Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe Easy Ultimate

You know that clean, peppery bite you get from those tender little nuggets at the drive-thru? The ones that make you feel like you’re doing something good for yourself, even when you’re sneaking lunch between errands? Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets hit that perfect spot juicy, flavorful, and light enough you don’t feel guilty going back for more.

I spent a whole summer testing marinades in 2019, trying to nail that signature flavor at home. Turns out, it’s all about the brine a quick soak in pickle juice and a handful of everyday spices gives you that tangy, slightly sweet char. After photographing dozens of batches (and eating way too many), I can promise these come out tender every single time, with those gorgeous grill marks that make you want to grab your phone before your fork.

Thomas Baker

Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe Easy Ultimate

Enjoy a tasty and healthier version of Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets made right at home. This recipe captures the iconic tangy flavor with a perfect blend of seasonings and a tender marinade, delivering juicy and flavorful grilled chicken bites everyone will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method

 

1. Combine the pickle juice, milk, and Greek yogurt or buttermilk in a bowl until fully blended, then add the chicken pieces making sure they’re covered. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors seep in and tenderize the meat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the seasoning blend.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dry thoroughly with paper towels to help achieve a good sear. Drizzle with olive oil and evenly coat with the prepared seasoning, tossing gently.
4. Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or olive oil. Arrange the chicken in a single layer without crowding and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
5. Transfer the nuggets to a plate and allow them to rest for 2 to 3 minutes to keep them juicy before serving.
6. Optionally, brush the hot grilled nuggets lightly with melted butter right after cooking to add a rich, buttery finish reminiscent of the original Chick Fil A flavor.

Notes

• For a stronger flavor, marinate the chicken up to 4 hours. Using a grill pan imparts nice char marks but a non-stick skillet works well too. Be careful not to overcrowd while cooking to ensure even grilling.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Version

These nuggets bring all the joy of the drive-thru straight to your kitchen, without the wait or the trip. The pickle juice marinade tenderizes every bite while adding that signature tangy sweetness you crave. You’ll get juicy chicken with gorgeous char marks that look restaurant-perfect but take less than 30 minutes of active work.

• Healthier at home: You control the oil, the seasoning, and the quality of your chicken
• Meal prep friendly: Double the batch and keep them in the fridge for quick lunches all week
• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love these tender, lightly seasoned bites
• Budget-smart: One package of chicken breasts feeds the whole family for less than takeout

The Secret Behind the Marinade

Pickle juice isn’t just a quirky ingredientit’s the magic that makes Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets so incredibly tender. The acidity breaks down the proteins gently, while the salt seasons from the inside out. I started using this trick back when I was testing batches for photography, and the difference between marinated and unmarinated chicken was night and day.

The Greek yogurt (or buttermilk) adds creaminess and helps the seasonings cling to every piece. Combined with milk, you get a brine that’s tangy but not overpoweringjust enough to give you that familiar flavor without tasting like straight pickles.

Key Ingredients You Already Have

What makes this recipe so approachable is how simple the ingredient list really is. Everything comes from your everyday pantry or fridgeno specialty items, no fancy grocery runs. Here’s what each one does:

Pro Tip: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, buttermilk works beautifullyit’s what I used in my early test batches and the texture was just as perfect.

How to Make Them Step by Step

Start by whisking together your marinade in a medium bowlpickle juice, milk, and Greek yogurt until smooth. Drop in your chicken chunks, cover, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate (up to 4 hours), the more flavor and tenderness you’ll get.

While the chicken marinates, mix your dry seasonings in a small bowl. Once the chicken is ready, drain it well and pat each piece dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting those beautiful grill marks. Drizzle with olive oil, toss with your spice blend, and you’re ready to cook.

Heat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high, lightly grease it, then add the chicken in a single layer. Grill 3–4 minutes per side until golden with char marks and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let them rest for a couple minutes before servingthis keeps every bite juicy.

Timing and Temperature Guide

Tips for Perfect Grill Marks

Don’t crowd the pangive each nugget space so the heat circulates evenly. If you pile them in, they’ll steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on those gorgeous golden char lines. Work in batches if you need to; it only adds a few extra minutes and makes all the difference.

Resist the urge to move them around. Let each side sit undisturbed for the full 3–4 minutes. That’s when the Maillard reaction kicks in and creates that caramelized crust. After years of photographing grilled chicken, I’ve learned patience is the secret to restaurant-worthy presentation.

Easy Swaps and Tweaks

This recipe is wonderfully flexible depending on what you have on hand or what dietary preferences you’re working with. Here are the swaps I’ve tested that work beautifully:

• No pickle juice? Use equal parts apple cider vinegar and water with a pinch of salt and sugar
• Dairy-free: Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or just use extra pickle juice
• Spice it up: Double the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade
• Extra richness: Brush the hot nuggets with melted butter right after grilling for that authentic finish

Serving and Storing Your Nuggets

Serve these warm with your favorite dipping sauceshoney mustard, ranch, or even a little sriracha mayo. They’re perfect tucked into a salad, wrapped in a warm tortilla, or just piled on a plate with roasted veggies and rice. My family loves them cold the next day in lunchboxes, too.

Note: Skip the microwave if you canreheating in the oven or air fryer brings back that just-grilled texture.

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FAQs (Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets)

Your New Go-To Chicken Recipe

You’ll have Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Nuggets on the table in under thirty minutes, with that perfect golden char and juicy inside that makes everyone reach for seconds. The pickle juice marinade works like magic every single time. These nuggets look gorgeous on the plate and taste even better than you remember from the drive-thru.

Try brushing them with a little melted butter right after grilling for extra richness, or toss them with fresh lemon zest for brightness. They’re wonderful tucked into wraps with crisp lettuce and tomato, or served over greens with a drizzle of ranch. A trick I picked up while photographing batches for styling: freeze extras on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a bag so they don’t stick together.

I’d love to see how yours turn outtag me with your photos or tell me what dipping sauce won your heart. Did you grow up sneaking extra nuggets from the takeout bag on the way home? Make a double batch this weekend and tuck some in lunchboxes so your family can enjoy them all week long. This one’s a keeper worth sharing.