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

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A homemade copycat recipe for the iconic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich featuring brined, crispy fried chicken breasts served on buttery toasted buns with pickles. Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness (about 6–8 ounces/170-225g each)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk or buttermilk
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for brine)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2–3 cups (480–720 ml) peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 4 soft, slightly sweet hamburger buns (brioche style preferred)
  • 8 pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and pour in the pickle juice and 1/2 cup of water. Add a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, pour the milk or buttermilk.
  4. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
  5. Dip each chicken breast into the milk, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the flour in firmly to form a thick coating. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Pour oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm). Heat to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry 2 chicken breasts at a time for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding.
  8. Remove chicken and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Butter the insides of the buns and toast in a clean skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy.
  10. Assemble the sandwich by placing the chicken breast on the bottom bun, topping with 2 pickle slices, and covering with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh, firm chicken breasts and good-quality pickle juice for best flavor. Let the coated chicken rest before frying to help the batter stick. Drain on a wire rack to keep crust crisp. Use peanut oil for authentic flavor and high smoke point. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use almond or coconut milk and dairy-free buns. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness; reheat in toaster oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

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

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