Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

Craving the iconic Chick-fil-A crispy chicken sandwich but don’t feel like heading out? With this copycat recipe, you can recreate the famous Chick-fil-A sandwich in the comfort of your own kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy breading, and tangy pickles on a soft buttered bun is truly irresistible. Plus, this homemade version gives you the flexibility to tweak the flavors and make it even better than the original!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Chick-fil-A crispy chicken sandwich at home, from the ingredients and preparation to frying tips and serving suggestions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Flatten the Chicken:

1. Begin by taking your 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slicing them in half horizontally. This will give you 4 thin chicken fillets.
2. Place each chicken fillet between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). This ensures even cooking and tenderness.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup dill pickle juice, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 1/2 cup buttermilk. The pickle juice is key to achieving that signature Chick-fil-A tangy flavor. If you prefer a slightly sweeter marinade, add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar.
2. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper to the marinade mixture.
3. Place the chicken fillets into the marinade, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. For the best results, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading

1. In a shallow dish or large plate, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. The cornstarch helps create a light, crispy coating.
2. Set the breading station next to your frying area for easy access during cooking.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken fillets from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drip off.
2. Dredge each chicken fillet in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure an even coating on all sides. Gently shake off any excess flour and set the breaded chicken aside on a wire rack or plate.
3. Let the coated chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken and creates a crispier texture.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

1. In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat 2 cups peanut oil (or vegetable oil) over medium heat. The oil should reach a temperature of about 350°F (175°C).
2. You can use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small pinch of flour into it. If the flour sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

1. Carefully place the breaded chicken fillets into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
2. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken fillets from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Toast the Buns

1. While the chicken is resting, lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Toast until golden brown and crisp.

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. To assemble each sandwich, place one fried chicken fillet on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
2. Add a few dill pickle slices on top of the chicken.
3. Place the top half of the bun over the pickles and press down gently.

Tips for Success

1. Marinating for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken in the pickle juice and buttermilk mixture, the more flavorful and tender it will be. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marinating works wonders.
2. Cornstarch for Extra Crunch: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture helps create a crispier texture. It’s a common technique used in frying and will help your chicken achieve that signature Chick-fil-A crunch.
3. Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature (around 350°F) is crucial for crispy, golden chicken. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside and remain undercooked inside. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
4. Resting the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after breading allows the coating to set, which helps prevent the breading from falling off during frying.

Variations

1. Spicy Chick-fil-A Sandwich

To make a spicy version, add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (like Tabasco) to the chicken marinade. Additionally, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading mixture for a spicy kick.

2. Grilled Chick-fil-A Sandwich

For a healthier option, skip the breading and frying. Instead, marinate the chicken as directed, then grill it over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. Deluxe Chick-fil-A Sandwich

To make the deluxe version, add lettuce, tomato, and cheese (American, cheddar, or Colby Jack) to the sandwich along with the fried chicken and pickles. You can also spread some mayonnaise or Chick-fil-A sauce on the buns for extra flavor.

4. Honey Mustard or BBQ Sauce

If you’re a sauce lover, drizzle some honey mustard or BBQ sauce on top of the chicken fillet before closing the sandwich. These sauces pair perfectly with the crispy chicken.

How to Serve

Chick-fil-A crispy chicken sandwiches are best served with classic sides such as:

1. Waffle Fries: Recreate the famous Chick-fil-A waffle fries by cutting potatoes into waffle shapes and frying or baking them.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing is a refreshing side for the crispy sandwich.
3. Sweet Tea: No Chick-fil-A meal is complete without a glass of refreshing sweet tea or lemonade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken for a healthier alternative. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken fillets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray the chicken with cooking spray to help it crisp up. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

How can I store leftovers?

If you have leftover sandwiches, store the fried chicken fillets separately from the buns and pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispiness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free hamburger buns to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure your pickles and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I air fry the chicken instead of frying in oil?

Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the breaded chicken fillets with cooking spray and air fry for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result will be a healthier version with a crispy exterior.

Conclusion

With this Chick-fil-A crispy chicken sandwich copycat recipe, you can satisfy your cravings anytime without leaving your house. The secret lies in marinating the chicken in dill pickle juice and buttermilk, then frying it to crispy perfection. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore one of the tasty variations, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Enjoy the process of making this iconic fast-food meal at home, and don’t forget to pair it with some delicious sides and a refreshing drink for the ultimate Chick-fil-A experience!

Yield: 4 Sandwiches

Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

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Craving the iconic Chick-fil-A crispy chicken sandwich but don't feel like heading out? With this copycat recipe, you can recreate the famous Chick-fil-A sandwich in the comfort of your own kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy breading, and tangy pickles on a soft buttered bun is truly irresistible. Plus, this homemade version gives you the flexibility to tweak the flavors and make it even better than the original!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Marinating Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half to make 4 pieces)
• 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
• Peanut oil (or canola oil) for frying
• For the Sandwich:
• 4 soft hamburger buns (buttered and toasted)
• Dill pickle slices
• Butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, combine the pickle juice and 1/4 cup of the milk. Place the chicken pieces into the mixture and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will tenderize the chicken and give it that signature Chick-fil-A flavor.
   
2. Prepare the Dredging Station:
   In one shallow bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of milk and the egg. This will be your wet batter.
   In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This will be your dry coating mixture.
   
3. Dredge the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Dip each piece of chicken into the wet batter (egg and milk mixture), then dredge it in the dry coating (flour mixture), pressing firmly to coat all sides. Repeat this step for a double coating if you want extra crispy chicken.
   
4. Fry the Chicken:
   In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat peanut oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a crispy coating.
   Fry each piece of chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
   
5. Prepare the Buns:
   While the chicken is frying, butter the buns and toast them on a griddle or in a skillet until golden brown and crisp.
   
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Place a few pickle slices on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add the fried chicken on top, and finish with the top half of the bun.

Notes

• Extra Crispy: Double-coat the chicken by repeating the dredging process for an extra-crispy exterior.
• Spicy Version: For a spicy chicken sandwich, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a pinch of paprika to the flour mixture.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with waffle fries, coleslaw, or a side salad to complete the meal.