Chik Fil A Copycat Nuggets

Picture from Frieda Loves Bread

This is a recipe from a fellow blogger and friend, Frieda. I've been eying these puppies for awhile, since we don't have a Chik Fil A close to us. I made them the other night and WOW!  The set up and cooking is pretty fast. However, mine became quite the family event. I had my 5yr old McKenzie dipping the chicken, my husband frying them, and me helping dip and then moving on to dessert. Our kitchen really isn't big enough for all of us but it was fun!  We made almost the whole batch- I did 3 chicken breasts cut into strips- before sampling them.  When we did, we had to just close our eyes and go "mmmm".  We dipped them in a variety of sauces, nothing special, just honey, ketchup, and ranch dressing.  So, yes, they are fried. But, they are so, so very good!

Chicken Nuggets- Chick Fil A copycat
Friedalovesbread.com

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade:
1 c. buttermilk: (You can use 1 T. lemon juice and 1 c. milk; let sit for 10-15 minutes)
1 T. Knorr's Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon powder- found by beef broth)
1 T. sugar
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. paprika

Breading:
1 c. all purpose flour
1 c. bread crumbs : I used 4-5 slices of low-sugar bread, broke into pieces and put into a 350 degree oven for about 12 minutes or until dry)
1 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. onion powder
1/4 t. garlic powder
1 t. paprika

1 egg
1/4 c. of milk marinade reserve

Oil for frying

Mix buttermilk, tomato bouillon, sugar, garlic powder and paprika in a large container with lid. Cut up chicken and place in buttermilk mixture. Allow to marinate in fridge or overnight for at least 4 hours. (Mine only sat for 20 minutes or so, and it was fine. I can't imagine how good they would be after marinating longer!)

Combine flour bread crumbs, salt, baking soda, onion and garlic powders and paprika. Stir well.
In a separate bowl, beat one egg. Take 1/4 c. of milk marinade from the chicken and mix it with the egg.
Dip small batches of chicken pieces into egg mixture and coat well with breading. If desired, dip chicken pieces in milk mixture again and back into the breading for a crispier nugget.

Fry in small batches in 357 degree oil for 1-1 1/2 minutes.

Serve with choice of dipping sauce

Enjoy!