Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks (about 1-inch pieces)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice (for marinating)
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (you can use all-purpose flour for a more traditional option)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use whole wheat if desired)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (divided)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • Olive oil spray (for air-frying or baking)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
  • In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and pickle juice. Add the chicken breast chunks and stir to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This will tenderize the chicken and give it the classic Chick-Fil-A flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading:
  • In a shallow dish, mix together the whole wheat flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will be the coating for the nuggets.
3. Coat the Chicken:
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off.
  • Dredge each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat the chicken thoroughly. Repeat until all the chicken is coated.
4. Air-Fry or Bake the Nuggets:
  • For Air-Frying:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
    • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
    • Place the breaded chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
    • Lightly spray the top of the chicken nuggets with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
    • Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F).
  • For Baking:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
    • Arrange the chicken nuggets on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
    • Lightly spray the nuggets with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
    • Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve:
  • Serve the chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a lighter version of ranch.

WW Points:

The number of Weight Watchers points will depend on the specific type of flour, breadcrumbs, and the way you cook the chicken. Generally, air-frying or baking the nuggets will keep the points lower than deep-frying. Here’s an estimate:

  • Per serving (about 4-5 nuggets):
    • Freestyle Points: Around 3-4 points per serving, depending on the specific ingredients and how much oil is used for cooking.

Customization Ideas:

  • Spicy Version: Add more cayenne pepper or a bit of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
  • Dipping Sauce: Make a lighter dipping sauce using plain Greek yogurt mixed with mustard and a little honey, or a mix of low-fat mayonnaise and hot sauce for a healthier option.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour alternative (like rice flour or almond flour).

This WW Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets recipe is perfect for satisfying your nugget cravings while keeping things light. Enjoy!