Master the art of the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, where pickle juice-marinated chicken meets a crispy, golden breading, bringing the fast-food favorite into your home.
This Southern gem, adored across the nation, is perfect for picnics, game days, and family feasts. Achieve the signature crunch by frying the chicken in hot oil at 350 degrees, and complete the experience with homemade Chick-fil-A sauce and a special blend of spices.
This recipe guarantees a deliciously comforting meal any day of the week, making every bite a celebration of flavor.
Recipe Requirements
- 4 chicken pieces (preferably breast cutlets)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup milk
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 hamburger buns
- dill pickles, for serving
- For the Chick-fil-A sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- For serving (optional):
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce leaves
How to Proceed
- Begin by marinating the chicken. Place the 4 chicken pieces in a ziplock bag and pour in 1 cup of pickle juice. Ensure the chicken is well-coated, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl to make the breading mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 cup milk to create an egg wash.
- Heat 2-3 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350 degrees for deep frying.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, and gently shake off any excess pickle juice. Dredge each piece of chicken in the dry mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture.
- Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil and pan fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is frying, toast the 4 hamburger buns.
- For the homemade Chick-fil-A sauce, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. Assemble the sandwich by placing the fried chicken on the bottom bun, topping it with two dill pickle slices, and spreading the Chick-fil-A sauce on the top bun before serving.
Additional Choices
- For a healthier option, you can air fry the breaded chicken at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Feel free to add lettuce, tomato, or cheese for additional flavor and texture.
- Dietary substitutions could include using gluten-free flour for the breading and almond milk in place of regular milk.
- To make a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chili powder to the flour mixture.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 500 per sandwich
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 24g
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Note: Nutritional content may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Tips to Follow
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure it absorbs the flavors, making it more tender and juicy.
- Use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature consistent at 350 degrees for the perfect golden crust.
- After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- To keep the sandwich warm until serving, place the cooked chicken in an oven set to a low temperature.
- If you're using an air fryer, preheat it for a few minutes before adding the chicken to ensure even cooking
Equipment Requirements
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Wire rack and baking sheet
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Ziplock bag for marinating
- Thermometer (for checking oil temperature)
Prep Time
Preparation time will take approximately 45 minutes, including 30 minutes for marinating and 15 minutes for breading and frying. Add an extra 5-10 minutes if you are creating the homemade Chick-fil-A sauce and toasting the hamburger buns.
Preparing the Perfect Dish
When it comes to presentation, the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich should be the star of the plate. Serve it on a lightly toasted, buttered bun with two pickles for that authentic touch. Place the sandwich on a clean, white dish to make the golden-brown chicken stand out. If you're aiming for an extra crunch, consider toasting the bun on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to degrees f for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with waffle fries or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a lemonade or iced tea to complement the flavors.
How to Store
Leftover Chick-fil-A-style chicken sandwiches can be stored effectively to maintain their quality. Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. If using an air fryer, you can reheat the sandwiches for about 12 minutes to restore the crispiness of the chicken.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Do not freeze the prepared sandwiches as this can affect the texture of the bread and chicken.
Recipe Notes
Incorporating personal touches into this recipe can make all the difference.
- Consider using an air fryer for a less-oily option; bake the chicken at degrees f for about 15 minutes.
- Seasonal variations: Add a slice of tomato and lettuce during summer for a fresh twist.
How does Chick-fil-A make their chicken taste so good?
Chick-fil-A's chicken is known for its unique and delicious taste, largely due to its preparation process. The secret behind the flavorful Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich involves marinating the chicken breast in pickle juice.
This step not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a distinctive tangy flavor many love. The marinated chicken is then coated in a seasoned breading mixture, which includes a variety of dry ingredients that add to its taste and texture.
They fry the coated chicken to achieve that characteristic crunch and flavor. Many have tried to replicate this process at home with a copycat Chick-fil-A chicken recipe, aiming to recreate the delicious taste of the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.
Does Chick-fil-A put MSG in their sandwiches?
Yes, Chick-fil-A does include MSG (monosodium glutamate) in the seasoning of their chicken sandwiches. MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly used in the food industry to bring out the savory taste of dishes.
In the case of the Chick-fil-A sandwich, MSG contributes to its distinctive taste, making the chicken more flavorful. While some people may have concerns about MSG, it is approved for use in food by the FDA and is a key ingredient in making the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich taste like it does.
For those looking to replicate the flavor at home, including MSG in the dry ingredients of a copycat recipe can help achieve a taste similar to the original Chick-fil-A sandwich.
Chick Fil a Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Wire rack and baking sheet
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Ziplock bag for marinating
- Thermometer (for checking oil temperature)
Ingredients
- 4 chicken pieces (preferably breast cutlets)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup milk
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 hamburger buns
- dill pickles, for serving
- For the Chick-fil-A sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- For serving (optional):
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Begin by marinating the chicken. Place the 4 chicken pieces in a ziplock bag and pour in 1 cup of pickle juice. Ensure the chicken is well-coated, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl to make the breading mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 cup milk to create an egg wash.
- Heat 2-3 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350 degrees for deep frying.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, and gently shake off any excess pickle juice. Dredge each piece of chicken in the dry mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture.
- Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil and pan fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is frying, toast the 4 hamburger buns.
- For the homemade Chick-fil-A sauce, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. Assemble the sandwich by placing the fried chicken on the bottom bun, topping it with two dill pickle slices, and spreading the Chick-fil-A sauce on the top bun before serving.
Additional Choices
- For a healthier option, you can air fry the breaded chicken at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Feel free to add lettuce, tomato, or cheese for additional flavor and texture.
- Dietary substitutions could include using gluten-free flour for the breading and almond milk in place of regular milk.
- To make a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chili powder to the flour mixture.
Notes
- Consider using an air fryer for a less-oily option; bake the chicken at degrees f for about 15 minutes.
- Seasonal variations: Add a slice of tomato and lettuce during summer for a fresh twist.
More Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes
Chick Fil A Coleslaw Recipe
Chick-fil-A Biscuit Recipe
Chick-fil-A Lemonade Recipe
Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade Recipe
Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe
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