Copycat Chick Fil-A Nuggets and Sauce

buttermilk

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with less fat.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: self-rising flour

Whole wheat flour increases fiber content.

peanut oil

🥗Healthier: canola oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Canola oil is lighter and more affordable.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: sugar

Agave syrup has a lower glycemic index.

Start by making the sauce: Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in a bowl.

Whisk the sauce ingredients together until smooth and set aside.

Cut 2 pounds of chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Pour in 1 lightly beaten egg and 2 cups of milk or buttermilk into the bowl with the chicken.

Add 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of M.S.G. to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Prepare the dredging mixture: In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon M.S.G., and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Stir until combined.

Pour enough peanut oil into a skillet to cover the bottom with about 2 inches of oil and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the chicken from the fridge, tap off excess liquid, and coat the chicken pieces in the dredging mixture, working in small batches.

Place coated chicken nuggets on a wire cooling rack to dry out while heating the oil.

Once the oil is ready, add the nuggets in small batches to the hot oil, ensuring not to crowd the pan.

Fry the nuggets for about 4-5 minutes, turning them to ensure all sides are cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Monitor the oil temperature, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain between 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the nuggets are a deep golden brown, remove them from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Continue frying the remaining nuggets in small batches.

Allow the nuggets to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens