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Crispy Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe Easy Homemade Copycat Sandwich Tutorial

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A quick and easy homemade copycat of the iconic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich featuring crispy, juicy chicken with a subtle hint of sweetness and spice, perfect for family meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded to an even thickness
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk or buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons pickle juice
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
  • About 2 cups (480 ml) peanut oil for frying (or neutral oil if allergic)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing buns)
  • 2 soft hamburger buns (preferably brioche)
  • Dill pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally, then pound each half to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. In a bowl, combine milk or buttermilk with pickle juice. Submerge chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard (optional), salt, and black pepper.
  4. Heat peanut oil in a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off excess flour.
  6. Carefully place chicken in hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side (6-8 minutes total) until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  7. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Brush buns with melted butter and toast in a skillet or oven until golden and slightly crisp.
  9. Assemble the sandwich by placing the crispy chicken breast on the bottom bun, topping with dill pickle slices, and crowning with the top bun.

Notes

Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F for perfect crispiness. Pat chicken dry before dredging to prevent breading from falling off. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Toast buns with melted butter for added texture and flavor. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free flour and reduce frying time slightly. For dairy-free, use coconut or almond milk and dairy-free butter substitutes.

Nutrition

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