Description

Enjoy a delicious homemade version of the popular Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets with this easy-to-make copycat recipe. Tender chicken tenderloins are marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and seasonings, then perfectly grilled on a stovetop grill pan to juicy, smoky perfection. These nuggets pair wonderfully with a creamy Chick-fil-A sauce for a satisfying meal that tastes just like the original.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

2 lbs. chicken tenderloins, sliced in half and patted dry into 2 inch pieces
1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for the pan
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional

Chick-fil-A Sauce for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients—including olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, granulated sugar, liquid smoke, salt, and black pepper—into a mason jar with a lid. Shake vigorously to emulsify the mixture or pulse briefly in a food processor until fully blended and well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the sliced chicken tenderloins into a zip-top plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Remove as much air as possible from the bag and seal tightly. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Preheat the Grill Pan: When ready to cook, drain and discard the excess marinade from the chicken. Heat a ridged grill pan (preferably cast iron) over medium heat for at least five minutes to get it thoroughly hot. Brush the raised ridges of the pan with a few tablespoons of olive oil using a basting brush or paper towel to prevent sticking.
Cook the Nuggets: Place the marinated chicken pieces evenly on the grill pan. Let them cook untouched for about 4 minutes or until they release easily from the pan. Flip the pieces and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the nuggets are cooked through and juicy.
Serve: Remove the cooked grilled nuggets from the pan and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as homemade Chick-fil-A sauce, for a tasty meal or snack.

Notes

These smoky, tender, and juicy chicken nuggets are grilled on the stove using a ridged pan for authentic grill marks and flavor.
Marinating between 30 minutes and 4 hours is key for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Make sure to preheat the grill pan well and oil it to prevent sticking and achieve perfect searing.
Internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Pairs perfectly with homemade Chick-fil-A sauce or any favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 250 g
Calories: 148 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 31 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg