Make your own Chick Fil A!
Introduction
Have you ever craved Chick Fil A but didn’t want to leave the house? Now you can make your favorite meal right in your kitchen! With crispy chicken nuggets, creamy mac and cheese, and refreshing frosted lemonade, this recipe has everything you need for a fun family feast.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own Chick Fil A at home is easier than you think! Not only can you enjoy fresh and delicious food, but you can also customize it to your taste. It’s great for weekends when you want to treat your family or for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Make your own Chick Fil A
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup cold full-fat buttermilk, well shaken
- 3/4 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 extra large egg, well beaten
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins, boneless and skinless (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups canola oil, or vegetable oil
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, sliced into pats
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups Colby jack cheese, freshly shredded (divided into 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup gouda cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 cup American cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 1/3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 6 large lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup VERY cold water
- 6 cups vanilla bean ice cream
- 4 to 5 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 4 sliced lemons (optional garnish)
Directions:
- For the dipping sauce, mix together mustard, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, honey, and garlic powder in a bowl. Set aside.
- For the nuggets, in a bowl, combine buttermilk, pickle juice, and egg. Marinate chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, bread crumbs, powdered sugar, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Dredge marinated chicken pieces in this mixture and fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- For the mac and cheese, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk and cream, stirring until thickened. Add seasonings and cheeses, stirring until melty. Combine with cooked macaroni.
- For the frosted lemonade, combine lemon juice and sugar in a pitcher, stirring until dissolved. Add very cold water, then mix in ice cream and food coloring, blending until smooth. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.
- Serve chicken nuggets with dipping sauce, mac and cheese on the side, and frosted lemonade as a refreshing drink.
How to Serve Make your own Chick Fil A
Serve each plate with crispy chicken nuggets, a side of creamy mac and cheese, and a tall glass of frosted lemonade. It’s a great meal to enjoy together, especially on the weekends!
How to Store Make your own Chick Fil A
If you have leftovers, store the chicken nuggets and mac and cheese in airtight containers in the fridge. They are best eaten within 3 days. The frosted lemonade should be consumed right away, as it doesn’t store well.
Tips to Make Make your own Chick Fil A
- For extra crispy nuggets, double-dip them in the flour mixture.
- Let chicken rest after frying for a few minutes to keep them juicy.
- Experiment with different cheeses in the mac and cheese for a unique flavor!
Variation
You can try adding spices like cayenne pepper to the chicken for a spicy kick or using different types of pasta in the mac and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They add more flavor and juiciness!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You could bake the chicken nuggets instead of frying them. Just coat them in the flour mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free mayonnaise, milk, and cream, along with non-dairy cheese alternatives for the mac and cheese.