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Give these Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets a try for a lighter bite that's got the grilled boost you love and loads of juicy flavor. They come together fast, so they're great for midweek dinners when you want something tasty without the grease.
The first time I whipped these up at home, my family was shocked by how close they were to the drive-thru nuggets. Now we pop them on the menu at least a couple times a month, especially when the week is jam-packed.
Tasty Ingredients
- Chicken breast: Make sure it's skinless and boneless. Cut into small chunks so every nugget cooks at the same pace and stays juicy.
- Olive oil: Grab a high-quality extra virgin oil—it really helps coat the chicken and carries all that flavor deep in.
- Lemon juice: Fresh-squeezed lemon adds zippy tanginess and cuts the sweetness from the honey perfectly.
- Honey: Just a splash for a touch of sweetness. It helps crisp the edges when you grill.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the savory taste without taking over, so your chicken really shines.
- Onion powder: Subtle and slightly sweet. Go for fresh powder and skip anything that’s stale for max flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers that classic smokiness. Spanish smoked paprika is especially good if you spot it.
- Salt: Use fine kosher or sea salt to get every bite seasoned nicely.
- Black pepper: Crack it fresh to get the best heat and aroma.
- Cayenne pepper: Add a dash if you want extra spice—totally up to you for some gentle heat.
Simple How-To
- Mix Up Your Marinade:
- Blend the honey, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and a little cayenne if you'd like in a big bowl. Whisk until it's all smooth so the chicken gets tons of flavor.
- Let Chicken Soak:
- Drop in your chicken pieces and stir till everything's well covered. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge—thirty minutes is good, but two hours makes them extra tasty.
- Fire Up the Grill:
- Set your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Let it get hot, so you end up with nice dark grill lines and juicy insides.
- Time to Grill:
- Drain off excess marinade, spread out the chicken so nothing’s stacked, and pop them on the hot grill. Press lightly to get grill marks. Grill each side five to seven minutes or until the nuggets are golden and cooked through (get them to 165°F on the inside).
- Let 'Em Rest, Then Dig In:
- Once cooked, place the nuggets on a plate and let them sit for a few minutes so they stay juicy. Scoop them up with your dip of choice, put in a wrap, or toss on a salad.
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Smoked paprika is totally my secret weapon. Every time we add it, these nuggets capture that grilled taste my kids go wild for. They always want to help mix, and it's nearly impossible not to sneak a few right off the grill.
Keeping Them Fresh
Store leftovers in a sealed container in your fridge—they'll keep for around three days. Want to stock up? Grill an extra batch, lay them flat on a tray to freeze, then toss them in a freezer bag. Reheat in a pan or oven so they get a little crispy again.
Swap It Up
No chicken breast? Go with boneless, skinless thighs for extra tender bites. Out of smoked paprika? Use regular plus a pinch of chili powder. No honey? Maple syrup or agave works just fine. Add some pickle juice to the marinade for something different, too!
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How To Serve
Enjoy your nuggets hot with dips like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue. They're awesome in a pita pocket with fresh veggies, or thrown over a crunchy salad. Toss on some pickles and slaw to take things up a notch!
Background Bite
This take is inspired by the famous grilled nuggets you find at Chick-fil-A—known for simple, bold flavors. Making your own at home means you skip the drive-thru and enjoy fresh, tasty bites anytime. They're a hit for sports watching and picnics at my place.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which type of chicken cut should I pick for grilled nuggets?
Go for boneless, skinless chicken breast since it gets nice and tender after soaking up the marinade.
- → What's the perfect marinating time for the chicken?
Thirty minutes is the shortest you should go, but letting it sit up to two hours boosts the flavor and makes it extra juicy.
- → Can I make these in a grill pan if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely. Heat the grill pan on medium-high and cook as usual. You’ll still get those tasty charred marks.
- → What sauce goes well with these grilled nuggets?
Try dipping them in ranch, honey mustard, or even barbecue sauce—they all work super well with the grilled taste.
- → How will I know the chicken is done?
You want the middle to hit 165°F (75°C) and juices to look clear. That means it's all set to eat.
- → Can I prep these nuggets ahead of time?
For sure! You can make them in advance and warm them up later, though nothing beats them fresh off the grill.