Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets

Of all the fast food places around I think Chick Fil A is my favorite.  Our boys love to go there for their birthdays, and I am happy to keep that tradition going.  Since we don't like to eat out too often, it's nice to have a recipe that tastes just as good from home.

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces then seasoned with salt & pepper
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup dill pickle juice
• 1 egg
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup peanut oil, divided (or canola or vegetable oil)

1. Whisk together egg, milk and pickle juice, and pour into a large ziplock bag or bowl. Add chicken pieces and marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
2. Combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and pepper in a large ziplock bag. Shake to combine. Remove chicken from the marinade and add into the bag. Shake to coat the chicken completely.
3. Heat half the oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat (6 or 7 out of 10.) Test the oil by dropping in a bit of the flour mixture. If it sizzles, the oil is ready, if it pops, lower the temperature a bit.
4. Gently place chicken pieces into the oil with tongs. Do this in 2 batches, as you don’t want to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown on one side. Turn the chicken over and allow to cook for 3-4 more minutes. Remove to a paper-towel lined plate. Heat the remaining oil and continue with the other half of the chicken pieces.

I saw this recipe on Pinterest, here.  The chicken nuggets are phenomenal.  The dipping sauce was not good.  At least we didn't like it.