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Crispy Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

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A simple and reliable copycat recipe for the iconic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, featuring juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, golden crust and a subtle hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Peanut oil or canola oil for frying (enough to fill pan 2-3 inches deep)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 4 hamburger buns, buttered and toasted
  • 4 dill pickle slices
  • Optional: lettuce, tomato slices, or cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken brine by whisking together dill pickle juice, whole milk, and kosher salt in a large bowl until salt dissolves. Add pounded chicken breasts, fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  2. In a separate shallow bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
  3. Beat the eggs in another bowl until smooth.
  4. Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
  5. Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture. Press flour onto chicken to create a thick coating and shake off excess.
  6. Pour peanut oil into a skillet to a depth of 2-3 inches and heat over medium-high heat to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
  7. Carefully place chicken breasts in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C).
  8. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Butter and toast hamburger buns until golden and slightly crispy.
  10. Assemble sandwiches by placing chicken breast on bottom bun, topping with dill pickle slices, and covering with top bun. Add optional lettuce or tomato if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly before breading to prevent slipping. Maintain oil temperature at 350Β°F for best crust. Use a wire rack to drain fried chicken to keep it crispy. Toast buns while frying chicken for perfect timing. For gluten-free, substitute flour and buns accordingly. Peanut oil adds authentic flavor but can be substituted with canola or vegetable oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A, chicken sandwich, copycat recipe, crispy chicken, fried chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe