Whole30 Chicken Nuggets Recipe (Paleo, Chick-Fil-A Method)

This Whole30 chicken nuggets recipe is inspired by the method used at Chick-Fil-A for super tender and flavorful nuggets with a creamy, smoky, lightly sweet dipping sauce. This Whole30 chicken recipe produces paleo chicken nuggets that are crispy and tender and just perfect.

Ingredients

Whole30 Chicken Nuggets

• 2 large chicken breasts about about 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
• 1 egg beaten
• 2/3 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 2 Tbsp. tapioca starch
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 tsp. dried basil
• refined coconut oil or avocado oil for frying
• Chick-Fil-A-Sauce
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. Whole30 mayonnaise
• 3 Tbsp. coconut aminos if ON Whole30
• 2 tsp. maple syrup if NOT on whole30
• 1 Tbsp coconut aminos if NOT on whole30
• 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. Whole30 ketchup
• 3/4 tsp. liquid smoke
• pinch salt

Instructions

Make Whole30 Chicken Nuggets

1. Combine chicken breast chunks and pickle juice in an air-tight container or large plastic bag. Refrigerate at least one hour, preferably overnight, tossing every so often.
2. Pour beaten egg in a shallow bowl. Whisk together flours, tapioca starch, and spices in another shallow bowl. 
3. 
   
4. Drain chicken from pickle juice. Dip chicken pieces in egg then coat in flour mixture. Repeat until all nuggets are coated.
5. Heat a thin layer of refined coconut oil or avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken nuggets in batches until golden brown and cooked through. This will take about 5-6 minutes total. Do not overcook! Remove from skillet with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make Chick-Fil-A Sauce

1. If you are on a Whole30, use only 3 tablespoons coconut aminos and skip 2 teaspoons maple syrup and 1 tablespoon coconut aminos. If you are NOT on a Whole30, skip the 3 tablespoons coconut aminos and use 2 teaspoons maple syrup and 1 tablespoon coconut aminos.
2. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Chill until ready to serve, at least 30 minutes.

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 Prep Time : 1 hour

 Cook Time : 5 minutes

 Total Time : 1 hour 5 minutes

 Servings  : 4