Chick Fil A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

Chick Fil A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe | Delicious

I finally tried making my own chick fil a crispy chicken sandwich copycat recipe at home—and let me tell you, it turned out amazing! I’ve always been obsessed with that golden crunch, the juicy chicken inside, and that slightly sweet pickle tang. After a few tries, I’ve perfected the balance between crispy and tender.

The secret? The right marinade, a double coating, and just the right oil temperature. If you’re craving that signature sandwich, you can now enjoy it fresh from your kitchen or try something similar like this Hot Honey Chicken and Biscuits Recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect copycat Chick-fil-A crispy chicken sandwich—and why each one matters.

• 4 chicken breast halves — pick plump, fresh chicken for juicier results. Pound lightly for even cooking.
• ½ cup pickle juice — this is the signature Chick-fil-A trick; it tenderizes the meat and adds flavor.
• ¼ cup water — helps balance the acidity of the pickle juice.
• ½ cup milk — helps the coating stick better to the chicken.
• 1 large egg — adds structure to the batter and locks in moisture.
• Oil for frying — use peanut oil if possible; it gives that authentic Chick-fil-A taste and crisp texture.
• 4 hamburger buns — soft, buttery brioche buns work best.
• Pickle slices, lettuce, tomato slices, and cheese slices — for classic sandwich toppings.

For the breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour — forms the crunchy base coating.
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar — a little sweetness balances the salty, spicy breading.
• ½ teaspoon paprika — adds smoky flavor and color.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper — enhances flavor with a mild bite.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder — a subtle kick of heat.
• ½ teaspoon salt — brings everything together.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder — helps the crust puff up lightly.
• 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional) — for those who love extra spice.

For the homemade sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise — creamy base for the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard — adds tang and depth.
• 3 teaspoons of yellow mustard — gives that signature sandwich flavor.
• 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce — smoky and slightly sweet note.
• 2 tablespoons honey — balances the spice with sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder — subtle savory flavor.
• ½ teaspoon paprika — adds color and mild warmth.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice — brightens up the sauce beautifully.

Note: This recipe makes about 4 sandwiches.

Variations

Here are some easy ways to customize your Chick-fil-A copycat sandwich:

• Dairy-Free: Replace milk with oat, soy, or almond milk. Skip the cheese or use dairy-free slices.
• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg wash for a fiery kick.
• Healthier Version: Air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying—it stays crispy with less oil.
• Sugar-Free: Omit the powdered sugar and replace honey with a sugar-free syrup.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of garlic salt or smoked paprika to your flour mix for even more punch—or explore a similar twist like this Hot Honey Chicken Breast Recipe.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Mixing bowls: For marinating, breading, and preparing the sauce.
• Zip-lock bag or shallow dish: Ideal for marinating chicken in the pickle juice.
• Deep fryer or large skillet: For frying the chicken until perfectly crisp.
• Tongs: To flip and remove chicken without damaging the crust.
• Wire rack or paper towels: To drain excess oil after frying.
• Whisk: For mixing the egg wash and sauce.

How to Make Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breast halves in a zip-lock bag with pickle juice and water. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step keeps the meat juicy and gives it that signature tangy flavor. Don’t skip this part—it’s key to recreating the original taste.

Prepare the Breading and Egg Wash

In one bowl, whisk together milk and egg. In another, combine flour, powdered sugar, paprika, pepper, chili powder, salt, baking powder, and cayenne (if using). This double bowl system will create that crispy double coating.

Coat the Chicken

Remove the marinated chicken and pat it dry with a paper towel. Dip each piece into the egg wash, then coat it in the flour mix. Repeat this one more time—egg wash, then flour. That double dip is what gives you the crunchiest crust possible.

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry each chicken piece for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Place the chicken on a wire rack or paper towel to drain any extra oil.

Assemble the Sandwich

Lightly toast your buns. Spread the homemade sauce on both sides, then layer on the crispy chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Press lightly to hold everything together and serve warm.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few things I learned while making it that you might find helpful:

• Let the chicken rest for a minute before assembling to keep the breading crisp.
• Always check the oil temperature—it should stay around 350°F for even frying.
• Use peanut oil for the closest Chick-fil-A flavor, but canola or vegetable oil also work.
• Toasting the buns adds a delicious buttery crunch and helps prevent sogginess.
• Make extra sauce! It’s so good, you’ll want more for dipping your fries.
• For a lighter bite, try brioche buns—they’re soft, sweet, and complement the crispy chicken perfectly.

How to Serve Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Serve your sandwich with waffle fries or seasoned potato wedges for that authentic fast-food feel. A side of coleslaw or fresh salad also pairs beautifully for balance. For presentation, slice the sandwich in half at an angle to show off the layers of golden crust, melted cheese, and bright toppings. Garnish with extra pickle slices or a drizzle of sauce on the plate to make it Instagram-worthy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per sandwich:

• Calories: ~579 kcal
• Protein: ~21 g
• Carbohydrates: ~62 g
• Fat: ~27 g

These numbers may vary depending on the oil you use and the size of your chicken breasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Store leftover chicken separately from the buns in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked chicken fillets on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in an air fryer at 370°F for 8–10 minutes or bake in the oven at 400°F until crispy. Avoid the microwave—it softens the bread. Toast buns just before serving for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sandwich is everything you love about Chick-fil-A—made fresher, cheaper, and customizable right in your kitchen.

• Restaurant Quality at Home: It tastes just like the real thing, maybe even better when it’s fresh off the stove.
• Totally Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add toppings, or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
• Easy and Quick: You’ll have this ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love the balance of crunchy, juicy, and sweet.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make the chicken ahead of time and assemble fresh whenever cravings hit.

This Chick-fil-A crispy chicken sandwich copycat recipe truly brings restaurant magic into your home kitchen. It’s golden, crunchy, tender, and packed with flavor. I’ve made it several times now, and it never fails to impress family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how close it tastes to the real thing (maybe even better)!

Ben Carraoli

Chick Fil A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

I finally tried making my own chick fil a crispy chicken sandwich copycat recipe at home—and let me tell you, it turned out amazing! I’ve always been obsessed with that golden crunch, the juicy chicken inside, and that slightly sweet pickle tang. After a few tries, I’ve perfected the balance between crispy and tender.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breast halves — pick plump fresh chicken for juicier results. Pound lightly for even cooking.
• ½ cup pickle juice — this is the signature Chick-fil-A trick; it tenderizes the meat and adds flavor.
• ¼ cup water — helps balance the acidity of the pickle juice.
• ½ cup milk — helps the coating stick better to the chicken.
• 1 large egg — adds structure to the batter and locks in moisture.
• Oil for frying — use peanut oil if possible; it gives that authentic Chick-fil-A taste and crisp texture.
• 4 hamburger buns — soft buttery brioche buns work best.
• Pickle slices lettuce, tomato slices, and cheese slices — for classic sandwich toppings.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour — forms the crunchy base coating.
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar — a little sweetness balances the salty spicy breading.
• ½ teaspoon paprika — adds smoky flavor and color.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper — enhances flavor with a mild bite.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder — a subtle kick of heat.
• ½ teaspoon salt — brings everything together.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder — helps the crust puff up lightly.
• 1 –2 teaspoons cayenne pepper optional — for those who love extra spice.
• ½ cup mayonnaise — creamy base for the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard — adds tang and depth.
• 3 teaspoons of yellow mustard — gives that signature sandwich flavor.
• 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce — smoky and slightly sweet note.
• 2 tablespoons honey — balances the spice with sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder — subtle savory flavor.
• ½ teaspoon paprika — adds color and mild warmth.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice — brightens up the sauce beautifully.

Method

 

1. Place the chicken breast halves in a zip-lock bag with pickle juice and water. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step keeps the meat juicy and gives it that signature tangy flavor. Don’t skip this part—it’s key to recreating the original taste.
2. In one bowl, whisk together milk and egg. In another, combine flour, powdered sugar, paprika, pepper, chili powder, salt, baking powder, and cayenne (if using). This double bowl system will create that crispy double coating.
3. Remove the marinated chicken and pat it dry with a paper towel. Dip each piece into the egg wash, then coat it in the flour mix. Repeat this one more time—egg wash, then flour. That double dip is what gives you the crunchiest crust possible.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry each chicken piece for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Place the chicken on a wire rack or paper towel to drain any extra oil.
5. Lightly toast your buns. Spread the homemade sauce on both sides, then layer on the crispy chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Press lightly to hold everything together and serve warm.

Notes

• Let the chicken rest for a minute before assembling to keep the breading crisp.
• Always check the oil temperature—it should stay around 350°F for even frying.
• Use peanut oil for the closest Chick-fil-A flavor, but canola or vegetable oil also work.
• Toasting the buns adds a delicious buttery crunch and helps prevent sogginess.
• Make extra sauce! It’s so good, you’ll want more for dipping your fries.
• For a lighter bite, try brioche buns—they’re soft, sweet, and complement the crispy chicken perfectly.