Spread the love

Why make this recipe

Making Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Nuggets at home is a great way to enjoy a popular favorite without leaving your house. This recipe lets you control the ingredients and customize flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s perfect for a quick meal, party snacks, or as a tasty addition to salads.

How to make Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Nuggets

Ingredients:

2 pounds chicken tenderloins (sliced in half and patted dry (2-inch pieces))
1/3 cup olive oil (plus more for the pan)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chick-fil-A Sauce (optional)

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients into a mason jar with a lid and shake rapidly to emulsify (or use a food processor).
Add the diced chicken into a zip-top bag and pour in the marinade. Remove excess air from the bag and seal it. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
When ready to cook, drain out and discard the excess marinade from the bag.
Use a ridged grill pan (a cast iron grill pan works well). Add a few tablespoons of olive oil into the pan and grease the raised ridges with a basting brush or paper towel.
Heat the pan to medium. Allow it to preheat for at least five minutes. Add in the chicken and cook untouched for about 4 minutes or until they easily release when flipping.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees).

How to serve Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Nuggets

Serve these grilled nuggets hot, with a side of Chick-fil-A Sauce for dipping. They’re great alone or served on a bed of salad greens. You can also pair them with your favorite dipping sauces or make a chicken wrap with some veggies.

How to store Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Nuggets

Store any leftover grilled nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Tips to make Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Nuggets

Make sure to dry the chicken well before marinating to help the flavors stick.
Allow the chicken to marinate for as long as possible for the best flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the grill pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Variation

You can customize the marinade by adding different spices or herbs based on your taste. Consider adding some red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken breast works well too. Just cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure that the marinade ingredients do not contain any gluten. Most spices and oils are gluten-free, but double-check labels.

3. Can I bake these nuggets instead of grilling them?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.