Make Your Own Chick Fil A

Introduction

Who doesn’t love the crispy chicken nuggets and tasty mac and cheese from Chick Fil A? Now you can enjoy these favorites right in your own kitchen! This recipe is simple and perfect for family dinners or get-togethers.

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own Chick Fil A at home is fun and rewarding! You get to control the ingredients and share delicious food with your family. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time together in the kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

How to Make Make Your Own Chick Fil A

Here’s how you can create this meal that everyone will love.

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 (about 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:

To make the dipping sauce, whisk together yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, honey, and garlic powder in a bowl. Set aside.
For the chicken nuggets, combine buttermilk and pickle juice in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In another bowl, whisk together flour, bread crumbs, powdered sugar, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Remove chicken from marinade and coat in the flour mixture.
Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
For the mac and cheese, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened. Stir in cheeses and seasonings until creamy.
Combine macaroni with cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
For the frosted lemonade, blend together lemon juice, sugar, and cold water. Add vanilla bean ice cream and blend until smooth. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Serve the chicken nuggets with dipping sauce, mac and cheese, and frosted lemonade.

How to Serve Make Your Own Chick Fil A

Serve your homemade Chick Fil A hot and fresh! Place the crispy chicken nuggets on a plate, drizzle with the dipping sauce, and add a generous scoop of creamy mac and cheese. Don’t forget the frosted lemonade for a refreshing drink!

How to Store Make Your Own Chick Fil A

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the nuggets in the oven to keep them crispy before serving again.

Tips to Make Make Your Own Chick Fil A

Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to get that crispy texture.
Don’t skip the marinating step! It adds so much flavor to the chicken.
If you want, you can adjust the spices based on your family’s taste.

Variation

Try adding spices or herbs to the flour mixture for the chicken nuggets for extra flavor! You can also make this meal with fish or veggies for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

2. What if I don’t have dill pickle juice?
You can substitute with regular vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.

3. Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just reheat it on the stove with a little milk to get it creamy again.