If you want a healthier take on classic nuggets without losing flavor, these grilled chicken nuggets are just what you need! Inspired by Chick-fil-A, they’re juicy, tender, and packed with flavor thanks to a delicious marinade. If you’re feeling sad, just eat this. Trust me, it’ll help.

These grilled chicken nuggets are perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or even party appetizers. The pickle juice marinade (a secret ingredient inspired by Chick-fil-A) tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with incredible flavor that will have everyone asking for your recipe!

What You’ll Love

Healthier Option – All the flavor of chicken nuggets without the heavy breading and deep frying
Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters love these tender, flavorful nuggets
Versatile – Perfect for dipping, adding to salads, or eating straight off the grill

Recipe Ingredients

The magic of these grilled chicken nuggets comes from a simple but powerful combination of ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Dill pickle juice (the secret tenderizer!)
Milk
Powdered sugar
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika
Celery salt
Olive oil

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredients Notes

Pickle Juice – This isn’t just for flavor! The acidity in pickle juice works as a tenderizer, breaking down the proteins in the chicken to create juicier nuggets. If you don’t have pickle juice, apple cider vinegar works as a substitute for a more authentic Chick-fil-A taste.
Powdered Sugar – Don’t skip this! A touch of sweetness balances the savory flavors and helps with caramelization on the grill for those beautiful grill marks.
Chicken Breast – For best results, cut your chicken into equal-sized pieces (about 1-1.5 inches) to ensure even cooking.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Nuggets

You guys, this is so easy to make! Check out the printable recipe card below for exact measurements, but here’s a quick overview of the process:

Prepare the marinade by combining pickle juice, milk, powdered sugar, and seasonings in a bowl or ziplock bag.

Cut chicken into bite-sized nuggets and add to the marinade. Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

Preheat your grill to high heat and brush the grates with olive oil.
Pat chicken dry after removing from marinade to ensure proper grilling.

Grill nuggets for 3-4 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Pro Tips

Achieving restaurant-quality grilled chicken nuggets is all about the details!

Don’t overcrowd your grill – leave space between nuggets for even cooking
Use a meat thermometer to ensure nuggets reach 165°F without overcooking
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning
For extra flavor, add a light sprinkle of your favorite seasoning right before serving

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration – Store cooled grilled chicken nuggets in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing – These nuggets freeze beautifully! Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing them on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a container to prevent sticking.
Reheating – For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it can make the nuggets rubbery.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade for spicy grilled chicken nuggets
Mix in 1 tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a sweeter flavor profile
Thread nuggets onto skewers with vegetables for complete grilled kabobs

Substitutions:

Use chicken thighs instead of breast for even juicier nuggets
Replace pickle juice with lemon juice and a dash of dill for a different flavor profile
Substitute dairy-free milk for regular milk to make this recipe dairy-free
If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or even an air fryer (8 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway)

FAQs about Grilled Chicken Nuggets

How many calories are in a 12 count of Chick-Fil-A grilled chicken nuggets?

A 12-count of Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets contains approximately 200 calories, making them a protein-packed, lower-calorie option.

Can you cook chicken nuggets on the grill?

Absolutely! Grilling chicken nuggets gives them amazing flavor and those classic grill marks while keeping them healthier than fried versions.

What seasonings are good for grilled chicken bites?

Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a touch of celery salt create a perfect blend for grilled chicken nuggets. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices!

How many calories are in 8-piece Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets?

An 8-count of Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets contains approximately 130 calories, while this homemade version may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients used.

What Can I Serve with Chicken Nuggets?

These versatile grilled chicken nuggets pair beautifully with so many sides! Try them with sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or classic mac and cheese for a complete meal the whole family will love.

If you try this recipe, I’d be thrilled if you’d leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out! Your feedback helps other readers and inspires me to create more delicious recipes for you.

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