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Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich Recipe Easy Homemade with Simple Ingredients to Make on Repeat

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This copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken with a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors using simple pantry staples. It’s easy to make at home and perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied)
  • ½ cup pickle juice
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 brioche buns
  • Dill pickle slices
  • Optional: mayonnaise or Chick-fil-A sauce
  • Butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

  1. Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally almost in half, then open like a book.
  2. Place chicken in a bowl and pour pickle juice and buttermilk over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to coat well. Set aside on a plate.
  5. Pour about 1 inch of peanut or vegetable oil into a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a pinch of flour sizzles on contact.
  6. Carefully place chicken in hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Fry in batches if needed. Use tongs to flip gently.
  7. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or a plate lined with paper towels. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Spread butter on brioche buns and toast them in a dry pan or oven until golden.
  9. Assemble sandwich by layering chicken on bottom bun, adding dill pickle slices, optional mayonnaise or sauce, and topping with the bun.

Notes

Do not skip the pickle juice marinade for signature tangy flavor and juicy chicken. Butterfly chicken evenly for even cooking. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crust and doneness. Press flour coating firmly to help it stick. Rest chicken before assembling to keep crust crisp. Use brioche buns for best flavor and texture. For a spicy version, add cayenne or hot paprika to flour mix or use spicy mayo. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A, copycat recipe, chicken sandwich, fried chicken, homemade, easy recipe, crispy chicken, sandwich