Grilled Chick-Fil-A-Style Nuggets

If you love Chick-Fil-A nuggets but want a healthier, homemade version, you’re in for a treat. These Grilled Chick-Fil-A-Style Nuggets are tender, juicy, and packed with that signature flavor—minus the frying.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a game-day snack, these nuggets are a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Nuggets
These nuggets are a healthier twist on a fast-food favorite. By grilling instead of frying, you get all the flavor without the extra calories.
They’re marinated in a blend of spices and pickle juice (yes, pickle juice!), which gives them that tangy, savory taste Chick-Fil-A is known for. The grill adds a smoky char that takes them to the next level.
And the best part? You can customize the seasoning to your taste and feel good about serving these to your family.
How to Make It
Let’s walk through the steps to make these nuggets perfectly juicy and flavorful.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized nuggets (about 1-1.5 inches). Try to keep them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together:
- 1/2 cup pickle juice (this is the secret ingredient!)
- 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken nuggets to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Nuggets
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the nuggets on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid moving them around too much—this helps create those beautiful grill marks.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the nuggets to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces (like honey mustard, BBQ, or Chick-Fil-A sauce) and enjoy!

Make Ahead Method
These nuggets are perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Here’s how to make them ahead:
Option 1: Marinate Ahead
- Prep the chicken and marinade up to 4 hours in advance. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
Option 2: Cook and Store
- Grill the nuggets as directed, let them cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Option 3: Freeze for Later
- Place cooked and cooled nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Pro Tips
Let’s take your Grilled Chick-Fil-A-Style Nuggets to the next level with these expert tips:
1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
- If you prefer darker meat, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs. They’re more forgiving on the grill and stay extra juicy.
2. Don’t Skip the Pickle Juice
- This is the secret to that tangy, Chick-Fil-A flavor. If you don’t have pickle juice, you can use a mix of vinegar and water with a pinch of sugar.
3. Keep the Nuggets Evenly Sized
- Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly. No one likes an overcooked nugget!
4. Oil the Grill Grates
- To prevent sticking, lightly brush the grill grates with oil before adding the chicken.
5. Use a Meat Thermometer
- Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling.
6. Add a Smoky Flavor
- If you’re using an outdoor grill, toss some wood chips (like hickory or applewood) onto the coals for a smoky twist.
7. Double the Batch
- These nuggets freeze and reheat beautifully, so make extra for quick meals later.

8. Serve with Fun Dips
- Try homemade honey mustard, ranch, or copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce for dipping.
Storage Options
- Fridge: Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven, skillet, or air fryer until heated through.
Tools For This Recipe
- Grill or grill pan for cooking the nuggets.
- Tongs for flipping the chicken.
- Mixing bowl for the marinade.
- Knife and cutting board for prepping the chicken.
- Meat thermometer to check for doneness.
FAQs!
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I use instead of pickle juice?
Try a mix of 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider) + 1/4 cup water + 1 tsp sugar.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating to ensure even cooking.
Are these nuggets gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your pickle juice and seasonings are gluten-free.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy version: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Keto-friendly: Use almond milk instead of regular milk.
- Extra crispy: Lightly coat the nuggets in almond flour or crushed pork rinds before grilling.
- Vegetarian option: Use firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
Conclusion
These Grilled Chick-Fil-A-Style Nuggets are a healthier, homemade version of a fast-food favorite. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Did you try any fun variations? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you loved them, don’t forget to save the recipe for your next grilling session.

Grilled Chick-Fil-A-Style Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Start with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized nuggets, about 1-1.5 inches in size. Try to keep them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pickle juice, 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- The pickle juice is the secret ingredient that gives these nuggets their signature tangy flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken nuggets to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Nuggets
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
- Place the nuggets on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Avoid moving them around too much—this helps create those beautiful grill marks.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the grilled nuggets to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard, BBQ, or Chick-Fil-A sauce.
Notes
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g