Juicy & Crispy Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe | Chef …
Are you searching for a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich recipe that’s easy to make at home? This copycat version recreates the iconic crispy chicken fillet, marinated in pickle juice for that signature tang, breaded to perfection, and fried until golden. Served on a buttered bun with dill pickles, it’s ready in about 30 minutes plus marinating time—perfect for lunch, dinner, or satisfying fast-food cravings. Whether you’re a fan of the original or trying it for the first time, this Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich recipe nails the flavor without leaving home!
Why You’ll Love This Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items like chicken, pickle juice, and basic spices—no hard-to-find additives.
- Crispy and Juicy: The pickle brine tenderizes the chicken, while the seasoned flour creates a crunchy coating.
- Quick to Prepare: Marinate ahead, then fry in minutes for a fast-food fix at home.
- Customizable: Adjust spices for heat or add cheese for a deluxe twist.
- Budget-Friendly: Cheaper than drive-thru, with control over portions and quality.
This Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich recipe is a popular copycat, often rated as spot-on or even better with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients for Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
This recipe makes 4 sandwiches with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4-6 oz each) – Pounded thin for even cooking.
- 1 cup dill pickle juice – From a jar of pickles for authentic flavor.
- 1 large egg – For the wet batter.
- 1/2 cup milk – Whole or buttermilk for richness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – For the breading base.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – Adds subtle sweetness like the original.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For color and mild spice.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To season.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a peppery kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Optional, for extra savoriness.
- Peanut oil for frying (about 2-3 cups) – Or vegetable oil.
- 4 hamburger buns – Buttered and toasted.
- Dill pickle slices – For topping.
Optional: Chick-fil-A sauce (mix mayo, honey, mustard, BBQ sauce, lemon juice) for dipping.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
These easy steps ensure crispy, flavorful results—use a deep fryer or heavy pot for frying.
- Pound the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut if needed to fit buns.
- Marinate: In a zip-top bag, combine chicken and pickle juice. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).
- Prepare Batter: In a bowl, whisk egg and milk. In another, mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from brine (discard brine). Dip in egg mixture, then dredge in flour mix, pressing to coat. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Fry: Heat peanut oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot. Fry chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble: Butter and toast buns. Place chicken on bottom bun, top with 2-3 pickle slices, and add top bun.
Pro Tip: Double-dip in egg and flour for extra crunch.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
Nutritional Information for Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (Per Sandwich)
Based on one sandwich, this Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich recipe is a satisfying meal. Nutrition is approximate and based on standard ingredients; values may vary.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 440 kcal | 22% |
| Total Fat | 19g | 24% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 1350mg | 59% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 6g | – |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. High in protein from chicken; for lower sodium, reduce salt in breading.
Tips for the Best Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
- Use Peanut Oil: It gives the authentic high smoke point and flavor—substitute canola if allergic.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature for crispiness.
- Marinate Longer: Overnight for deeper pickle flavor, but not more than 24 hours.
- Test Oil Temp: Use a thermometer; too low makes it greasy, too high burns the coating.
- Air Fry Option: For less oil, air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Variations on This Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne to breading or use hot sauce in the egg wash.
- Grilled Chicken: Skip frying—grill marinated chicken for a lighter option.
- Deluxe: Add American cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
- Nuggets: Cut chicken into bites, follow steps, and serve with sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and buns.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Consume within 2 hours.
- Refrigerator: Store assembled sandwiches wrapped for up to 2 days; reheat chicken separately.
- Freezer: Freeze breaded (unfried) chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw and fry as directed.
- Reheating: Oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fryer for crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe
What makes Chick-fil-A chicken so crispy?
The pickle brine tenderizes, and pressure-frying (or deep-frying at home) seals in juices while crisping the breading.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, but it won’t be as crispy.
Is pickle juice necessary?
It’s key for the tangy flavor—don’t skip it, but apple cider vinegar brine works in a pinch.
How to make the sauce?
Mix 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tsp BBQ sauce, and 1 tsp lemon juice.
Ready to make this Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich recipe? It’s a fun, flavorful way to enjoy the classic at home. Share your results in the comments—happy frying!