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Grilled Chick-Fil-A-Style Nuggets

Grilled Chick-Fil-A-Style Nuggets

Tender, juicy grilled chicken nuggets inspired by Chick-Fil-A, made healthier and ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Chicken Recipes, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 plates

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

here’s an estimate per serving (based on 4 servings):
  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g