Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwhich copycat
If you’ve ever craved the iconic Chick-fil-A crispy chicken sandwich but couldn’t make it out to the drive-thru, this Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich copycat recipe is about to become your new favorite! Juicy, tender chicken marinated in pickle juice, perfectly fried to golden perfection, and served on a soft hamburger bun with all the classic toppings. You can easily recreate this beloved sandwich at home with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich copycat recipe! First, it captures the deliciousness of the original, from the crispy crust to the savory flavor. Second, you can customize it to your liking with your favorite toppings. Plus, making it at home means you can enjoy it any time you want. And let’s not forget the joy of cooking—there’s something truly satisfying about preparing your food from scratch!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 4 chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying
- 4 hamburger buns
- Pickle, lettuce, tomato, and cheese slices, for topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy chicken sandwich)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce (hickory tastes the best)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Cook’s Kit
- Large mixing bowl for marinating the chicken
- Deep frying pan or Dutch oven for frying
- Meat tenderizer or rolling pin to flatten the chicken
- Thermometer to ensure oil temperature is perfect
- Wire rack for draining fried chicken
Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwhich copycat in Steps
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by marinating the chicken breast halves. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pickle juice and water. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined. This will be used to dip the chicken before coating it in the flour mixture.
Step 3: Make the Flour Coating
In another large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, paprika, black pepper, chili powder, salt, baking powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will give the chicken its signature crispy coating.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, pour in enough oil for frying (about 2 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for perfect frying.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the pickle juice mixture and pat dry with paper towels. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a wire rack to drain the excess oil after frying.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich
Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the bottom bun, followed by the fried chicken, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and cheese slices. Top with the other half of the bun.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the sandwiches warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy the incredible taste of your homemade Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich copycat!
Swap Guide
- For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
- Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- For a vegan option, replace chicken with a plant-based alternative and use aquafaba instead of the egg.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
- If the chicken is not crispy, ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying.
- If the coating falls off, make sure the chicken is dry before dredging in the flour mixture.
- Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches for the best results.
- If the chicken is overcooked, adjust your frying time based on the size of the chicken breasts.
How to Store & Reheat
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help regain some of the crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes for that fresh-fried texture.
Common Questions
Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the fried chicken after it has cooled completely. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with my sandwich?
This sandwich pairs perfectly with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra kick.
How do I make the sauce for the sandwich?
For a delicious sauce, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice. Adjust the ingredients to your taste for a creamy and tangy spread!
Can I make this sandwich in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the chicken with oil and air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked and golden brown.
Final Bite
Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy chicken sandwich, bursting with flavor and served with your favorite toppings. This Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich copycat recipe captures all the magic of the original, with the added bonus of being made right in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it for a cozy night in, this sandwich is sure to impress.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to the homemade version of a fast-food classic that you can enjoy without leaving home. You might just find that this Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich copycat becomes a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwhich copycat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by marinating the chicken breast halves. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pickle juice and water. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined. This will be used to dip the chicken before coating it in the flour mixture.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, paprika, black pepper, chili powder, salt, baking powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will give the chicken its signature crispy coating.
- In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, pour in enough oil for frying (about 2 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for perfect frying.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the pickle juice mixture and pat dry with paper towels. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
- Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a wire rack to drain the excess oil after frying.
- Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the bottom bun, followed by the fried chicken, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and cheese slices. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve the sandwiches warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy the incredible taste of your homemade Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich copycat!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
