If you love Chick-fil-A grilled chicken nuggets, this homemade Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipe will blow your mind! It’s packed with flavor, made from scratch, and tastes just like the real thing — thanks to the signature pickle juice marinade and smoky grilling.
Whether you’re using a skillet, indoor grill, or air fryer, you’ll get juicy, flavorful nuggets that fit perfectly into your healthy eating plan.
👩🍳 My Personal Experience with Homemade Chick-fil-A Nuggets
I first tried grilled nuggets from Chick-fil-A during my low-carb phase, and I was hooked. But I needed a way to make them at home, on a budget, without sacrificing that signature taste. After weeks of tweaking, I nailed a DIY Chick-fil-A nuggets version that’s both healthy and easy to prep.
I’ve tried everything — from air fryer chicken nuggets to skillet-seared ones — and found ways to even recreate their grilled chicken sandwich recipe, kale salad, and signature dipping sauces.
This version has now become my go-to grilled chicken recipe for weekday lunches, and it doubles perfectly as a Chick-fil-A grilled chicken breast recipe too!
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup dill pickle juice
- ¼ cup milk (or a substitute for buttermilk)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (or granulated garlic)
- Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp oil (watch for vegetable oil smoke point if grilling)
Optional Add-In: A few drops of browning seasoning sauce give a deeper grilled flavor!
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut Chicken into Nuggets
Slice the chicken breasts into grilled chicken nuggets (about 1″ cubes).
2. Marinate with Pickle Juice
In a bowl or ziplock bag, mix pickle juice and milk (or use buttermilk substitute). Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). This step gives that signature Chick-fil-A grilled chicken recipe pickle juice flavor.
3. Season & Sear
Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry. Season with paprika, dry mustard, pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Grill or Air Fry
Cook nuggets over medium heat in a pan, on an indoor grill, or in the air fryer. If you’re using an air fryer, cook at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway — the perfect Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipe air fryer method!
5. Rest & Serve
Let your unbreaded chicken nuggets rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
I love pairing these homemade chicken nuggets with:
- Chick-fil-A kale crunch salad (check out our Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe!)
- Roasted Yukon Gold potatoes
- Sweet chili sauce
- Light ranch or what is Chick-fil-A sauce made of? (Answer: a mix of honey mustard, BBQ, and mayo!)
If you’re counting macros or checking Chick-fil-A nutrition, these are high protein, low carb, and family-friendly!
💪 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 3.5g
- Carbs: 1g
Perfect for anyone wondering, “Is Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets healthy?” — yes, and even better when made fresh at home.
🧠 Helpful Kitchen Tips
- Use a Ninja Foodi grill or skillet for easy control of browning.
- Make your own buttermilk by combining 1 tbsp lemon juice with 1 cup milk.
- Want it crispier? Add panko breadcrumbs or try real good chicken nuggets style breading.
- Try an egg substitute if avoiding eggs or add a whisked egg for extra coating. If You are Looking for more recipe visit our latest Blog
❓ FAQs
🥗 What ingredients are in Chick-fil-A grilled chicken nuggets?
Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets are made with boneless skinless chicken breast, marinated in a blend of pickle juice, seasonings, and spices. The restaurant uses a proprietary marinade for flavor and tenderness, often cooked on a grill for that smoky taste.
🧂 Is Chick-fil-A grilled chicken marinated?
Yes, the grilled chicken is marinated before grilling. The Chick-fil-A grilled chicken recipe includes a pickle juice-based marinade, which adds tenderness and a subtle tang. This process also helps replicate their signature flavor at home.
💪 Are Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets healthy?
Absolutely! The Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets nutrition profile shows they’re high in protein, low in fat, and low in carbs. With just 140 calories for 8-count and no breading, they’re a great healthy fast food option, especially for low-carb or keto diets.
🧄 What is the secret ingredient in Chick-fil-A chicken?
Many fans and home chefs believe the secret is pickle juice! It tenderizes the meat and adds a distinct flavor. The chain may also use browning seasoning sauce and unique spice blends, which give it that signature grilled finish.
🍗 What are Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets marinated in?
They’re marinated in a mixture of pickle juice, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and other spices. This mixture not only seasons the chicken but also keeps it juicy during grilling or air frying.
📃 Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets ingredients?
Here’s a simplified version you can recreate at home:
- Chicken breast
- Pickle juice
- Milk (or buttermilk substitute)
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: browning seasoning sauce and dry mustard
🏠 Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipe easy?
Yes! This easy Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipe only requires a few steps: marinate the chicken in pickle juice, season it well, and cook on a grill or air fryer. It’s perfect for beginners and takes less than 30 minutes total!
🍽️ Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipe air fryer?
To make Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets in the air fryer, cook the marinated and seasoned chicken cubes at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. This method creates crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy — a healthier alternative to deep frying.
💵 Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets price?
Prices may vary by location, but as of now:
- 8-count grilled nuggets cost around $5.35 USD
- 12-count grilled nuggets are approximately $7.25 USD
Check your local Chick-fil-A menu for the most accurate prices.
💬 Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipe Reddit?
There’s a thriving community on Reddit sharing copycat Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets recipes. Many Redditors agree that the key lies in the pickle juice brine, spice blend, and grilling method. Some even use the Ninja Foodi Grill or air fryer for a perfect finish!
🔢 Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets calories?
- 8-count grilled nuggets: 140 calories
- 12-count grilled nuggets: 200 calories
- Rich in protein and low in fat, these are among the healthiest items on the Chick-fil-A menu.
🛒 More Chick-fil-A Copycat Ideas
- Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich with multigrain bun
- Chick-fil-A nuggets recipe (classic breaded version)
- Homemade Chick-fil-A sauce
- Egg bites recipe for breakfast meal prep
- Just Bare chicken nuggets style breading with panko
📏 Quick Conversions for Cooking
- 1 tbsp = 3 tsp
- 1 cup = 16 tbsp
- 1 lb = 453g
- 1 oz = 28g
- 1 quart = 4 cups
✍️ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or craving a fast food fix without the guilt, this Chick-fil-A grilled chicken nuggets recipe hits every mark. I’ve tested this with countless friends and family — even picky eaters — and it’s always a win.
You don’t need takeout. You just need a few ingredients, a grill or air fryer chicken nuggets setup, and a love for great food.
📌 Save or Share!
📍 Save this to Pinterest
💬 Comment below with your favorite dipping sauce
📧 Subscribe for more grilled chicken recipes and clean-eating tips!
Jenifer
