Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Copycat Recipe)

Make a crispy chicken sandwich at home with juicy marinated chicken, a golden crunchy coating, toasted buns, fresh toppings, and homemade Chick-fil-A sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or game day.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 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
• Pickles, lettuce, tomato, and cheese slices (for topping)

For the breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional, for spicy chicken)

For the Chick-fil-A sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce (hickory recommended)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a zip-top bag, combine pickle juice and water. Add chicken breasts and marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice. Set aside.
3. Prepare breading: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, paprika, pepper, chili powder, salt, baking powder, and optional cayenne.
4. Prepare egg wash: In a separate bowl, whisk milk and egg until smooth.
5. Bread the chicken: Heat 2–3 cups of oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Dip each marinated chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture. Repeat the process (double-dip) for an extra crispy crust.
6. Fry: Place chicken into hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
7. Assemble: Toast buns lightly. Spread Chick-fil-A sauce on both sides, then layer lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and fried chicken. Serve immediately.

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Tips

• Pound chicken breasts evenly for quicker, even cooking.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F for crisp results.
• Double-dipping is key to achieving the signature crunchy crust.
• Rest fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Sandwich: Add cayenne pepper to the breading or a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash.
• Grilled Version: Skip the breading and fry; marinate and grill the chicken instead.
• Bun Swap: Use brioche buns or potato rolls for a softer, bakery-style sandwich.
• Dairy-Free: Replace milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, fry the chicken in advance and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes before serving.

What oil is best for frying?
Peanut oil is traditional, but vegetable or canola oil works just as well.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes — bake breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I know the chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with waffle fries or sweet potato fries for the classic fast-food experience.
• Add a side of coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad.
• Serve with extra pickles and sauce for dipping.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich has juicy marinated chicken, a crispy golden crust, and the famous tangy-sweet sauce. It’s a family favorite that tastes just like the restaurant version but made fresh at home.