Copycat Chick Fil A Chicken Sandwich Recipe

I was excited to bring together unexpected flavors to recreate a memorable chicken feast. My twist on Chicken Sandwich Recipes mixes tangy pickle juice marinated chicken with a crisp, spiced batter and golden frying. Let me share my journey with this delicious creation, a refreshing take on a much-loved classic.

I’ve been tweaking this copycat Chick Fil A Chicken Sandwich for a while and finally nailed the perfect balance of flavors. I start with 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, marinated in 1/2 cup dill pickle juice to punch up that tang right from the start.

Then, I whip up a simple batter using 1 large egg, 1 cup milk, and 1 cup all-purpose flour mixed with powdered sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Once the chicken’s dipped in this mix, it’s fried to crispy perfection using just enough vegetable oil.

The standout moment comes when the crispy chicken meets the zing of 2 dill pickle slices sandwiched between buttered buns. Its a twist on classic chicken sandwich recipes that brings a bit of that copycat restaurant vibe while keeping things homegrown and real.

Trust me, its all about that perfect crunch and flavor punch in every bite.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the marinade with pickle juice gives the chicken this awesome, tangy kick that makes every bite really pop. Also, the crispy, crunchy coating, thanks to the mix of flour, powdered sugar, and spices, is super satisfying, and I just love how golden it turns out when it’s fried. I appreciate how easy it is to follow the recipe even though it feels like a win when I make it at home; it kinda reminds me of a fast-food classic but with my own twist. Lastly, the combination of the bun, butter, and that dill pickle slice on top works perfectly together and makes the whole sandwich experience feel special every time.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: lean protein source that makes the sandwich filling and tasty.
• Dill pickle juice: adds a tangy sour kick thats great for marinating the meat.
• Egg: helps bind the crunchy coating during frying while packing a protein punch.
• Milk: smooth, creamy addition that creates a light, crispy batter for frying.
• Flour: supplies carbs and gives a satisfying crunch to the chicken coating.
• Powdered sugar: offers a mild sweetness, balancing the savory and tangy flavors.
• Pickle slices: add extra tanginess and crunch, perfect for finishing the sandwich.
• Vegetable oil: provides heat conduction that crisps up the breading for ultimate crunch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil (enough for frying)
• 2 dill pickle slices
• 2 sandwich buns (buttered)

How to Make this

1. Pound the chicken breasts a bit to get an even thickness and then place them in a bowl with the pickle juice. Marinate for at least 30 minutes so they soak up that tangy flavor.

2. In a small bowl, beat together the egg and milk until they’re all mixed up.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir it well.

4. Remove each piece of chicken from the pickle juice and dip them first in the egg-milk mixture and then coat them well in the flour mixture.

5. Heat enough vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking.

6. Fry the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

7. Once done, transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain off any extra oil.

8. Butter the inside of each sandwich bun evenly.

9. Place the fried chicken on a bun and add a dill pickle slice on top.

10. Put the other half of the bun on and serve immediately, enjoying your homemade Copycat Chick Fil-A Chicken Sandwich!

Equipment Needed

1. Meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts
2. Large bowl for marinating the chicken in pickle juice
3. Small bowl for beating the egg and milk together
4. Another bowl for mixing the flour, powdered sugar, and spices
5. Whisk or fork to blend the egg and milk mixture
6. Frying pan or skillet for frying the chicken
7. Tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken pieces
8. Kitchen thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F
9. Plate lined with paper towels for draining extra oil
10. Butter knife for spreading butter on the sandwich buns

FAQ

Copycat Chick Fil A Chicken Sandwich Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have dill pickle juice, you could use lemon juice or white vinegar mixed with a bit of water to mimic the tangy flavor kinda similar to pickle juice.
• You can swap the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with chicken tenderloins or flattened cutlets which might cook quicker and still give great flavor.
• If you’re out of all-purpose flour, try using a mix of cornstarch and gluten-free flour; it helps achieve that crispy coating too.
• Instead of vegetable oil, you can use peanut oil or canola oil because they heat up well and work fine for frying.

Pro Tips

1. Try pounding the chicken really evenly so the marinade soaks in all parts and the pieces cook at the same rate.
2. Make sure you dip the chicken thoroughly in the egg and milk so the flour mix sticks well; sometimes I find it’s better to dip it a second time if it looks a bit dry.
3. When frying, test the oil by dropping a little bit of the batter in – if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go; if not, let the oil heat up more.
4. After frying, let the chicken sit on paper towels a bit longer so it drains off extra oil and stays as crisp as possible.