Copy Cat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets? ›

Ingredients: 100% natural whole breast filet, seasoning (salt, monosodium glutamate, sugar, spices, paprika), seasoned coater (enriched bleached flour, [malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], sugar, salt, monosodium glutamate, nonfat milk, leavening [baking soda, sodium ...

That ingredient is monosodium glutamate, more commonly known as MSG.

Despite internet rumors that led me and countless other foodies to think otherwise, several Chick-fil-A-philes (and anonymous employees) have debunked the idea that the key to their chicken bites and chicken sandwiches is a pickle brine.

Its proprietary cooking surface has a big impact on both taste and texture. Unlike your grill at home, it cooks both sides of the chicken at the same time, so it's done quickly. And like your grill at home, it leaves actual grill marks on the chicken, which add to the experience.

Bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast, seasoned to perfection, freshly breaded and pressure cooked in 100% refined peanut oil. Available with choice of dipping sauce.

Does Chick-fil-A use peanut oil? Ever since our founder Truett Cathy created the Chick-fil-A^® Chicken Sandwich, we've been cooking our hand-breaded chicken exclusively in fully refined, heat-processed peanut oil.

Chick-fil-A's secret to juicy chicken lies in their bringing process. Brining is the process of soaking meat in a solution of salt, sugar, and water. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Before cooking it, Chick-fil-A soaks its chicken in a solution of salt, sugar, and milk for up to 24 hours.

The primary ingredients used in Chick Fil A's chicken marination include a combination of salt, sugar, and a host of spices.

Our Produce

We source a variety of produce – from tomatoes, lettuce, and kale to blueberries, chopped apples and more. These fruits and vegetables are freshly delivered to our restaurants up to six days a week for the best quality and flavor and are used to craft many of our menu items in our restaurant kitchens.

But don't just take it from me — this is the (not-so-secret) secret that's fueled the love affair so many people have with Chick-fil-A. It's the pickle brine! Well before being fried to perfection, the chicken breasts are brined with pickle juice for super-juicy, tender meat. People go wild for this chicken.

What is a substitute for pickle juice in chicken? ›

Use a basic salt water brine solution instead of pickle juice: 1 teaspoon salt to 1/3 cup water.

But Why Are Its Pickles So Good? It turns out that the pickles Chick-fil-A gets from Bay Valley are a little different from standard pickles. The company selects cucumbers specifically for size and texture, of course, but what really makes the difference is the brine.

The secret to the tender meat and delicious flavor also lies in Chick-fil-A's proprietary marinade of lemon, sea salt, garlic, and herbs. Another interesting fact: Grilled Nuggets are one of the healthiest and lowest-calorie options on the menu.

Bite-sized pieces of freshly marinated boneless breast of chicken, grilled for a tender and juicy backyard-smoky taste. Available with guest's choice of dipping sauce.

Because chicken is at the center of our menu, we serve only real breast meat with no fillers, artificial preservatives, or steroids. Like other chicken in the United States, ours contains no added hormones. We source our chicken from farms in the U.S. in accordance with our Animal Wellbeing Standards.

Chick-Fil-A's 300-calorie Grilled Nuggets are another health-conscious option, said Mohr. “These bite-sized pieces of boneless breast of chicken are marinated with a special blend of seasonings and grilled,” he said.

"One healthy option at Chick-fil-A is their Grilled Chicken Sandwich, which provides a filling 28 grams of protein," says Kristin Draayer, MS, RDN. The lemon-marinated grilled chicken breast is so flavorful it doesn't even need sauce, but you could always add some buffalo or BBQ to spice things up.

A closer look at Chick-fil-A's nutrition facts reveals that a serving of eight grilled nuggets contains just 140 calories and is a good source of protein at 23 grams, certainly making it one of the healthier options at a fast food restaurant (as long as you resist the temptation to add a side of fries).

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

At 330 calories and 7 grams of fat when ordered without sauce, this savory sandwich is a big hit. A toasted multigrain bun holds a grilled boneless breast of chicken, green leaf lettuce, and tomato. Add a 60-calorie Fruit Cup for a tasty, nutritious meal.