a big batch on Sunday and have protein ready for lunches and quick dinners all week
Budget-friendly – At a fraction of the cost of eating out, you’ll save serious money making these at home
Customizable heat level – Adjust the cayenne to suit your family’s spice tolerance
Perfect for parties – These disappear fast at gatherings and everyone always asks for the recipe

My favorite part about making healthy orange chicken has become using these nuggets as a base.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. The key is getting the spice blend just right to replicate that signature Chick-fil-A flavor.

For the Marinade:

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (680g), cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup dill pickle juice (120ml) – this is the secret ingredient
1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 teaspoon salt (6g)
½ teaspoon black pepper (2g)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
½ teaspoon onion powder (2g)
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (1g) – adjust to taste
¼ teaspoon paprika (1g)
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons/30ml)

For Serving:

Chick-fil-A sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Lemon wedges (optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Having the right tools makes all the difference in achieving that perfect char and juicy interior. Here’s what you’ll need to make these nuggets turn out just right.

Grill pan or outdoor grill – cast iron works best for even heat distribution
Large mixing bowl or gallon-size ziplock bag for marinating
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs for flipping
Meat thermometer – essential for perfectly cooked chicken every time
Small whisk or fork for mixing marinade
Paper towels for patting chicken dry

Recommended Products for This Recipe

After making these nuggets countless times, I’ve found a few products that really elevate the results. These aren’t necessary, but they’ll help you get that restaurant-quality finish at home.

1. Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan

This is hands down my favorite tool for making these nuggets. The ridges create those beautiful grill marks and help drain excess moisture, giving you that authentic grilled texture. Cast iron retains heat incredibly well, so you get consistent results every single time.

Get it on Amazon

2. ThermoPro Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer

I used to overcook chicken constantly until I invested in a good thermometer. This one reads in seconds and ensures your nuggets hit exactly 165°F (74°C) without going over. No more dry, rubbery chicken.

Get it on Amazon

3. Organic Dill Pickle Juice

The pickle juice is what gives these nuggets their signature tang and keeps them incredibly juicy. I always buy an extra jar of quality pickles just for the juice. Claussen brand works perfectly.

Get it on Amazon

4. Premium Raw Honey

Not all honey is created equal. Using a good quality raw honey adds depth to the marinade and helps create that subtle caramelization on the outside of the nuggets.

Get it on Amazon

You might also enjoy: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe

Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets

Follow these detailed steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality grilled chicken nuggets ready in no time. The key is not rushing the marinating process.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for proper marinating
Place the chicken on a clean cutting board and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes
Try to keep the pieces as similar in size as possible so they cook evenly
Remove any excess fat or stringy bits as you cut
Place all the cut chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl

2. Make the Marinade

In a separate bowl, combine the pickle juice, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika
Whisk everything together vigorously until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined
Taste the marinade and adjust seasonings if needed – it should be tangy, slightly sweet, and well-seasoned
The marinade should look slightly cloudy and have a pale yellow-green color from the pickle juice

3. Marinate the Chicken

Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces in the bowl
If using a ziplock bag, transfer the chicken and marinade into a gallon-size bag and seal it, removing as much air as possible
Massage the bag or stir the bowl to ensure every piece is well-coated
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag completely
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally 4-6 hours for maximum flavor
If marinating for more than 4 hours, give it a stir or flip the bag halfway through
Never marinate for more than 24 hours or the chicken can become mushy

4. Preheat Your Grill or Grill Pan

About 10 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat
If using an outdoor grill, preheat to 400°F (200°C)
You want the surface hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately
Lightly oil the grill grates or pan with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking
Let the oil heat for about 30 seconds before adding chicken

5. Cook the Nuggets

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off, but don’t pat dry
Arrange the nuggets on the hot grill pan with space between each piece – don’t crowd them
Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them to develop those signature grill marks
Flip each piece using tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side
The chicken should have beautiful char marks and feel firm to the touch
Use your meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
If cooking in batches, keep finished nuggets warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven

6. Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked nuggets to a clean plate
Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving – this allows the juices to redistribute
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce
Garnish with fresh lemon wedges if desired for an extra burst of brightness

Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe Quick and Easy

Tips for The Best Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets

After making these nuggets probably a hundred times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. These tips will help you avoid the common mistakes I made when I first started.

Don’t skip the pickle juice – It’s truly the magic ingredient that makes these taste like Chick-fil-A. The acidity tenderizes the chicken while adding that signature tang. I’ve tried substituting with vinegar or lemon juice alone, and it’s just not the same.
Cut uniform pieces – Consistency is key for even cooking. I learned this the hard way when half my nuggets were overcooked and the other half needed more time. Use a ruler if you need to at first.
Pat the chicken dry before cutting – Wet chicken is slippery and harder to cut safely. Plus, the marinade adheres better to dry meat.
Marinate for the full time – I know 2 hours seems long, but it’s worth it. The first time I made these, I only marinated for 30 minutes and they were bland. Now I always plan ahead.
Preheat properly – A hot cooking surface is crucial for those grill marks. I test by flicking a few drops of water on the pan. If they sizzle and evaporate immediately, it’s ready.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Leave at least half an inch between each piece. Overcrowding creates steam instead of that beautiful char. Cook in batches if needed.
Resist the urge to move them – Let the nuggets sit undisturbed for the full 4-5 minutes on the first side. Moving them too early prevents proper browning.
Use a meat thermometer – This is non-negotiable for me now. Overcooked chicken is dry chicken, and undercooked chicken is unsafe. 165°F (74°C) is your target.
Let them rest – Those 2-3 minutes of resting make the nuggets juicier. Cutting into them immediately lets all the good juices run out.
Save the marinade for another batch – I freeze leftover marinade in ice cube trays for quick weeknight meals. Just thaw and use within 3 months.

Another favorite: Teriyaki Grilled Chicken

Serving Suggestions

These grilled chicken nuggets are incredibly versatile and work with so many different sides and occasions. Here’s how I typically serve them in my house.

The classic Chick-fil-A experience includes their signature sauce, but these nuggets pair beautifully with so many different options. I always put out at least three dipping sauces when serving these for guests.

Classic fast-food style – Serve with waffle fries, coleslaw, and Chick-fil-A sauce for the full restaurant experience at home
Healthier bowl option – Place nuggets over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette
Kid-friendly plate – Pair with healthy mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and a side of fruit for a balanced meal
Wrap it up – Stuff nuggets into a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and ranch for an easy lunch
Salad topper – Slice the nuggets and add them to Mediterranean Quinoa Salad for extra protein
Party platter – Arrange on a large platter with deviled eggs, veggie sticks, and multiple dipping sauces
Breakfast for dinner – Serve alongside French toast for a sweet and savory combo my kids love
Taco Tuesday twist – Use these instead of traditional grilled chicken in soft tacos with healthy guacamole and salsa

Variations to Try

Once you master the basic recipe, these variations will keep things interesting. I rotate through these different versions depending on what I’m craving.

Spicy version – Double the cayenne pepper and add ½ teaspoon of hot sauce to the marinade for extra kick. My husband prefers this version every time.
Herb-forward – Add 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped rosemary and thyme to the marinade. This gives them a more sophisticated flavor perfect for dinner parties.
Asian-inspired – Replace pickle juice with rice vinegar and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and ½ teaspoon of ginger powder to the marinade.
Smoky BBQ – Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke to give these a barbecue flavor.
Mediterranean style – Swap the seasoning for dried oregano, basil, and a splash of red wine vinegar. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
Lemon pepper – Add the zest of 2 lemons and increase the black pepper to 1 teaspoon for a bright, peppery version.
Garlic lovers – Triple the garlic powder and add 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic to the marinade. These are intensely flavorful.
Tandoori-spiced – Replace the cayenne and paprika with 1 teaspoon of tandoori masala for an Indian-inspired twist.
Buffalo style – Toss the cooked nuggets in buffalo sauce immediately after grilling for a spicy, tangy coating.

Storage and Reheating

These nuggets are perfect for meal prep, and knowing how to store them properly means you’ll always have protein ready to go. Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping them fresh.

Refrigerator storage – Let the nuggets cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. They’ll keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezer storage – Arrange cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They’ll last up to 3 months frozen.
Reheating in the oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place nuggets on a baking sheet and heat for 10-12 minutes (15-18 if frozen) until warmed through. This method keeps them from getting soggy.
Reheating in the air fryer – Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes (6-8 if frozen). This is my favorite method because it crisps up the outside beautifully.
Reheating on the stovetop – Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat and warm the nuggets for 2-3 minutes per side. This works well for small portions.
Microwave method – While not ideal, you can microwave nuggets in 30-second intervals until heated through. Place them on a paper towel to prevent sogginess. They won’t be as good as other methods, but it works in a pinch.
Meal prep tip – I portion out nuggets into individual containers with sides for grab-and-go lunches. They stay fresh and make weekday mornings so much easier.

For something similar, try: Tandoori Chicken

Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe Family Favorite

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (5-6 nuggets):

Calories: 220
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Cholesterol: 95mg

These numbers are approximate and will vary based on the exact size of your nuggets and any sides or sauces you add. Compared to fried chicken nuggets, these save you about 150 calories per serving and have significantly less fat. They’re high in protein and low in carbs, making them perfect for anyone watching their macros or following a healthier eating plan.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Beyond just tasting amazing, these nuggets pack some serious nutritional benefits. Here’s why I feel good about serving them to my family regularly.

The chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. It’s also rich in B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, which help with energy metabolism. Chicken is naturally low in fat and sodium, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Pickle juice – Contains probiotics that support gut health and electrolytes like sodium and potassium that help with hydration. The vinegar in pickle juice may also help regulate blood sugar levels.
Olive oil – Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that fight inflammation. Studies show it may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Garlic powder – Has antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. It may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels naturally.
Lemon juice – High in vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps your body absorb iron from the chicken. It’s also alkalizing despite being acidic.
Honey – Contains antioxidants and has natural antibacterial properties. It’s a healthier sweetener option that also soothes the digestive system.
Cayenne pepper – Contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and reduce appetite. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may improve circulation.

FAQs About Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely, and many people actually prefer thighs for their richer flavor and juicier texture. Chicken thighs have more fat, which keeps them moist during grilling. Just keep in mind they’ll add about 50 more calories per serving and take an extra minute or two to cook through to 165°F (74°C).

2. What if I don’t have pickle juice?

You can substitute with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) plus a pinch of dill and a bit of extra salt. However, I really encourage you to try it with pickle juice at least once because it makes such a difference. You can buy pickle juice by itself online if you don’t want to buy a whole jar of pickles.

3. Can I cook these on an outdoor grill instead of a grill pan?

Yes, outdoor grilling works beautifully and adds even more smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F/200°C) and oil the grates well. The smaller pieces can fall through the grates, so I recommend using a grill basket or threading them onto skewers first.

4. How do I know when the nuggets are done without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is the most reliable method, you can check by cutting into the thickest nugget. The meat should be completely white with no pink, and the juices should run clear. The nuggets should feel firm when pressed gently with tongs.

5. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, and they turn out fantastic! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated nuggets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach 165°F (74°C) internally.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe at home has honestly changed our weeknight dinner routine. The combination of tangy pickle juice, subtle sweetness, and perfectly charred exterior creates nuggets that rival anything you’d get at the restaurant.

I love that I can pronounce every ingredient, control the sodium, and know exactly what my family is eating. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about recreating a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Give these a try, and I promise you’ll be adding them to your regular rotation. Let me know in the comments what dipping sauce you choose or if you try any of the variations!

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Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Easy Copycat)

Why You’ll Love This Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe