The Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich brings the famous fast-food flavor to your own kitchen. With a perfectly crispy, seasoned chicken breast served on a soft buttered bun and topped with pickles, this sandwich is the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken and savory crunch. The key to this recipe is marinating the chicken in pickle juice and buttermilk, which infuses it with flavor and ensures tenderness. Whether you’re skipping the drive-thru or simply craving a homemade version of this beloved classic, this recipe delivers that iconic Chick-fil-A taste right at home.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Peanut oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
For the Sandwich:
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- Butter, for toasting
- Dill pickle slices
- Optional: lettuce, tomato, or cheese
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two thinner pieces (or pound to an even thickness). In a bowl, combine the pickle juice and buttermilk. Add the chicken pieces, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Set aside on a plate and let the breading adhere for 10 minutes.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- Toast the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast in a skillet or under a broiler until golden.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the fried chicken on the bottom bun, top with pickle slices, and add the top bun. Add optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or cheese, if desired.
This homemade version of the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich will satisfy your cravings with a crispy, flavorful bite, all in the comfort of your own kitchen!
