Craving that crispy, juicy Chick-fil-A chicken but living the Paleo life? You’re not alone! Many people miss the iconic taste of this fast-food favorite while adhering to a grain-free, refined-sugar-free diet. Luckily, with a few clever ingredient swaps and cooking techniques, you can recreate the magic of Chick-fil-A chicken right in your own kitchen, and keep it entirely Paleo-friendly.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup pickle juice*
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into strips or nuggets
- 1 egg*
- ⅓ cup almond flour*
- ¼ cup tapioca or arrowroot flour
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Coconut or avocado oil for cooking
INSTRUCTIONS
- Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with pickle juice. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for a stronger flavor. - Prepare the Chicken
Drain the marinade and discard the pickle juice. Use a strainer to remove excess liquid, then pat the chicken dry with a paper towel—this step is key to helping the breading stick! - Coat with Egg
Beat the egg in a small bowl, then add the chicken pieces and mix until evenly coated. Drain any excess egg using a strainer, shaking gently to remove extra liquid. - Bread the Chicken
In a separate bowl, mix almond flour, tapioca (or arrowroot) flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the chicken and stir until each piece is well coated. - Cook Until Crispy
Heat about ¼ inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Freezing & Reheating
- To freeze cooked nuggets: Let them cool, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months.
- To reheat:
- Oven: 400°F for 10 minutes
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 5-7 minutes
- Microwave: Heat until warmed through
- Want fresh-cooked nuggets later? You can also freeze them raw! Simply follow the recipe up to the breading step, then freeze. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets!
