chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe with Zesty Honey-Lime Drizzle and Toasted Coconut

Name: chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 600 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 60 ml fresh lime juice, divided; 15 ml lime zest; 2 cm fresh ginger, grated, divided; 30 ml coconut aminos; 15 ml olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 5 ml smoked paprika; 2.5 ml onion powder; 1.25 ml black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional; 60 ml honey; 50 g unsweetened shredded coconut; 15 g fresh cilantro, chopped

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I always crave a healthier option for those fast-food favorites. This homemade chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe satisfies that craving with its smoky char and juicy texture, complemented by a bright, zesty honey-lime drizzle. This recipe takes the concept of the classic grilled nuggets and elevates it for a high-protein dinner or easy dinner idea. It’s perfect for a family-friendly meal when I want quick meals without sacrificing quality. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s also excellent for meal prep to have healthy snacks throughout the week. Get ready to discover a new go-to recipe that delivers on taste without compromising your health goals.

Ingredients

600 g (1.3 lb) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Slice the chicken breasts into uniform 3 cm (1.2 inch) pieces to ensure even cooking and mimic the shape of a good chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe. This size also speeds up the grilling time significantly for quick weeknight dinners.
60 ml (1/4 cup) Fresh Lime Juice, Divided: Use freshly squeezed juice for the best bright flavor. The acidity tenderizes the chicken in the marinade and balances the sweetness in the drizzle. (Swap note: If limes aren’t available, lemon juice can be substituted in a pinch, though the flavor profile changes slightly.)
15 ml (1 tbsp) Lime Zest and 2 cm (0.8 inch) Fresh Ginger, Grated, Divided: The zest gives the marinade a powerful aromatic boost. Fresh ginger provides warmth and complexity to both the marinade and the final drizzle. (Swap note: If I don’t have fresh ginger, I’ve used 1/2 tsp of ground ginger in the marinade and skipped it in the drizzle with decent results.)
30 ml (2 tbsp) Coconut Aminos and 15 ml (1 tbsp) Olive Oil: Coconut aminos are a great gluten-free, low-sodium alternative to soy sauce that provides savory depth for this specific chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe. The olive oil helps distribute the spices and prevents sticking on the grill, resulting in a healthier alternative.
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; mince finely so it distributes evenly in the marinade. Adds a fundamental aromatic base to the chicken pieces.
5 ml (1 tsp) Smoked Paprika, 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) Onion Powder, and 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) Black Pepper: Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness that pairs beautifully with the grill char. These spices form the savory foundation for the chicken.
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Include this if you like a little heat in your nuggets; adjust amount to family preference. Adds a subtle counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey drizzle.
60 ml (1/4 cup) Honey: Use a good quality honey for the best flavor in the zesty drizzle. This provides sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze that adheres to the grilled chicken.
50 g (1/2 cup) Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Toasting the coconut adds a crispy texture and deep, nutty flavor. Choose unsweetened to avoid making the recipe overly sweet.
15 g (1/4 cup) Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: Used for a fresh garnish at the end, providing vibrant green color and herbal notes. Always add fresh herbs at the very end to preserve their brightness and aroma.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 30 ml (2 tbsp) of lime juice, lime zest, coconut aminos, 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, minced garlic, half of the grated ginger, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors, or up to 2 hours for deeper taste.
Toast the Coconut: While the chicken marinates, toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the coconut turns golden brown and releases a fragrant aroma; watch closely as it can burn quickly. Transfer the toasted coconut immediately to a plate to cool completely and stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Honey-Lime Drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 30 ml (2 tbsp) lime juice, the remaining grated ginger, and the honey. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring until the honey fully dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken further.
Preheat and Prepare Grill: Preheat an indoor or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (190-200°C / 375-400°F). Lightly brush the grates with a small amount of oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. *When I’m short on time during the week, I use a 10-inch indoor grill pan for this recipe instead of a large outdoor grill, and it works great.*
Grill the Chicken Nuggets: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure not to pack them too tightly. If not using skewers, place individual nuggets directly on the grill, ensuring space between each piece for even cooking. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and cooked through with an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). If the chicken appears to be drying out before reaching 165°F, reduce the heat slightly or pull them off early; you’ll notice they look golden and lightly charred when ready.
Toss in Glaze and Toasted Coconut: Remove the grilled chicken from the skewers (if used) and place in a clean bowl. Pour about half of the prepared Zesty Honey-Lime Drizzle over the chicken and gently toss to coat. Add about half of the toasted coconut and toss again to integrate the flavors and textures. This final step gives the chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe its glossy, flavorful glaze.
Plate and Garnish: Arrange the glazed chicken nuggets attractively on a rustic serving platter. Drizzle the remaining honey-lime sauce generously over the nuggets. Sprinkle with the remaining toasted coconut and fresh chopped cilantro for vibrant color and textural contrast.

Grilling Techniques for Juicy, Non-Stick Nuggets

Once you’ve mastered the marinade for these nuggets, the next challenge is getting them perfectly cooked on the grill. A good sear and juicy interior are crucial for making this high-protein, family-friendly meal successful. Here are some techniques I use to achieve perfect results every time, whether I’m cooking outdoors on a gas grill or using an indoor grill pan.

Prevent Sticking: Make sure the grill grates are preheated to the correct temperature (medium-high) and thoroughly cleaned before oiling them. A clean, hot, and lightly oiled surface is essential to keep the chicken from tearing apart when you flip it.
Don’t Overcrowd: Place the nuggets on the grill in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece. Overcrowding lowers the grill temperature and essentially steams the chicken instead of giving it a proper char and crust.
Avoid Overcooking: Chicken nuggets are small and cook quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 3-4 minutes per side. Pulling them off the heat promptly at an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) is key to preventing dry, tough results.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Grilling: This recipe for homemade chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe works well on a gas or charcoal grill for smoky flavor. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, a countertop grill pan or indoor electric grill also works perfectly for easy weeknight preparation.

Pairing Suggestions for Your Meal

This zesty, tropical take on grilled chicken nuggets deserves side dishes that complement its unique flavor profile. The honey-lime drizzle pairs beautifully with fresh, bright ingredients, making it ideal for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Fresh Sides: Serve with a vibrant fruit salsa (like mango or pineapple salsa) to enhance the tropical honey-lime flavors. This pairing adds extra color and freshness to your plate.
Classic Sides: Pair the nuggets with a simple, fluffy white rice or coconut-lime infused quinoa to soak up the extra drizzle. These staples round out the meal and make it more filling.
Green Sides: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or grilled asparagus complements the main dish without overwhelming the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make these in an air fryer or oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can easily adapt this chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe for an air fryer or oven. To use an air fryer, preheat it to 380°F (195°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through. For the oven, bake on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping once for even browning.

What can I use instead of coconut aminos?

If coconut aminos are unavailable, you can substitute low-sodium tamari or soy sauce. The flavor profile will be slightly different, as coconut aminos are slightly sweeter, but either option will provide the necessary savory depth for the chicken marinade in this healthy recipe.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out on the grill?

The best way to keep this chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe juicy and tender is to ensure all chicken pieces are uniform in size and monitor the internal temperature closely. Removing them promptly at 165°F is crucial; even a few extra minutes on the heat can cause them to dry out significantly.

Is the toasted coconut topping necessary?

No, if you prefer a simpler grilled nugget, you can skip the coconut topping. However, I’ve found that the toasted coconut adds a unique crispy texture and nutty flavor that really sets this recipe apart from standard grilled chicken. It’s definitely worth trying once for the full experience.

How can I make these ahead for meal prep?

The chicken can be marinated up to 2 hours in advance in the refrigerator. Make the honey-lime drizzle ahead and store it separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Grill the nuggets when ready to serve, then combine with the sauce and coconut just before eating for the best texture and flavor. This makes them great for healthy lunch prep throughout the week.

Why does this recipe use honey and lime instead of the traditional Chick-fil-A pickle brine marinade?

While the traditional fast-food version uses a pickle brine to tenderize the chicken and give it a specific flavor, this recipe for healthy chick fil a grilled nuggets offers a fresh, modern twist. Our focus here is on bright, tropical flavors from the honey-lime drizzle, making it a different, yet equally delicious, high-protein meal idea for families.

Conclusion

This easy chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe provides all the satisfaction of a fast-food favorite, but with a vibrant, fresh flavor profile from the honey-lime drizzle and toasted coconut. It’s the perfect solution for a healthier weeknight meal that the whole family will love and a great alternative to the classic chick fil a grilled nuggets recipe. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for a guaranteed win, and share it with your friends when you make this new family favorite for your next gathering.

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Chick Fil A Grilled Nuggets Recipe