If you’re familiar with Chick-fil-A you will know that fans of this fast food chain are passionate! So many people, my husband Jeff included, are completely fanatical about their chicken sandwiches! We love them so much that I make this copycat version whenever we get a craving.
I found that the key to getting an extra crispy and delicious coating on the chicken is double-dipping. That’s right, “double dipping” in this instance is allowed and encouraged! You’ll see what I mean when you read the recipe.
I hope you all enjoy this tasty fried sandwich as much as we did. And, the homemade Chick-fil-A sauce we smothered all over it is a must. That stuff is out of this world!
Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat
This Chick-Fil-A crispy chicken sandwich with homemade Chick-Fil-A sauce is the perfect copycat recipe of the classic sandwich we all love!
Prep: 30min
Total: 40min
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 579 kcal, Carbohydrate 62 g, Protein 21 g, Fat 27 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 88 mg, Sodium 1286 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 15 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- oil for frying
- 4 hamburger buns
- Pickle, lettuce, tomato and cheese slices (, for topping)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 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)
- 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
Instruction:
- 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!
Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
These Chicken Sandwiches are crispy on the outside with a juicy center. We’re sharing all of our best tips for making flavorful fried chicken breast with a thick and shaggy crust that crunches when you bite into it.
Prep: 30min
Total: 60min
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 485 kcal, Carbohydrate 46 g, Protein 32 g, Fat 19 g, Saturated Fat 12 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Sodium 1368 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 3 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, halved into 6 cutlets)
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp hot sauce ((we use Frank’s Red Hot brand))
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying – vegetable oil (canola oil or peanut oil)
- 6 burger buns (buttered and toasted)
- 6 green lettuce leaves
- 1 large tomato (sliced)
- 2 dill pickles (sliced into rings)
- Mayonnaise (or your favorite sauce)
Instruction:
- Pound chicken cutlets between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2” thickness so they cook more evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. Add Chicken, turning to coat then cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together breading ingredients: flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder. Remove a piece of chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off and dip chicken into flour mixture, pressing it on with your hands to coat well. Transfer to a wire rack.
- Heat 1 ” oil in a soup pot or dutch oven to 350˚F. Just before frying chicken, dip it into the seasoned flour again for a thick and shaggy exterior.Add chicken, 2 pieces at a time for a smaller pot so you don’t crowd and reduce the temperature of the oil too quickly.
- Place chicken into the oil one by one. Adjust the flame to keep the oil temperature at 300-325˚F. Cook 3-4 minutes on the first side or until browned and crisp then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes on the second side or until cooked through and chicken is browned and crisp all over.
- Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests. The final resting temperature of the chicken should reach 165˚F.
- Lightly butter and toast the cut sides of your buns and build your crispy chicken sandwiches with desired toppings.
20 Chicken Sandwiches to Make at Home
Wondering what to have for lunch? Try these chicken sandwich recipes! From sloppy Joes to paninis to grilled cheese, these sandwiches are hearty, filling, and so good.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Waldorf Salad Sandwich
- Chicken Caprese Sandwich
- Chicken Sloppy Joes
- Classic Chicken Salad
- Buffalo Chicken Panini
- Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich
- Monterey Chicken Sandwiches
- Party-Sized Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Bacon Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken Club with Chipotle Mayo
- Mango Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches
- Chicken Fajita Sandwiches
- Pesto Chicken Sandwich on Sourdough
- Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich with Sriracha Mayo
- Chicken Parmesan Sliders
- Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich (Bánh Mì)
- Grilled Chicken Sandwiches With Cilantro Lime Mayo
- Chicken Enchilada Sliders
- Ranch Chicken and Swiss Sliders
Instruction:
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a chicken sandwich recipe in 30 minutes or less!
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Grilled chicken sandwiches make a simple and tasty weeknight dinner, or a low key weekend meal. Easy and delicious!
Prep: 30min
Total: 36min
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 514 kcal, Carbohydrate 35 g, Protein 20 g, Fat 33 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 57 mg, Sodium 1027 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 15 g, unSaturated Fat 26 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 2 5 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt and pepper if needed
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Sliced red onion
Instruction:
- Place your hand on top of each chicken breast and carefully slice each breast in half, lengthwise. Use kitchen scissors or a knife to trim any excess fat from the chicken.
- In a medium bowl combine the lemon, olive oil, italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper and honey and mix well to combine.
- Place the chicken into a bowl of shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat up a grill, grill pan or cast iron pan to medium heat and add some oil to prevent sticking. Lay the chicken onto the pan and cook each piece for 3 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Continue until you have cooked all 4 pieces of chicken.
- To make the sauce, add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl and mix well to combine into a thick, silky sauce.
- To build the burgers, spread some sauce onto each half of the buns, layer on the lettuce, add the cooked chicken and then top with sliced tomato, red onion and the other half of the bun.
Chicken Sandwich Recipe 2 Ways
FAQ
What goes best on a chicken sandwich?
Buns – We love brioche buns because they are beautiful and add a hint of sweetness. Dill Pickles – slice into rings to put inside the sandwich or serve pickle spears on the side. Tomatoes and onions – thickly slice juicy tomatoes and thinly slice onions into rings.
What is usually in a chicken sandwich?
What does Chick-fil-A use for their chicken sandwiches?
What does Chick-fil-A marinate their chicken in?