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Crispy Chick-fil-A Loaded Nuggets Copycat Recipe

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A quick and easy homemade snack featuring crispy, juicy chicken nuggets loaded with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, and a tangy sauce drizzle. Perfect for parties, game days, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken breast tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying (preferably peanut oil)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • A few dashes hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with pickle juice and buttermilk. Mix gently to coat and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
  2. In a large shallow dish, mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.
  5. Fry nuggets in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Avoid overcrowding.
  6. Transfer fried nuggets to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C) while frying the rest.
  7. Place warm nuggets on a serving plate. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over them, then scatter crispy bacon and green onions on top.
  8. Pop nuggets under a broiler or in a hot oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  9. While cheese melts, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
  10. Drizzle sauce generously over loaded nuggets and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-dip nuggets by dipping back into buttermilk then flour mixture before frying. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid burning or greasy coating. Drain nuggets on wire rack instead of paper towels to keep crispiness. Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer to restore crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A nuggets copycat, crispy chicken nuggets, loaded nuggets, homemade snack, cheesy bacon nuggets, quick snack recipe

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/crispy-chick-fil-a-loaded-nuggets-copycat-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-idea/