There’s something about biting into tender, juicy chicken with that hint of marinade magic that just feels right. Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets bring all that flavor without the drive-thru waitand honestly, making them at home means you control every ingredient.
I tested this copycat back in spring of 2018 after my youngest declared she wanted “the healthy nuggets” three nights in a row. The trick? A quick brine with pickle juice (yes, really) before grillingit keeps them impossibly moist and adds that signature tang. After tweaking the marinade ratio about four times, I finally nailed the balance my girls remembered from their kids’ meals.
PrintChick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe Easy Copycat
Enjoy Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets made right at home with this simple copycat recipe. Perfect for healthy meals or quick dinners that the whole family will adore. The tangy marinade and seasoning deliver authentic taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
- ¾ cup dill pickle juice from a jar of pickles
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for a little heat
- Cooking spray or extra olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Mix the pickle juice, milk, and Greek yogurt or buttermilk in a bowl until blended and add the chicken pieces to fully coat them. Cover and chill for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for richer flavor.
- Combine salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a small bowl to create the seasoning mix.
- Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry thoroughly, drizzle with olive oil, then evenly coat with the seasoning blend.
- Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and grease lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. Arrange chicken in one layer without crowding and grill each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Let the grilled nuggets rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to keep them juicy. Optionally, brush with melted butter for an authentic finish while still warm.
Notes
- For extra authentic flavor, brush warm nuggets with melted butter just after grilling to enhance richness
Nutrition
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Why You’ll Fall for These Grilled Nuggets
If you’ve ever wanted that smoky, tender Chick-fil-A magic at home, this recipe is your answer. The pickle juice marinade does double dutyit tenderizes the chicken and adds that unmistakable tangy brightness you crave. No breading, no frying, just clean flavor and juicy bites that make weeknight dinners feel special again.
Here’s what makes them worth the 30-minute marinating wait:
- Simple pantry staples: You likely have everything except maybe the pickle juiceand that’s just the leftover brine from your jar of pickles.
- Quick cook time: Eight minutes on a hot grill pan, and you’re done. No deep fryer, no mess.
- Family-approved: My girls request these on repeat, and I love that they’re a lighter option without sacrificing any of that craveable flavor.
Ingredients That Do the Heavy Lifting
The magic here isn’t in fancy tools or hard-to-find spicesit’s in how a few everyday ingredients work together. The pickle juice is the MVP, breaking down proteins so the chicken stays impossibly moist even after grilling. Greek yogurt (or buttermilk) adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the brine’s sharpness.
For the seasoning, think warm and slightly smoky: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne if you like a gentle kick. Salt and black pepper round it out. A light drizzle of olive oil before grilling helps the spices cling and encourages those beautiful char marks.
Pro Tip: Save your pickle juice! I keep a jar in the fridge just for marinadesit’s gold for chicken, pork, and even quick veggie pickles.
How It All Comes Together
The process is straightforward: marinate, season, grill, rest. After cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, they soak in the pickle juice mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you’re prepping ahead). Once drained and patted dry, you toss them with olive oil and the spice blend, then grill in batches over medium-high heat.
Each side gets 3 to 4 minutesjust enough to develop golden char marks and cook through to 165°F. Resting them for a couple of minutes after grilling lets the juices settle back in, so every bite stays tender.
| Step | Time | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Marinate | 30 min–4 hours | Pickle juice tenderizes and flavors |
| Season | 2 minutes | Coat with spice blend and olive oil |
| Grill | 6–8 minutes total | Sear both sides until 165°F internal temp |
| Rest | 2–3 minutes | Juices redistribute for moist texture |
Tweaks, Swaps, and Make-It-Yours Ideas
One of my favorite things about these Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets is how flexible they are. Swap buttermilk for Greek yogurt if that’s what you havethey both add tang and help the marinade stick. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based yogurt or skip it entirely and double the pickle juice.
Want more heat? Bump up the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. For extra richness (and that signature restaurant touch), brush the hot nuggets with a little melted butter right after grilling.
| Ingredient | Swap Option |
|---|---|
| Greek yogurt | Buttermilk or plain plant-based yogurt |
| Milk | Any dairy or non-dairy milk |
| Cayenne | Omit for mild, or add hot sauce for extra kick |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil or melted butter |
Serving and Storing Like a Pro
These nuggets are perfect warm off the grill, tucked into a salad, rolled into wraps, or served alongside roasted veggies and rice. My girls love dipping them in honey mustard or ranch, and they’re fantastic in lunch boxes (just pack the sauce separately).
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutesmicrowaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that nice char. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Note: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
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FAQs ( Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets )
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours gives the best flavor penetration. For maximum tenderness and taste, you can marinate overnight in the refrigerator. Don’t exceed 24 hours as the acids can break down the meat texture too much.
What temperature should the chicken reach when cooking?
Cook this recipe until the internal temperature reaches 165°F measured with a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy. Check the thickest piece since smaller nuggets cook faster than larger ones.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw the chicken completely first for even cooking and proper marinade absorption. Pat the thawed chicken dry with paper towels before cutting and marinating. Never cook frozen chicken pieces as they’ll be raw inside when the outside appears done.
How do I prevent the nuggets from sticking to the grill?
Preheat your grill and clean the grates thoroughly, then oil them lightly with a high-heat oil. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes before flipping. Using a grill basket can also help prevent smaller pieces from sticking or falling through.
What dipping sauces pair well with these nuggets?
Honey mustard, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce are classic choices that complement the seasoned chicken perfectly. For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs or a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Buffalo sauce works great if you want some heat.
You’ll love how these Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets come together in under 45 minutestender, smoky, and tangy in all the right ways. The grill marks look restaurant-perfect, and that pickle juice marinade? Pure magic. Every bite stays juicy, even the next day tucked into lunch boxes or salads.
If you’re meal prepping, double the batch and freeze halfthey reheat beautifully in a skillet with a touch of butter. Try serving them over greens with a drizzle of honey mustard, or tuck them into pitas with cucumbers and tomatoes for a quick weeknight dinner. My youngest loves them cold straight from the fridge, which tells you everything about how flavorful they stay.
I’d love to hear how yours turn outdid your family request seconds? Snap a photo and tag me, or leave a comment sharing your favorite dipping sauce. Save this recipe for the next time you need something quick, healthy, and crowd-pleasing. It’s one of those keepers you’ll come back to again and again, just like we do.
