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 bring those delicious flavors right into your kitchen! This recipe for making your own Chick Fil A is easy and fun for the whole family. You’ll enjoy golden chicken nuggets, warm mac and cheese, and a refreshing frosted lemonade. It’s perfect for any day of the week!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Chick Fil A at home lets you enjoy your favorite meals anytime you want. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with family. Kids love helping in the kitchen, and this recipe is simple enough for everyone to join in. Enjoy these tasty dishes without the drive-thru wait!
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:
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For the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, honey, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
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For the Nuggets: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pickle juice, and egg. In another bowl, combine flour, bread crumbs, powdered sugar, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Dip the chicken in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Heat oil in a large skillet and fry the chicken until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
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For the Mac and Cheese: Boil elbow macaroni until al dente. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until it thickens. Add salt, white pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the cheeses until they melt. Combine with the macaroni and mix well.
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For the Frosted Lemonade: In a pitcher, mix lemon juice, granulated sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Blend with ice cream until smooth. Add food coloring if desired. Serve with lemon slices on top.
How to Serve Make Your Own Chick Fil A
Serve the chicken nuggets hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Pair it with creamy mac and cheese and finish with a tall glass of frosted lemonade. Your family will love it!
How to Store Make Your Own Chick Fil A
To store leftovers, keep the chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mac and cheese can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For the frosted lemonade, store it in the freezer in a covered container, although it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Tips to Make Make Your Own Chick Fil A
- Make extra dipping sauce for those who love to dip!
- You can use any cheese you like for the mac and cheese.
- For crispy chicken, make sure the oil is hot before frying.
Variation
Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper for a kick in the chicken nuggets or try different types of cheese in the mac and cheese. You can also create a spicy dipping sauce by adding hot sauce!
FAQs
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Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! You can coat the chicken and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until it’s cooked through. -
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make the nuggets and mac and cheese. -
How can I make the frosted lemonade less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute to balance the sweetness.
