Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the irresistible taste of Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets but wished you could whip them up right in your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat! I’m excited to share this Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe that’s smoky, tender, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find it hard to ever go back to takeout. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe come together beautifully to create that iconic grilled nugget flavor you love. Nothing fancy or hard to find, just pantry staples and fresh chicken that pack maximum taste.

• Chicken tenderloins: The star of the show — they cook quickly and stay tender, perfect for nuggets.
• Olive oil: Helps keep the chicken juicy and gives a nice crisp sear on the grill pan.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a mild tang while tenderizing the chicken gently.
• Lemon juice: Brightens up the marinade with fresh citrus notes.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that adds herbs and savory complexity.
• Garlic powder: For that warm, garlicky undertone without overpowering.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor layers with a subtle savoriness.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity and enhance caramelization on the grill pan.
• Liquid smoke: This is the secret! A small amount infuses that deep smoky note without needing an actual grill.
• Salt: Brings out the natural flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
• Black pepper: Adds a hint of peppery warmth.

Variations

I love how easy it is to tweak this Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Feel free to experiment—you might discover a new favorite twist!

• Spice Level: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne pepper once when I craved a little heat—it was incredible and gave the nuggets a fun kick.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, try using fresh thyme or rosemary chopped finely for a fresh herbaceous note.
• Marinate Longer: Some days I let the chicken marinate overnight for extra tenderness, though 30 minutes to 4 hours works beautifully too.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which makes it great for anyone with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up Your Marinade Magic

Start by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, liquid smoke, salt, and black pepper in a mason jar or bowl. Shake or whisk until everything’s perfectly emulsified. This step is the backbone of your nuggets’ flavor, so don’t rush it. I usually shake it vigorously for a good 30 seconds to really marry those ingredients.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pop your chicken tenderloins, cut into about 2-inch pieces, into a zip-top bag. Pour in the marinade, seal the bag, and gently massage it all around to coat evenly. Get as much air out as possible, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. I learned this little trick from experience: the longer you let the chicken soak in that smoky, zesty marinade, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.

Step 3: Prepare Your Grill Pan

When it’s time to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid (don’t skip this step to avoid soggy nuggets!). Heat a ridged grill pan over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Use a basting brush or paper towel to lightly grease the raised ridges—it helps get those signature grill marks and prevents sticking. I always let my cast iron pan preheat for at least five minutes; it really makes a difference in creating that sear.

Step 4: Grill the Nuggets Like a Pro

Place the chicken pieces on the hot grill pan and resist the urge to move them around. Let them cook untouched for about 4 minutes until they release easily when you try to flip. This is the golden nugget moment — if they stick, they need a little more time. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. That’s it! You’ll have smoky, juicy grilled nuggets that taste divine straight off the stovetop.

How to Serve Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my nuggets with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a light dusting of smoked paprika—it adds color and a subtle smoky depth that amps up the flavor. Plus, a drizzle of homemade Chick-fil-A sauce is non-negotiable in my kitchen. It brings that sweet, tangy, creamy magic to every bite.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love classics like waffle fries or simple roasted veggies. Something about crispy fries dipped in that sauce with juicy grilled nuggets always feels like comfort food heaven. On healthier days, a fresh cucumber salad or steamed green beans round it out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve had friends over, I like serving these nuggets skewered on cocktail sticks with small ramekins of different dipping sauces—think honey mustard, BBQ, or spicy ranch alongside Chick-fil-A sauce. It makes a fun finger-food platter that’s perfect for game day or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? No worries. I usually store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they have cooled down completely before sealing, to avoid sogginess from condensation.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked grilled nuggets with great results—simply flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they don’t stick together and reheat evenly.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover nuggets in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes—this revives the crispiness without drying them out. Reheating in a skillet over medium heat also works well if you want that fresh-off-the-grill taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons—I love how it hits that sweet spot between simple prep and seriously delicious results. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or craving a quick homemade meal that tastes better than takeout, this recipe’s got your back. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family and I do. You’re just a few steps away from that perfect bite, so go ahead and give it a try!

Print