This mouthwatering Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich copycat recipe brings the beloved fast-food favorite right to your kitchen in just 40 minutes. Perfect for satisfying those weekend cravings without leaving home, this homemade version delivers that signature crunch and juicy tenderness we all love.
With 21g of protein and simple prep steps, you’ll master the iconic taste that’s made the original sandwich a nationwide sensation. Plus, making it yourself means you can enjoy this classic comfort food any day of the week – even on Sundays!
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 4 halves, perfect for creating juicy sandwiches
- Pickle Juice: 1/2 cup, essential for that signature tang
- Wet Mix: 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup water
- Buns: 4 hamburger buns, best when lightly toasted
- Toppings: Pickles, lettuce, tomato, cheese slices as desired
Breading Mixture
- Dry Base: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3 Tbsp powdered sugar
- Seasonings: Paprika, black pepper, chili powder, salt (1/2 tsp each)
- Leavening: 1/2 tsp baking powder for extra crispiness
- Heat Option: 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spicy version)
Special Sauce Components
- Base: 1/2 cup mayo, mixed mustards, honey
- Flavoring: Hickory BBQ sauce, garlic powder, paprika, fresh lemon juice
Preparation Steps
- Marination: Soak chicken in pickle juice-water mixture for 30 minutes
- Sauce Prep: Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth and set aside
- Coating Station: Prepare breading mixture in one bowl, egg-milk wash in another
- Double-Dipping: Dip chicken in egg mix, then flour mix, repeat for extra crispiness
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F, cook each piece 3-4 minutes per side until golden
- Assembly: Toast buns, add sauce, layer with chicken and fresh toppings
Cooking Techniques
The secret to getting that perfect Chick-fil-A style crunch lies in the double-dipping method! This extra step creates an amazing crispy coating that stays put. When you’re frying, keep your oil at 350°F – too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks, too cool and your chicken will end up greasy.
A candy thermometer comes in super handy here. If you notice the oil temperature dropping after adding the chicken, just turn up the heat a bit to maintain that sweet spot.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can mix the dry breading ingredients and sauce ahead of time – both keep well in airtight containers for several days.
The pickle juice marinade works its magic in just 30 minutes, but you can prep your chicken in the morning and let it hang out in the fridge all day. Just don’t marinate longer than 24 hours, or the meat might get too soft!
Variations
Want to spice things up? Add the cayenne pepper to your breading for a spicy version. For a lighter option, you can air fry these at 375°F for about 7-8 minutes per side.
Missing an ingredient? Regular yellow mustard can replace Dijon in the sauce, and any type of milk (even buttermilk!) works great in the egg wash. No pickle juice? Use vinegar mixed with a pinch of salt instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sandwiches hot off the pan when they’re super crispy! Set up a fun topping bar with extra sauce, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese slices so everyone can build their perfect sandwich.
Want the full fast-food experience? Pair with waffle fries and a cold lemonade. These sandwiches are perfect for game day parties or casual family dinners!
Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich copycat
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Ziplock bag
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
Chick-fil-A sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: combine the pickle juice and water in a ziplock bag. Add the chicken breast halves and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Make the Chick-fil-A sauce by combining all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large bowl mix the breading ingredients together: flour, powdered sugar, paprika, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and baking powder.
