These Paleo Chicken Nuggets are easy, so delicious, and the perfect quick dinner! Gluten free, dairy free, nut free, egg free and so crispy!
Pickle Juice Brine
I have seen many recipes for copy-cat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. One really interesting part of them is the soak in pickle juice- it may sound weird, but it totally works. It makes the nuggets so juicy and full of flavor. Once I made one batch in pickle juice I had the idea to use jalapeño juice, that turned out to be a great idea! It isn't spicy, it just has a little different flavor and is so good. I highly recommend trying it with jalapeño juice.
Making the nuggets
- Cut the chicken into bite size pieces. Place in the pickle juice for 30 minutes to marinate.
- Drain and pat dry. Toss in the coconut flour mixture and pan fry.
- Serve hot!
Using coconut flour keeps these gluten free as well as nut free. These fit so many dietary needs while still being so delicious! I also have an easy paleo chicken nugget recipe that uses ground chicken for a more classic remake of the fast-food version.
You will love how quick, easy, and delicious these paleo chicken nuggets are! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. They make for a delicious snack, appetizer, or even a kid-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy.
Also check out my Paleo Chicken Tenders and to serve with these, my Paleo Ketchup or Paleo Ranch.
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Paleo Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup pickle juice or jalapeño juice
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- ¼-1/2 cup avocado oil or other fat for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken and juice and let marinade for 30 minutes.
- Drain the juice and pat the chicken dry with paper towel.
- Add the coconut flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat the lard in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place half the chicken in the pan and fry 3 minutes, flip and fry another 3 minutes.
- Remove chicken and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, or honey. The last two not being Whole30.
Sarah says
These are so tasty! I made them with organic chicken thighs and cassava flour instead of the coconut and my VERY picky 7 year old loved them!!! That is a BIG deal! Using Cassava flour also makes them nut free for those that need a coconut free version. Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Sarah! Thanks for trying them and for the great feedback! I'm so glad to hear they were enjoyed.
Stephanie says
Can you bake these instead of fry?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Stephanie- yes, I think that would work. Maybe 350 for 8-10 minutes. That's just a guess, but I don't think it would take long because of their size. Enjoy!
Callie says
I just made these but I added smoked paprika, chili powder, mushroom powder and instead of 1/2 cup coconut flour I used half almond and half coconut. Fried them in avocado oil. So good!!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying my recipe, Callie! So glad you like them 🙂
Jasmine says
Would almond flour work?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Jasmine- it might, but you'll probably need more. I have a great recipe for chicken tenders using almond flour- here is the link: http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2016/01/21/paleo-whole30-chicken-tenders/
Shane says
Would you know how "low carb" these would be?
Takiyah says
What about baking them?
Jessica DeMay says
Yes, you can try that. I would do 425° for 5-8 minutes. I hope you try them!
Tim says
Hi Jessica, let's say you don't have pickle juice, is there a suitable substitute? Maybe water with sea salt?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Tim, great question! I mention that any pickle-type of item will work. Pickled jalapeños, peppercinis, etc. I suppose if you don't have any of those- salt water would work. 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Alright Jessica, I think my boys may be loving your blog better than they're loving mine! These chicken nuggets are Casey's favorite and that Paleo Carrot Cake Bread that you gave a sneak peek for on IG happens to be Sean's favorite! I need to step up my game to keep up with you!
Jessica DeMay says
Ha!! I know your boys love your cooking, but I'm glad to hear they are enjoying my recipes as well 🙂 Thanks, Mary Ann!
Grace | eat, write + explore says
I've got loads of coconut flour to use up before it goes out of date so I'll definitely be giving these a try - they look delicious!
Jessica DeMay says
Perfect! I hope you enjoy them!
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
Chick-fil-a nuggets are the best things ever! Im super excited to try this paleo version! It seems strange to add pickle juice, but what ever it takes to make juicy nuggets is key lol!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Bethany! I know- kind of weird, but so delicious! I hope you enjoy them 🙂
Ashley says
I'm kind of disappointed. I read nut free and got so excited. My son has the major common allergies of milk, eggs,wheat,soy, And nuts, including coconut(treenuts). I sure didn't know coconuts where a tree nut until I researched his allergies. Poorly labeled as it is NOT nut free. This mislabeling could be deadly.
Jessica DeMay says
I'm sorry for the confusion, Ashley! I of course am not trying to mislead anyone. I'll make a note of the recipe in case of any others that have the same allergy. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Sarah says
Ashley I used Cassava flour to make these as it was so good!