Skip the drive-thru and make your own Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets right at home! These juicy, flavorful bites have that signature smoky, slightly tangy taste—made even easier in the air fryer. Perfectly tender and packed with protein, they’re a quick, family-friendly meal that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ll never miss takeout again!
Craving Chick-fil-A’s famous grilled nuggets? Now you can make them at home with this easy copycat recipe! These bite-sized, juicy chicken pieces are marinated for that signature flavor and cooked to perfection in the air fryer or on the stovetop. Packed with protein and seasoned just right, they’re a healthier, homemade alternative to fast food—perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce!
We love chicken at our house! Here are some of our favorite go-to chicken recipes: Air Fryer Apple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Legs, Air Fryer Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken Copycat, Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Pasta, and Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Burritos.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Authentic Flavor – These nuggets are marinated and seasoned just like the real deal, giving you that signature Chick-fil-A taste at home.
- Healthier Alternative – Made without excess oil or additives, these grilled nuggets are a lean, protein-packed option that fits into a balanced diet.
- Quick & Easy – The air fryer makes cooking a breeze—just marinate, cook, and enjoy in under 20 minutes!
- Budget-Friendly – Skip the drive-thru and save money by making your favorite nuggets at home with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – These nuggets reheat beautifully, making them a great option for quick lunches, dinners, or protein-packed snacks throughout the week.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Dill pickle juice – Adds tangy, briny flavor to the marinade.
- Heavy cream – Helps tenderize the chicken for a juicy texture.
- Garlic powder – Brings a warm, savory depth of flavor.
- Celery salt – Enhances taste with a mild, herby saltiness.
- Sweet paprika – Adds subtle sweetness and smoky undertones.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
- Black pepper – Gives a mild heat and earthy depth.
How to Make Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Dice chicken into 1-inch pieces.
Step 2: Combine pickle juice and heavy cream in a bowl. Add the keto nuggets so they can marinate for at least 30 minutes. Then, drain and dry off with a paper towel.
Step 3: Add seasoning to chicken and coat well. Air fry at 350 degrees F, set cook time for for 5-8 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets in the Air Fryer Recipe Tips
- Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor – For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it marinate for 1-2 hours will enhance the flavor even more.
- Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast – For tender, juicy nuggets, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast. Be sure to cut them into even, bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Air fry in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. This ensures the nuggets cook evenly and get that crispy, golden exterior. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Check the Temperature – Always check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F to be fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Experiment with Dips – Serve these delicious nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy buffalo for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning – Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your liking! Add more garlic powder, paprika, or a little cayenne for an extra kick.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover Copycat Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, lay the cooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen or refrigerated nuggets in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in the oven or microwave, but the air fryer gives the best crispy texture.
What To Serve With Copycat Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets in the Air Fryer
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can take your meal to the next level! For a complete and balanced meal, serve them with a fresh, crunchy salad or some crispy sweet potato fries.
You can also offer dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ for extra flavor. If you’re in the mood for a lighter option, pair the nuggets with steamed veggies or a side of coleslaw for a nice balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a get-together, these sides will complement your nuggets perfectly!
Chick Fil A Grilled Nuggets Recipe Faqs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will result in a slightly juicier nugget, but they will work just as well. Make sure to trim any excess fat before cutting into pieces.
How long do I need to marinate the chicken? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for 1-2 hours for an even deeper taste.
Can I cook these in a regular oven instead of an air fryer? Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I freeze the grilled nuggets? Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked nuggets by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the air fryer or oven.
What dipping sauces go well with these grilled nuggets? These nuggets pair great with honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Feel free to get creative with your favorite sauces!
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Sausage
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Easy Air Fryer Frozen Italian Sausage
- Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Air Fryer Steak Bites
Don’t Forget To Pin!
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Copycat Chick-Fil-A Grilled Nuggets in the Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless, skinless
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the 1 pound chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Added them to a bowl, large enough so I could marinate the nuggets.
- Add 1/2 cup dill pickle juice and 1/4 cup heavy cream, so that all of the nuggets were covered. Let sit for about 30 minutes. Drain the pickle juice and heavy cream, and dry them off with a paper towel.
- Added the dried chicken into the mixing bowl, add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon celery salt, 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix well.
- Spread the coated nuggets on a greased air fryer tray or in a greased air fryer basket (spread them out, do not crowd) Set the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, and set cook time for 5-8 minutes. Remove when the internal temperature reaches of 165 degrees F.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
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Gina
These might just be the best thing to have come out of my air fryer in forever!
Laurie
Awe thanks, that’s really sweet of you, there is nothing better than homemade chick-fil-a.