Description

This Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Nuggets recipe delivers smoky, tender, and juicy chicken nuggets, marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and classic seasonings. Perfectly grilled on a stovetop grill pan for that authentic texture and taste, these nuggets pair beautifully with homemade Chick-fil-A sauce, making for a delicious and satisfying meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Nuggets Marinade

2 lbs. chicken tenderloins (sliced in half and patted dry into 2 inch pieces)
1/3 cup olive oil (plus more for the pan)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional

Chick-fil-A Sauce

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients—olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, granulated sugar, liquid smoke, salt, and black pepper—into a mason jar with a lid. Shake vigorously until emulsified, or alternatively, blend in a food processor to combine thoroughly.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the diced chicken pieces into a zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, then remove as much air as possible before sealing. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
Prepare the Grill Pan: When ready to cook, discard excess marinade from the chicken. Heat a ridged cast iron grill pan over medium heat for at least five minutes. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and use a basting brush or paper towel to grease the raised grill ridges to prevent sticking.
Grill the Nuggets: Place the marinated chicken pieces on the preheated grill pan. Let cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes or until the nuggets easily release from the pan when flipped.
Flip and Finish Cooking: Turn the chicken nuggets over and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Serve: Remove nuggets from the pan and serve hot, optionally accompanied by homemade Chick-fil-A sauce for dipping.

Notes

These smoky, tender, and juicy chicken nuggets mimic the popular Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets texture and flavor perfectly.
Using a cast iron grill pan helps achieve authentic grill marks and flavor while cooking on the stovetop.
Marinating for longer up to 4 hours enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
Ensure the pan is well preheated and oiled to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and optimal juiciness.
Pair with homemade Chick-fil-A sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 250 g
Calories: 148 kcal
Sugar: 1.5 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 31 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg