If you’re a fan of the grilled Chick Fil A chicken nuggets, then you’ll love these homemade grilled chicken nuggets! They have even more flavor than the restaurant version, yet are so easy to make! {Gluten-free, paleo & low carb}
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Homemade Grilled Chicken Nuggets
My family loves the grilled nuggets from Chick Fil A and begged me to make a copycat recipe! These homemade Chick-Fil A nuggets are infused with even more flavor and are surprisingly easy to make, so they’ll definitely become a regular go-to in our meal plan.
Since they aren’t breaded or fried, they’re a healthier option than regular nuggets, too!
Into more crunchy chicken nuggets? Try these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Made with simple ingredients
- Ready in just 8-10 minutes on the grill
- Tastes better than the real deal!
- Marinated in a tasty blend of spices for lots of flavor
- Can be served with your favorite sauce to make them your own
- Loaded with protein but low in calories and fat
- Naturally low carb (even suitable for the keto diet!)
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut the breast into bite-sized pieces (ideally 1-inch cubes). Chicken tenderloins are a great alternative.
- Lemon: For a little extra flavor and to tenderize the meat. You can also use leftover dill pickle juice for a pickle brine!
- Olive oil: Since chicken breast is so low in fat, a little olive or avocado oil helps add flavor and keeps it from sticking to the grill.
- Seasonings: Season with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a bowl or zip top bag, mix thoroughly. Allow chicken to marinade for 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium high heat. Bring chicken to room temperature while the grill heats.
- Grill chicken nuggets about 2-3 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165℉, being careful to not overcook the chicken. Serve immediately.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips:
- Smoked paprika can be substituted for regular paprika, or omitted.
- Lemon juice can be substituted for 1 large lime, or a few tablespoons of a mild vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar.
- Do not marinade chicken nuggets for any longer than 1 hour to avoid changes to the texture of the chicken.
- If you’re worried about the chicken pieces falling through the grill, you can also thread them onto skewers and cook them that way as well.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, they’re definitely considered a healthier option! Chick Fil A’s grilled nuggets are low in calories, high in protein, and naturally low in carbohydrates. They’re much more like regular grilled chicken, which is a very lean, protein-packed option that fits perfectly into a well-balanced diet. If you need a nutritious, high protein entree on the go, I’d highly recommend grabbing some of the grilled nuggets. Just go easy on the dipping sauces, as they’re often loaded with sugar and fat.
Absolutely! These copycat Chick-Fil A grilled nuggets can last in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can easily make a big batch on the weekend and warm them up as leftovers all week long. Great for meal prep!
Since this recipe is for grilled chicken nuggets, I do recommend using a gas or charcoal grill if you can. You’ll get that classic, smoky flavor, they’ll cook quickly, and they’ll have the tell-tale grill marks. But technically, you don’t have to use a grill at all! You can sear them in a large skillet on the stove top instead. Cook them on the first side, then flip them over and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Storage Guidelines
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave, or a covered saute pan on medium low until just warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to use these healthy grilled chicken nuggets! Pair them with homemade French fries and your favorite dipping sauce, like this copycat Healthy Chick Fil A sauce, honey mustard, Polynesian sauce, or my Healthy BBQ Sauce.
For a nutritious meal, I like to serve them with these baked Curly Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries or this Coconut Cilantro Lime Rice.
But that’s just the start! The grilled chicken pieces would also be great to pack into a wrap or pita, add on top of a refreshing pasta salad or your favorite summer salads (like this Chick Fil A Kale Salad Recipe) for an extra dose of protein.
Sprinkle some on this Chickpea Pesto Pasta Salad or Mexican Macaroni Salad. They’d be a great option for my Healthy Caesar Salad or these Black Bean Burrito Bowls, too!
Recipe Variations
- Use a pickle juice brine: This sounds a little funny, but a little leftover pickle juice is a delicious alternative to lemon juice!
- Make skewers: Once seasoned and marinated, the chicken is ready to grill! Slide a few onto your favorite skewers and grill until fully cooked for a fun, handheld entree. Feel free to load them up with veggies similar to these Mediterranean Chicken Skewers!
- Use chicken tenders: For larger pieces of chicken, use raw chicken tenders instead. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
- Grilled Chicken Tikka Kebabs
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Strawberry Salad
- Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Homemade Grilled Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast or tenders, cut into 1" cubes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a bowl or zip top bag, mix thoroughly. Allow chicken to marinade for 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium high heat. Bring chicken to room temperature while the grill heats.
- Grill chicken nuggets about 2-3 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165℉, being careful to not overcook the chicken. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not marinade chicken nuggets for any longer than 1 hour to avoid changes to the texture of the chicken.
- If you’re worried about the chicken pieces falling through the grill, you can also thread them onto skewers and cook them that way as well.
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