Ever craved that crispy, juicy bite of Chick-fil-A but worried about gluten?
You’re in luck! These Gluten-Free Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets promise to deliver that same mouthwatering flavor without putting your dietary needs at risk. They’re easy to whip up, absolutely delicious, and perfect for satisfying those nugget cravings any day of the week. Who says you can’t enjoy your favorites made at home?
Why make this recipe
Here’s why you’ll love these nuggets:
- Quick and easy cleanup: No fancy equipment or complicated steps. Just a frying pan and you’re good to go!
- Family-approved fun: Watch your kids dive into these crispy bites like they’re winning a golden ticket!
- A cost-efficient treat: Why spend money on take-out when you can create your own version, right in your kitchen?
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 1 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 to 1½ cups high-temperature oil (depending on frying method)
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp season salt or all-purpose seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Directions:
Ready to fry up some nuggets? Here’s how:
- Cut the chicken tenders into 2-3 pieces each, depending on your preferred size.
- Mix in a large bowl with 1 tbsp gluten-free flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good toss!
- Pour in the buttermilk and pickle juice. Mix well until the chicken is nicely coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 45 minutes to up to overnight. Just imagine the flavors soaking in!
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Whisk together all dredge ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Drop in a few pieces of chicken at a time, coat them well in flour, and then carefully place them into the hot oil.
- Cook until golden brown and crisp—because nobody wants soggy nuggets!
How to make Gluten-Free Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets (Overview)
Making these nuggets is straightforward, and you’ll feel like a pro in no time! Here’s the lowdown:
- Start by chopping up your chicken. Don’t worry about being perfect—rustic is totally in!
- Mix up that delicious marinade and let it chill out with the chicken. The longer, the better!
- Heat your oil while you whisk together the dredge ingredients. Pro tip: Don’t skip the dredging step—this is where the magic happens.
- Fry those nuggets until they’re golden brown, flipping halfway through. You want that irresistible crunch!
How to serve Gluten-Free Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
These nuggets are super versatile! Serve them up with:
- Honey mustard or BBQ sauce for that sweet dip.
- A side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for balance.
- Or pop them in a wrap with fresh greens and a drizzle of ranch for lunch!
Just the sight of those golden nuggets will get your mouth watering, and the aroma will draw everyone to the kitchen. 😍
How to store Gluten-Free Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s the scoop:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: They keep well for up to 2 months—great for meal prep!
- Reheating: Toss them back in the oven to get that crunchiness restored instead of the microwave.
Tips to make Gluten-Free Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Here are a few insider tricks to elevate your nuggets:
- For extra crunch, double dredge the chicken—once in the flour, then back in the buttermilk, and in the flour again.
- Mix it up: Try swapping pickle juice for lemon juice for a zingy twist!
- Keep an eye on the oil temperature. Too hot and you’ll burn ’em; too cool and you’ll end up with greasy chicken.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Here’s how to change it up:
- Add some spice: Toss in a pinch of cayenne for heat!
- Make it vegan: Use chickpeas or eggplant. Just swap out the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein.
- Flavor boost: Marinate in your favorite hot sauce for a zingy kick!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating.
2. How do I make these nuggets ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken and marinate it the night before. Just fry when ready!
3. Can I bake instead of fry?
Certainly! Just coat the nuggets in oil before placing them on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Gluten-Free Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the chicken tenders into 2-3 pieces each, depending on your preferred size.
- Mix in a large bowl with 1 tbsp gluten-free flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good toss!
- Pour in the buttermilk and pickle juice. Mix well until the chicken is nicely coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 45 minutes to up to overnight.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Whisk together all dredge ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Drop in a few pieces of chicken at a time, coat them well in flour, and then carefully place them into the hot oil.
- Cook until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through.