Description
This Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich Recipe perfectly recreates the iconic juicy, tender chicken with a crispy coating using simple ingredients. Ideal for a homemade, budget-friendly meal that satisfies cravings and can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to about ¾ inch thickness
- ½ cup pickle juice
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying (enough for about 1-2 inches deep in skillet)
Assembly
- Butter buns, toasted lightly
- Pickle slices
Instructions
- Brine the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create evenly thick cutlets or pound to about ¾ inch thickness. Submerge the chicken in a mixture of ½ cup milk (or buttermilk) and ½ cup pickle juice. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix well to ensure an even seasoning blend.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine and shake off excess liquid. Dip each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the flour adheres evenly for a crisp coating.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat peanut or vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to about 350°F. Carefully fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Assemble Your Sandwich: Lightly toast buttered buns. Place the fried chicken on the bottom bun, top with pickle slices, then cover with the bun’s top half. Serve immediately for best taste and crispiness.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to get a crispy crust without overcooking.
- Fry in batches to keep oil temperature steady and avoid soggy coating.
- Pickle juice is key for authentic Chick-fil-A flavor and tenderizing.
- Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after frying to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Chick-fil-A copycat, chicken sandwich, fried chicken, homemade fast food, crispy chicken, sandwich recipe