Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets are bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast that are marinated and grilled for a tender texture and smoky flavor. They are a popular high-protein option because an 8-count has 130 calories and 25 grams of protein, while a 12-count has 200 calories and 38 grams of protein.
The menu also offers different counts, so the right order depends on how hungry you are and whether the nuggets are being served as a snack, meal, or shared order.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Price
Prices vary by restaurant, so there is no single nationwide price for every location. The prices below reflect the menu pricing provided for this article and should be treated as examples rather than a guaranteed price at every Chick-fil-A.
| Size | Price* | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-count | $3.75 | 80 | 16g |
| 8-count | $5.95 | 130 | 25g |
| 12-count | $8.39 | 200 | 38g |
| 30-count | $20.95 | 510 | 98g |
*Prices can change by restaurant and market. Chick-fil-A also states that nutrition and ingredient information can vary by location or customization.
For the most accurate price, check your selected restaurant before placing an order.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Calories
The calorie count depends on the number of nuggets ordered. Chick-fil-A’s current nutrition information lists 130 calories for an 8-count, 200 calories for a 12-count, and 510 calories for a 30-count.
The 8-count provides a relatively small calorie amount for an entree while still supplying 25 grams of protein. The 12-count increases the serving to 200 calories and 38 grams of protein.
Remember that dipping sauces can add calories to the meal. Chick-fil-A’s nutrition information is generally presented for the food item itself, so check the sauce nutrition separately when calculating your full order.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Nutrition
Here is the current nutrition breakdown for the main sizes listed by Chick-fil-A:
| Size | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-count | 130 | 3g | 1g | 25g |
| 12-count | 200 | 4.5g | 2g | 38g |
| 30-count | 510 | 11g | 4g | 98g |
The 8-count contains 440 mg of sodium, while the 12-count contains 660 mg. The 30-count contains 1,710 mg of sodium.
The current official nutrition listing shows the 8-count at 0.5g saturated fat, 85mg cholesterol and 1g sugar. The 12-count contains 1g saturated fat, 130mg cholesterol and 1g sugar.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Recipe
You can make a homemade grilled chicken nugget recipe using small pieces of chicken breast, a simple marinade and a hot grill pan or outdoor grill. This is a copycat-style recipe, not Chick-fil-A’s official recipe, and the result will not be identical to the restaurant version.
Ingredients
Makes about 4 servings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/3 cup dill pickle juice
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
How to Make Them
- Cut the chicken: Trim the chicken breast and cut it into small, evenly sized pieces.
- Marinate: Put the chicken in a bowl or sealed container with the pickle juice and milk. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Drain and dry: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat the pieces dry with paper towels.
- Season: Mix the powdered sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder and parsley. Toss the chicken in the seasoning mixture.
- Heat the grill: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the cooking surface with oil.
- Cook the chicken: Place the pieces in a single layer. Grill for several minutes per side, turning as needed, until browned and cooked through.
- Check doneness: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
- Serve: Let the nuggets rest briefly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
For more consistent cooking, keep the chicken pieces similar in size. Avoid overcrowding the pan because that can cause the chicken to steam instead of developing a grilled exterior.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Protein
Protein is one of the biggest reasons people choose the grilled version. An 8-count contains 25 grams of protein, a 12-count contains 38 grams, and a 30-count contains 98 grams.
That makes the 12-count especially useful for people looking for a protein-focused entree without adding a breaded coating. Chick-fil-A itself has highlighted the 8-count and 12-count Grilled Nuggets among its higher-protein menu choices.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Ingredients
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets are made with boneless chicken breast, water, seasonings, vinegar, spices, onion, garlic, paprika, parsley, oils, sugar, and natural flavors, including smoke.
For a homemade copycat version, you can use:
- Chicken breast
- Dill pickle juice
- Milk
- Cooking oil
- Powdered sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Dried parsley
The homemade recipe is a copycat-style version, not the official Chick-fil-A recipe.
What Are Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Made Of?
Chick-fil-A describes the product as bite-sized pieces of freshly marinated boneless breast of chicken, grilled to create a tender texture and backyard-smoky flavor.
The official ingredient statement is more detailed than simply chicken and seasoning. It includes chicken breast, water, a seasoning blend, vinegar ingredients, spices, onion, garlic, paprika, parsley, soybean oil, canola oil and other ingredients used for flavor, texture and product quality.
The current ingredient list also includes natural flavor, including smoke, which helps explain the product’s smoky flavor profile.
Are Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Gluten-Free?
Chick-fil-A lists its 8- and 12-count Grilled Nuggets among its gluten-free menu options. It also lists a 5-count Grilled Nuggets option as a gluten-free Kids’ Meal entree.
However, people with food allergies should review the restaurant’s current allergen information before ordering. Chick-fil-A notes that ingredients and nutrition information may change and can vary with customizations or location.
Chick-fil-A has also confirmed that dairy was removed from the Grilled Nuggets recipe after a previous supplier issue involving an undeclared dairy ingredient.
How to Make Grilled Nuggets Taste Smoky
The smoky flavor in a homemade version comes mainly from the grilling method and seasoning. A properly preheated grill or grill pan helps create browned edges without requiring a heavy coating.
A small amount of smoked paprika can also be used if you want a stronger smoky note. Start with a small quantity because too much can overpower the chicken.
The restaurant version has its own commercial marinade and ingredient formulation, so a homemade recipe should be considered a similar-style alternative rather than an exact recreation.
Are Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets a Healthy Choice?
Grilled Nuggets can fit into many balanced meals, particularly when you want a protein-rich entree with relatively few carbohydrates. An 8-count contains 130 calories, 3g of fat, 1g of carbohydrate and 25g of protein.
However, “healthy” depends on the full meal and individual dietary needs. Sodium is worth considering because the 8-count contains 440mg, while the 12-count contains 660mg.
Adding fries, sauces, drinks or other sides can substantially increase the calories and sodium in the complete order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in 8 Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets?
An 8-count contains 130 calories, 3g of fat, 1g of carbohydrates and 25g of protein.
How much protein is in 12 Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets?
A 12-count contains 38 grams of protein and 200 calories.
How many calories are in 30 Grilled Nuggets?
A 30-count contains 510 calories, 11g of fat, 4g of carbohydrates and 98g of protein.
Are Grilled Nuggets better than regular Chick-fil-A Nuggets?
They are different products rather than simply a healthier version of the same nugget. Grilled Nuggets are marinated and grilled, while the regular Nuggets are breaded and pressure cooked in refined peanut oil.
Are Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets keto-friendly?
The nuggets themselves are very low in carbohydrates, with 1g in an 8-count and 2g in a 12-count. However, sauces and side dishes can add carbohydrates, so check the complete order before making a dietary decision.
Can I make Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets at home?
Yes. A homemade version can be prepared with diced chicken breast, a short pickle-juice marinade, seasoning and a grill or grill pan. The recipe above is a copycat-style version and is not an official Chick-fil-A recipe.
Does Chick-fil-A still sell Grilled Nuggets?
Yes. Grilled Nuggets remain on Chick-fil-A’s current menu, with the restaurant listing individual count options and nutrition information.
Final Takeaway
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets are a grilled chicken option with a strong protein-to-calorie ratio. The 8-count has 130 calories and 25g of protein, while the 12-count provides 200 calories and 38g of protein.
Prices depend on the restaurant, so checking your selected Chick-fil-A is the best way to confirm the current cost. For a homemade alternative, the copycat recipe above recreates the general grilled, smoky style without claiming to duplicate the restaurant’s proprietary formulation.
Chick-fil-A menu includes breakfast, chicken sandwiches, Grilled Nuggets, salads, sides, drinks, sauces, desserts, kids’ meals, and catering.
