Description
This Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat perfectly replicates the classic, beloved sandwich with juicy, marinated chicken fried to crispy perfection and topped with homemade Chick-Fil-A sauce. It’s an easy yet flavorful recipe that brings the iconic American fast-food experience to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying (about 2-3 cups)
Breading
- 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 spicy chicken sandwich)
For Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- Pickle slices
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Cheese slices
Chick-fil-A Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce (hickory flavor preferred)
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine the pickle juice and water in a ziplock bag. Add the chicken breast halves and marinate for 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Make the Chick-fil-A sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare breading mixtures: In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, paprika, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
- Heat the oil: Pour 2-3 cups of oil into a large saucepan and heat to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each marinated chicken breast first into the milk and egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture. Repeat this “double-dip” coating by dipping back into the egg mixture and flour again to ensure a crispy crust.
- Pan fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Toast buns and assemble sandwich: Lightly toast the hamburger buns. Spread Chick-fil-A sauce evenly on both the top and bottom buns. Layer with lettuce, tomato, cheese slices, pickles, and the crispy chicken breast. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Air Fryer option: Preheat air fryer to 370ºF. Grease basket and place coated chicken breasts inside. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray. Cook for 11-13 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
- Baked option: Preheat oven to 450ºF. Place coated chicken breasts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil. Bake for 12 minutes, flip, and bake another 15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Spicy variation: Add 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper to the flour breading mixture to make the chicken spicy. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Use gluten-free flour, gluten-free BBQ sauce, and gluten-free buns to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
