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Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Nuggets

These bite-sized chicken nuggets are crispy outside, tender inside, and perfectly seasoned to taste just like the fast-food classic. Ready in under 30 minutes, they're kid-approved and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Oil for frying peanut or vegetable oil preferred

Equipment

  • Sharp knife for cutting chicken
  • Three shallow bowls for breading station
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet
  • Candy or deep-fry thermometer
  • Paper towels or mesh strainer
  • Tongs for flipping
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan, gently pound each breast until it's about a half-inch thick.
  3. Slice each flattened breast into bite-sized pieces roughly 2 inches long, keeping pieces uniform.
  4. Pour milk into one shallow bowl and mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in another bowl.
  5. Dip each chicken piece into milk, then immediately coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each piece is fully covered.
  6. Pour oil into your pot to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit using a thermometer.
  7. Carefully place nuggets into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning halfway through, until they're deep golden brown.
  8. Remove nuggets with tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or mesh strainer. Let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't skip patting your chicken dry before pounding; it makes a massive difference in how evenly they brown and how crispy the outside gets. Use a thermometer for oil temperature for best results. Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.