Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets Your Family Will Love!

Name: Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Oil for frying

Posted on May 5, 2026

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This Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets comes together in about 30 minutes and is fried to golden perfection for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Oil for frying

How to Make Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets

Let’s Get Cooking!

Marinate the chicken: First off, grab that chicken and place it in a bowl. Pour in your buttermilk (I like to mix in a little salt too). Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes the chicken super tender and flavorful!
Prepare the coating: Now, while that chicken’s taking a relaxing soak, let’s mix up our flour mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. It should smell divine! Give it a good stir until it’s all well combined.
Heat the oil: In a deep pan or a large skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. It’s got to get nice and hot for that crispy finish! You’ll know it’s ready when a little drop of water sizzles when you toss it in.
Coat the chicken: After your chicken has marinated, lift the pieces out of the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Drench the chicken in your flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. I like to press down a little for extra crunch!
Fry the chicken: Drop the chicken into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side or until they’re a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The smell will make you want to dive right in!
Drain and serve: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken, my Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken, or my Delicious Cream Chicken!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! Between marinating time and frying, you can have dinner on the table in no time. Perfect for those frantic weeknights when you’re trying to juggle everything!

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor and that satisfying crunch, these nuggets are true comfort food. Just thinking about them makes my heart happy!

Customizable

The best part is that you can switch out spices according to your favorites. Want a kick? Add some cayenne. Looking for a different taste? Try a BBQ rub. The world’s your crispy chicken oyster!

Budget-Friendly

Using everyday ingredients you probably already have means this recipe won’t break the bank! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it great for family dinners or get-togethers.

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

While these nuggets are amazing on their own, you can pair them with some classic sides. Think homemade fries, a crisp salad, or even my Crispy Brussels Sprouts for a delicious twist! Don’t forget some dipping sauces, honey mustard, ranch, and BBQ are all excellent choices to complement the flavor!

Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, let me tell you!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to let them cool before closing the container, or they’ll get soggy!

Reheating Instructions

For the best results, reheat in the oven or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Trust me, it’s worth the little extra effort!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! You can freeze these nuggets before frying. Just let them freeze on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, throw them right into the hot oil from frozen, just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time!

The Final Wrap Up!

I hope you give these Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets a try. They’re a staple in my home, and I’m confident your family will love them just as much. It’s such a joy to see everyone around the table, devouring these little bites of happiness. And really, who doesn’t love a homemade version of their fast-food favorites?

Oh! And remember, food is about bringing people together. Whether you’re making nuggets for a quick dinner or for a fun game night, enjoy every bite and every moment spent with the ones you love! Happy cooking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.