Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 sandwiches
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Calories
579 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat
Description
The Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat recipe starts by marinating chicken breasts in a pickle juice and water mixture to add moisture and tang. The chicken is then coated twice by dipping first in an egg wash and then in a seasoned flour mix containing powdered sugar, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and optionally cayenne pepper for added spice. This double-dipping process creates a thick, crispy breading when pan-fried in hot oil. The chicken cooks through in just a few minutes per side, developing a golden crust while maintaining juicy meat inside.
The sandwich assembly includes toasting the hamburger buns and slathering both sides with a homemade Chick-fil-A sauce made from mayonnaise, Dijon and yellow mustards, barbecue sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice. Toppings of pickles, lettuce, tomato, and cheese add freshness, tang, and creaminess to balance the fried chicken. Together, these elements recreate the distinctive taste and texture of the Chick-Fil-A classic sandwich.
The recipe also offers alternative cooking methods such as air frying and baking for a less oily option. Spice lovers can add cayenne pepper to the breading for heat, and gluten-free adaptations are possible by selecting suitable flours, BBQ sauce, and buns. This sandwich works well for casual meals or when craving a homemade version of a popular fast-food favorite.
Preheat fryer to 370ºF when air frying or oven to 450ºF for baking as alternative cooking methods.To add spice, include 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and adjust for individual sandwiches if desired.For gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour, BBQ sauce, and buns accordingly.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- cooking oil for frying
- 4 Hamburger Bun
- pickle for topping, slices
- lettuce
- tomato
- cheese
For the breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper *optional, for a spicy chicken sandwich
For the Chick-fil-A-sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoon barbecue sauce (hickory tastes the best)
- 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.
- Make the sauce: Make the Chick-fil-A sauce by combining all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Next, in a large bowl mix the breading ingredients together: flour, powdered sugar, paprika, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl mix the milk, and egg.
- Add 2-3 cups of oil to a large saucepan and heat oil to about 350 degrees F.
- Coat the chicken: Dip the marinated chicken into the egg mixture, and then coat in the flour breading mixture. Now "double-dip" by repeating this step and dipping that same chicken tender back into the egg mixture and then back into the flour again!
- Pan fry: Place chicken in hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove to paper towel to dry.
- Assemble Sandwich: Toast the sandwich buns. Grab the Chick-fil-A sauce and smooth it on both sides of the buns. Top with lettuce, cheese, and crispy chicken! Enjoy!
Notes
- Preheat air fryer to 370ºF and lightly grease basket; cook coated chicken for 11-13 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For oven baking, bake coated chicken on a wire rack at 450ºF for 12 minutes, flip, then bake 15 minutes more until cooked through.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount in breading for desired spice level, coating kids' sandwiches without heat and adults' with it.
- Use gluten-free flour, BBQ sauce, and buns for a gluten-free sandwich adaptation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4sandwiches
Amount Per Serving
Calories 579 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 579kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 88mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 1286mg | 54% |
| Potassium | 391mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 525IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 1.7mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 147mg | 15% |
| Iron | 3.7mg | 21% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.