Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Recipe - Homemade and Quick
Craving the healthy and delicious taste of Chick-fil-A's grilled nuggets but want to enjoy them in your own kitchen? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating mouthwatering grilled nuggets that capture the essence of the original. We'll cover everything from ingredients and equipment to serving suggestions, cost breakdowns, and even how to scale up this recipe for larger gatherings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this healthier take on a fast-food favorite.
Equipment
- Having the right tools will make the process smoother and ensure your nuggets are cooked perfectly:
- Large Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Sharp Knife: For trimming and cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-1.5 inches).
- Cutting Board: For safely preparing the chicken.
- Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: For cooking the nuggets. A grill pan is excellent for indoor cooking, while an outdoor grill provides that smoky flavor.
- Tongs: For flipping and handling the nuggets on the grill.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Small Bowl (optional): For holding any additional seasonings you might want to sprinkle on after grilling.
Ingredients
- Ingredients You'll Need for Authentic Flavor
- To achieve that signature Chick-fil-A grilled nugget taste you'll need a few key ingredients. Here's a detailed breakdown:
For the Marinade:
- Chicken Breast: 2 lbs approximately 900g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat. This is the star of the show, so opt for good quality chicken.
- Pickle Juice: ½ cup. This might seem like a surprising ingredient but it's the secret weapon for that distinctive tang and helps tenderize the chicken. Use the juice from your favorite jar of dill pickles.
- Milk: ¼ cup. Milk adds a touch of richness and helps the marinade adhere to the chicken. You can use whole milk 2%, or even dairy-free alternatives like almond or soy milk.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the chicken and the marinade.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon. Adds a subtle peppery kick.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Provides a savory depth.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Contributes a subtle sweetness and aromatic note.
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon. Adds a mild slightly sweet flavor and a hint of color.
Optional for Enhanced Flavor:
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. A touch of acidity can brighten the marinade.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon. A tiny bit of sweetness can balance the tanginess.
- Dried Thyme or Rosemary: ½ teaspoon. Adds an herbaceous layer.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Perfection
- Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Carefully rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, trim away any excess fat or connective tissue.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Aim for relatively uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pickle juice, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- If using, whisk in the optional lemon juice, honey/maple syrup, or dried herbs.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade in the bowl.
- Ensure all the chicken pieces are fully coated with the marinade. You can gently toss them with tongs or your hands (make sure your hands are clean!).
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
- If using an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- If using a grill pan, place it over medium-high heat on your stovetop and let it get hot. A light brushing of oil on the pan is also recommended.
Step 5: Grill the Nuggets
- Remove the chicken nuggets from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Do not rinse the chicken, as you want the marinade to flavor it during cooking.
- Carefully place the chicken nuggets on the preheated grill or grill pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking. You may need to cook the nuggets in batches.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Use tongs to flip the nuggets.
- The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of a nugget.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Once the nuggets are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful nuggets.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!