If you’ve ever craved those juicy, smoky bites from Chick-fil-A but want to enjoy them right in your own kitchen, this Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how these nuggets come out tender and bursting with flavor, and I promise you, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look back. The marinade is packed with just the right balance of tanginess, sweetness, and that little hint of smoky goodness that makes Chick-fil-A’s nuggets so iconic. Plus, they’re grilled to perfection without stepping foot outside—perfect for any day you want that crave-worthy taste fast and fresh.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: This marinade nails the smoky, tangy taste of Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples already on hand.
Fast and Easy Cooking: From marinade to plate in under an hour—perfect for busy nights.
Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for these nuggets as a snack or meal, and yours will too.

A woman's hand with white nail polish decorated with red cherries holds a triangular piece of grilled chicken that has visible herbs and light char marks. In the background, there is a white bowl full of similar grilled chicken pieces, and below, a clear small round bowl contains a thick red dipping sauce. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets, homemade grilled chicken nuggets, Chick-fil-A-inspired grilled chicken, easy grilled chicken recipes, healthy chicken nuggets

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that unforgettable flavor. When combined, they create a marinade that tenderizes the chicken and imparts just the right hints of savory and sweet. I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best citrus punch and apple cider vinegar to get that tang that’s so essential here.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenderloins cut into 2-inch pieces, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of bright yellow lemon juice, a few sprigs of mixed Italian herbs, a small white bowl filled with pale beige garlic powder, a small white bowl with light brown onion powder, a small white bowl of white granulated sugar, a small white bowl containing dark liquid smoke, a small white bowl of coarse white salt, a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets, homemade grilled chicken nuggets, Chick-fil-A-inspired grilled chicken, easy grilled chicken recipes, healthy chicken nuggets

Chicken Tenderloins: These are the perfect nugget size and stay juicy when grilled.
Olive Oil: Provides moisture and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright tang and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the overall flavor with zingy freshness.
Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives a subtle complexity.
Garlic Powder: For that depth of savoriness you can’t live without.
Onion Powder: Complements garlic with a sweet onion undertone.
Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to balance the tang and bring out that signature Chick-fil-A sweetness.
Liquid Smoke: The secret ingredient that mimics that grilled, smoky flavor without a grill.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the taste precisely.
Chick-fil-A Sauce (optional): Because let’s be honest, dipping sauce is life!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to make this recipe my own by playing with herbs or adding a little heat now and then. Feel free to tweak it based on what you like or what’s in your pantry—it’s all about making this recipe fit your taste buds and lifestyle.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a flavorful heat; my family enjoys this especially when paired with a cooling ranch dip.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your seasoning blends to keep it safe.
Herb Twist: Swap out Italian seasoning for fresh thyme and rosemary if you want a more aromatic touch.
Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor punch when you’re prepping meals for the week.

How to Make Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Perfect Marinade

Start by combining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper in a mason jar with a tight lid. I love shaking mine vigorously to emulsify everything so the flavors meld together beautifully. If you’re in a rush, a quick pulse in a food processor works great too. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Nuggets

Dry your chicken tenderloins and cut them into bite-sized pieces (around 2 inches). Toss them into a zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, then seal it tightly after squeezing out most of the air. Let the chicken soak up that flavor in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours—you’ll find that longer soaking helps the taste really come through but don’t let it go too long or the lemon and vinegar can start to break down the texture.

Step 3: Get Your Grill Pan Ready

Heat a cast iron or ridged grill pan over medium heat for at least five minutes—being patient here pays off because a properly preheated pan means better grill marks and no sticking. Brush a few tablespoons of olive oil on the raised ridges with a basting brush or a paper towel; this keeps the chicken from sticking and encourages that gorgeous searing.

Step 4: Grill Those Nuggets to Juicy Perfection

Drain the chicken from the marinade (discard the excess marinade) and place nuggets on the hot pan without crowding. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes—you’ll know they’re ready to flip once they easily release from the pan. Flip and continue cooking another 3-4 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. This hands-off approach gives you nuggets with beautiful char marks and moist insides every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Don’t Skip Drying the Chicken: Patting your chicken dry before marinating helps the marinade cling better and promotes even grilling.
Preheat Your Pan Thoroughly: I’ve learned that a hot grill pan gives perfect sear marks and makes flipping easier.
Watch the Cook Time Closely: Overcooking can dry out nuggets fast; use a meat thermometer for ideal juiciness.
Marinade Time Matters: Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours or the acid can make the chicken mushy.

How to Serve Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe

A bowl filled with cooked pieces of chicken that are seasoned with herbs and spices, each piece showing a mix of golden brown grill marks and white cooked meat with specks of green and red herbs all over. The chicken pieces are roughly shaped and layered casually in the bowl. The bowl is white and placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets, homemade grilled chicken nuggets, Chick-fil-A-inspired grilled chicken, easy grilled chicken recipes, healthy chicken nuggets

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of keeping it simple here—sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika for color and a mild kick. Sometimes I’ll throw on some thin lemon wedges for a zesty pop that brightens every bite. Honestly, I love garnishes that add freshness without overpowering the warm, smoky nuggets.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with these nuggets are crispy waffle fries for that classic combo, a crisp coleslaw to cut through the richness, and sometimes a light mixed greens salad. You can never go wrong with fresh veggies or even mac and cheese for a comforting meal that the family will devour.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game day, I love serving these nuggets on a large wooden board with a variety of dipping sauces—think ranch, honey mustard, and of course, Chick-fil-A sauce! Adding some colorful veggies or pickles around makes the spread inviting. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. I usually enjoy them as a quick snack the next day or chop them into salads and wraps.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, arrange the cooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months this way. When I’ve done this, the nuggets retain their flavor well but reheating properly is key to keeping them juicy.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes—this revives crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which makes them rubbery or dry. Trust me, the extra minute or two of oven time is worth it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into similarly sized 2-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Tenderloins are naturally more tender, but breasts will work fine with this marinade if you don’t overcook them.
Is liquid smoke necessary for this recipe?

Liquid smoke is the key to mimicking that grilled, smoky flavor in this copycat recipe, so I highly recommend including it. If you don’t have it, the nuggets will still be tasty, just missing that signature smokiness.
How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes is good, but 2-4 hours is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness. Avoid marinating longer than 4 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken too much and affect texture.
Can I grill these nuggets outside on a BBQ grill?

Yes, grilling outside on a BBQ would work beautifully—just monitor closely as the smaller pieces cook quickly. The grill pan method is great for convenience and consistent heat indoors, but outdoor grilling adds an authentic char.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings that nostalgic fast-food comfort home without the drive-thru lines. I love sharing it with friends who thought they’d never replicate those bold flavors, and watching their faces light up after the first bite is seriously rewarding. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a keeper in your recipe box for weeknight dinners, snacks, or whenever you want a nugget fix that satisfies with every bite.