Description

This Chick-fil-A Copycat Grilled Nuggets recipe features tender and juicy chicken tenderloins marinated with a flavorful blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and other spices, then grilled to perfection on a stovetop grill pan. These smoky grilled nuggets make a perfect homemade alternative to the popular fast-food favorite and pair wonderfully with homemade Chick-fil-A sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 lbs. chicken tenderloins, sliced in half into 2-inch pieces and patted dry
1/3 cup olive oil (plus extra for greasing 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 teaspoon liquid smoke
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional

Chick-fil-A Sauce for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, granulated sugar, liquid smoke, salt, and black pepper in a mason jar with a lid and shake vigorously until emulsified. Alternatively, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor to create a smooth marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a zip-top plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Remove the excess air from the bag, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Preheat the Grill Pan: When ready to cook, discard the excess marinade from the bag. Preheat a ridged grill pan, preferably a cast iron grill pan, over medium heat for about five minutes. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and use a basting brush or paper towel to grease the raised ridges to prevent sticking and enhance grill marks.
Grill the Nuggets: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the hot pan without overcrowding. Cook the chicken undisturbed for about 4 minutes until grill marks form and the pieces easily release from the pan when flipped.
Flip and Finish Cooking: Turn the nuggets over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Serve: Remove the grilled nuggets from the pan and serve immediately with homemade or store-bought Chick-fil-A sauce if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
Using a cast iron grill pan helps create authentic grill marks and smoky flavor similar to outdoor grilling.
These nuggets are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like Chick-fil-A sauce, honey mustard, or ranch for added flavor.
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 250 g
Calories: 148 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 31 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg