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To make these tasty nuggets, you need just a few simple ingredients: - 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup buttermilk (or a dairy-free alternative if preferred) - 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 2 teaspoons paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 2 large eggs, beaten - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) These ingredients create a crispy and flavorful coating for your chicken. The buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds moisture. The flour and cornstarch mix forms the crunchy outside. If you need to make changes, here are some great options: - Dairy-free: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk. - Flour alternatives: Try almond flour or rice flour for gluten-free options. These alternatives still work well and keep your nuggets delicious. You can mix and match based on your needs. Using fresh ingredients is key to great flavor. Fresh chicken tastes better and cooks more evenly. Fresh spices, like paprika and garlic powder, add more taste to the coating. Always check the dates on your ingredients. Fresh items enhance the overall dish. With quality ingredients, you can make nuggets that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Place these pieces in a mixing bowl. Pour 1 cup of buttermilk over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. This step keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Now, grab another mixing bowl. In it, combine 1 cup of gluten-free all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of cornstarch. Add 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Whisk all the dry ingredients together until they blend well. This mixture will give your nuggets a tasty, crunchy crust. Heat your oil in a deep frying pan or pot. Aim for medium heat. The oil needs to be about 350°F (175°C) for frying. While the oil heats, take the marinated chicken out. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the flour mixture. Make sure each nugget is fully coated. Carefully place the nuggets into the hot oil. Fry them in small batches to avoid crowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and check that the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate. This step helps them stay crispy by draining excess oil. Repeat this process for the remaining chicken pieces until all are cooked. Enjoy your crispy, homemade gluten-free nuggets! To get that perfect crunch, start with a good marination. Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least one hour. This step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. Next, use a mix of gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the coating. This combo gives the nuggets a nice, crisp finish. When frying, make sure the oil is hot enough, around 350°F (175°C). Fry the nuggets in batches to avoid steaming. Too many nuggets at once can make them soggy. Aim for a golden brown color, which shows they are done. If you are cooking for someone with a gluten allergy, take care with your kitchen tools. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for gluten-free ingredients. Clean all surfaces before starting. Even small crumbs can cause issues. Label your gluten-free flour and other ingredients clearly to avoid mix-ups. This attention to detail keeps your cooking safe for everyone. Choosing the right oil is key for your nuggets. Vegetable or canola oil works well because they have a high smoke point. This means they can heat up without burning. Avoid olive oil for frying, as it can burn easily. Fill your frying pan with enough oil to cover the nuggets. This ensures even cooking. After frying, let the nuggets rest on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This keeps them crispy and delicious! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness, resulting in juicier nuggets. Temperature Check: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before frying. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Batch Frying: Fry the nuggets in small batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring even cooking and preventing sogginess. Drain Properly: After frying, let the nuggets rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, preserving their crispiness. {{image_4}} To make your nuggets spicy, add more seasoning. Mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This gives a nice kick to the classic recipe. The heat balances well with the crispy texture. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra flavor. Let the chicken soak longer for a bolder taste. Using an air fryer is a great way to make healthier nuggets. You get the same crispy texture with less oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. After coating your chicken pieces, place them in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking. Check to ensure they reach 165°F internally. This method cuts down on fat while keeping flavor high. Dipping sauces can enhance your nugget experience. Honey mustard is a classic choice, easy to make with just mustard and honey. For a sweet twist, try BBQ sauce. You can mix ketchup with a bit of hot sauce for a tangy dip. If you want something creamy, ranch dressing works well too. Each sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy nuggets. Try different sauces to find your favorite! To store leftover nuggets, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Seal the container tightly to keep the nuggets fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This method keeps their flavor intact and prevents them from drying out. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. Use an oven or an air fryer for the best results. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the nuggets on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain their crispy texture. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. Freezing is a great option for future meals. Allow the nuggets to cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, cook them directly from frozen. Use the oven or air fryer, just like with the reheating tips. This way, you’ll have crispy nuggets ready whenever you want! No, Chick-fil-A does not offer gluten-free nuggets. However, you can make your own at home. This recipe gives you a tasty and safe option. You can enjoy the same crispy flavor without gluten! Yes, these nuggets are perfect for people with gluten intolerance. They use gluten-free flour and cornstarch. This makes them safe for those avoiding gluten. Always check your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. The nutritional details can vary based on the cooking method and portion size. A typical serving of four nuggets has about: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fat: 15g These nuggets offer a good source of protein. They may be higher in calories due to frying. Consider using an air fryer for a healthier option. You now know how to make tasty gluten-free Chick-fil-A nuggets. I covered the needed ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for the best texture. Don't forget about variations like the spicy option or air fryer method, and how to store extras for later. You can enjoy these nuggets that fit your diet without worry. With these clear steps, you can impress your friends and family with a fun, gluten-free meal. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Crispy Gluten-Free Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Delicious and crispy gluten-free chicken nuggets, perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or a dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • as needed Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken pieces into a mixing bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for optimal flavor intensity.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until thoroughly blended.
  • In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated. Set aside.
  • In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable or canola oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough to submerge the nuggets completely—approximately 350°F (175°C) is ideal for frying.
  • Once marinated, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip, and then roll it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
  • Carefully place the coated nuggets into the hot oil, frying in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the nuggets turn a golden brown and are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked nuggets to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing them to drain excess oil and maintain their crispy texture.
  • Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces until all nuggets are cooked.

Notes

Serve with gluten-free dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ sauce. Garnish with parsley.
Keyword chicken, fried, gluten-free, nuggets