Homemade Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

Recreating the beloved chick-fil-a copycat chicken sandwich at home delivers restaurant-quality flavor with zero hassle.

Crispy, golden-brown breading locks in succulent chicken that rivals the original fast-food favorite.

Brining the meat ensures maximum juiciness and tenderness before coating with seasoned flour.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and tender interior that makes this sandwich irresistible.

The secret lies in a carefully crafted buttermilk marinade and precise breading technique.

Spicy pickle brine and a blend of classic seasonings elevate this homemade version to new heights.

Serving Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe Right

• Pickle Perfection: Enhance the sandwich's tangy flavor by adding extra dill pickle slices for a signature Chick-fil-A crunch and zesty bite.
• Spicy Twist: Drizzle hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños for those craving an extra kick of heat and excitement on their crispy chicken sandwich.
• Side Companion Delight: Pair the sandwich with classic waffle fries, a refreshing coleslaw, or a light garden salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the crispy chicken's richness.
• Dipping Adventure: Serve alongside honey mustard, ranch, or signature Chick-fil-A sauce for those who love exploring different flavor combinations and enjoy dipping their crispy chicken.

Keeping Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe Fresh

• Quick Cooling Technique: Let the crispy chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms, allowing excess oil to drip away naturally.
• Refrigeration Shield: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container, separating chicken from buns to prevent moisture buildup, keeping ingredients fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Revival: Revive cold chicken in an air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes to restore crunchiness, avoiding microwave methods that can turn breading soggy and compromise texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare breaded chicken pieces separately, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals, maintaining quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 3

Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe Ingredients

• Pickle Juice: Tenderizes and infuses tangy flavor into chicken, choose high-quality dill pickle juice for best results.

• Milk, Egg: Helps breading adhere smoothly, use whole milk for richer coating and fresh eggs at room temperature.

• All-Purpose Flour, Powdered Sugar: Creates crispy, golden exterior with subtle sweetness, sift flour to prevent clumping.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Adds depth and subtle heat, use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, freshly ground black pepper provides more robust taste.

• Chicken Breasts: Main protein, select uniform thickness and high-quality chicken for consistent cooking.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft base for sandwich, choose fresh, slightly sweet buns.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor when toasting buns, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.

• Pickle Slices: Classic Chick-fil-A topping, choose crisp dill pickles for authentic taste.

Gear For Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

• Large Skillet or Deep Fryer: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.
• Shallow Dishes: Two are needed for creating the wet and dry breading mixtures.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending egg and milk smoothly and combining dry ingredients.
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Great for pounding chicken to an even thickness.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for patting chicken dry before breading.
• Wire Rack or Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely handling and turning chicken in hot oil.

How To Make Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

• Pickle Juice Bath

Tenderize chicken breasts and soak them in tangy pickle juice. This secret technique infuses incredible flavor and keeps the meat super juicy.

• Magical Coating Preparation

Create a special blend of flour, powdered sugar, and spices that will transform ordinary chicken into a crispy masterpiece. The combination of ingredients ensures a perfectly seasoned crunch.

• Dredging Dance

Coat each chicken piece in a mesmerizing layering process. The double-dip technique guarantees a thick, golden exterior that’ll make mouths water.

• Sizzling Transformation

Submerge the coated chicken in hot oil, allowing it to turn a stunning golden brown. Each piece will emerge crispy, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious.

• Sandwich Symphony

Gently toast soft buns and layer with pickles and the perfectly fried chicken. The combination creates a harmony of textures and flavors that rivals the original.

• Delicious Moment

Serve the sandwich immediately while it’s hot and crispy. Enjoy the mouthwatering result of your culinary adventure.

Tasty Tweaks For Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

• Crispy Chicken Sandwich Pro Tips & Variations
• Pickle Juice Magic: Don't skip the pickle juice marinade – it tenderizes the chicken and adds signature tangy flavor that makes this sandwich irresistible. The acid helps break down protein fibers, creating incredibly juicy meat.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap traditional buns with large lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly version. Butter and toast the lettuce edges to maintain that crispy texture without extra carbohydrates.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to personalize heat intensity. Start with a tiny pinch for mild flavor, increase gradually for more adventurous palates who love bold, zesty chicken.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum. Ensure coating consistency remains similar by adding extra cornstarch or rice flour for crispiness.
• Baking Alternative: For health-conscious eaters, bake breaded chicken at 425F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with cooking oil to achieve golden-brown exterior without deep-frying, reducing overall fat content.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich Showstopper

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Crispy Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich replicates the beloved fast-food classic with golden, seasoned breading. Home cooks can easily craft this restaurant favorite using simple ingredients and expert techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to create 4 thin fillets)
• 1 cup dill pickle juice
• ½ cup whole milk (473 ml)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps powdered sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• oil for frying (peanut oil preferred)
• 4 hamburger buns (buttered and toasted)
• dill pickle slices
• lettuce (optional)
• tomato (optional)
• cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Gently tenderize chicken breasts to uniform thickness, creating an optimal surface for crispy coating.
2. Marination: Immerse chicken in pickle juice, refrigerating for 30-60 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
3. Coating Preparation: Craft two-stage breading system – seasoned flour mixture with powdered sugar, paprika, and spices, and a wet blend of milk and egg.
4. Dredging Process: Remove chicken from marinade, thoroughly pat dry. Coat each piece methodically: first in seasoned flour, then egg wash, finally re-dredge in spiced flour, pressing firmly to create substantial textured layer.
5. Frying Technique: Heat oil to precise temperature for consistent golden-brown exterior. Carefully submerge breaded chicken, cooking until deep amber and internal temperature reaches safe levels.
6. Bun Preparation: Lightly butter and toast hamburger buns, developing delicate crispness.
7. Assembly: Position pickle slices on bottom bun, center crispy chicken, and complete with toasted top bun.
8. Serving: Present immediately to preserve peak crispiness and optimal temperature for maximum culinary enjoyment.

Notes

• Pickle Juice Magic: Marinate chicken in pickle juice for 30-60 minutes to unlock incredible tenderness and tangy flavor.
• Precise Breading Technique: Create a three-step coating process – seasoned flour, egg wash, then flour again – pressing firmly to develop a signature crispy exterior.
• Temperature Control Matters: Maintain oil at the perfect frying temperature (around 350-375°F) to ensure golden-brown crust without greasy or undercooked chicken.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow fried chicken to drain on a wire rack for optimal crispiness, preventing soggy bottom and maintaining textural perfection.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg