The Secret’s in the Brine
Let me tell you about the pickle juice. It sounds a little funny, I know. But it is the secret first step. Soaking the chicken in that tangy juice makes it so tender and juicy.
It reminds me of my grandson’s face when I first told him. He was so surprised. I still laugh at that. This step matters because it adds flavor deep inside the chicken. It is not just on the outside.
Making the Magic Coating
Now for the crispy part. Do you see the powdered sugar in the flour? That is our little secret. It gives the chicken a hint of sweetness. It also helps it get that perfect golden color.
And do not forget the double-dip. Dip the chicken in the egg, then the flour. Then you do it all over again. This makes the coating extra crunchy. It is worth the little extra time, I promise.
Cooking Your Way
You can fry the chicken in oil on the stove. It gets so crispy. But I know many folks like their air fryers now. That works wonderfully too. The baked version is also great for a lighter meal.
No matter how you cook it, the smell will fill your kitchen. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes everyone hungry. Which cooking method do you like best for chicken? I am always curious.
The Special Sauce
Do not skip the sauce. It is what ties everything together. It is a mix of mayonnaise, honey, mustards, and a few other things. It is sweet, tangy, and a little smoky.
My neighbor asked me for the recipe just last week. She said her kids loved it. *Fun fact: This famous sauce was created by an employee of the restaurant!* Making your own sauce matters. You control what goes in it.
Building Your Perfect Sandwich
Toasting the bun is a small step with a big reward. A toasted bun holds up to the juicy chicken. It does not get soggy. Then slather on that special sauce.
Add your crispy chicken, a pickle slice, and some crisp lettuce. What is your favorite thing to put on a chicken sandwich? I love a slice of tomato from my garden in the summer.
A Meal That Brings Folks Together
I have found that a really good sandwich can make any day better. It is a simple pleasure. Sharing food you made with your own hands is a way to show love.
That is why cooking matters. It is not just about eating. It is about the feeling you get. It is about making memories. What is a meal that always makes you smile? I would love to hear your stories.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast halves | 4 | |
| Pickle juice | 1/2 cup | For marinade |
| Water | 1/4 cup | For marinade |
| Milk | 1/2 cup | |
| Egg | 1 large | |
| Oil | for frying | |
| Hamburger buns | 4 | |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | For breading |
| Powdered sugar | 3 Tablespoons | For breading |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon | For breading |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Freshly ground, for breading |
| Chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon | For breading |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | For breading |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon | For breading |
| Cayenne pepper | 1-2 teaspoons | Optional, for spicy version |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup | For sauce |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | For sauce |
| Yellow mustard | 3 teaspoons | For sauce |
| Barbecue sauce | 2 teaspoons | Hickory flavored recommended, for sauce |
| Honey | 2 Tablespoons | For sauce |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon | For sauce |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon | For sauce |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon | For sauce |
| Pickles, lettuce, tomato, cheese slices | for topping |
My Secret to a Super-Crispy Chicken Sandwich
I have loved a good chicken sandwich since I was a girl. This recipe reminds me of summer picnics with my family. The secret is in the pickle juice, you know. It makes the chicken so tender and juicy. I still laugh at how my grandson’s eyes get so wide when he takes a bite.
Let’s get our hands busy. First, we give the chicken a nice bath. Step 1: Put the pickle juice and water in a bag. Add your chicken pieces and seal it tight. Let it sit for thirty minutes. This is a great time to clean up or set the table. (Hard-learned tip: Don’t marinate it for much longer or it can get a bit mushy!).
Now for the fun part. Step 2: Make the special sauce. Just mix everything in a bowl. Doesn’t that honey and mustard smell amazing together? Give it a good stir until it’s smooth and creamy. Set it aside for later. It’s going to be the star of the show.
Time to make things crispy. Step 3: Mix all the dry breading ingredients in a big bowl. In another bowl, whisk the milk and egg together. This is your glue. It helps the crispy coating stick to the chicken. What’s the secret ingredient that adds a touch of sweetness? Share below!
Here is the real trick. Step 4: Heat your oil in a big pan. You want it nice and hot. Step 5: Dip your chicken in the egg, then the flour. Now, do it all over again! A double dip makes it extra crunchy. I learned that from my friend Betty years ago.
Almost done now. Step 6: Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry it for a few minutes on each side. It should turn a beautiful golden brown. Step 7: Let it rest on a paper towel. Then toast your buns, slather on that sauce, and build your masterpiece. There is nothing better than that first crunchy bite.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Lunch, Dinner
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a good friend. It’s wonderful as it is, but it also loves to play dress-up. You can change it so easily to make it new again. Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix things up in the kitchen.
The Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour. It gives you a little warmth with every single bite. Perfect for a chilly evening.
The Breakfast Swap: Serve your crispy chicken on a warm, buttery biscuit. Add a drizzle of honey. Oh my, it is a heavenly way to start a weekend morning.
The Veggie Delight: No chicken? No problem! Use thick slices of firm tofu or a big portobello mushroom. Marinate it just the same way. You will be so surprised by how good it is.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
The Perfect Plate & Pairings
A great sandwich deserves great friends on the plate. I always think about colors and textures. You want a little bit of everything for a happy meal. It makes dinner feel like a special occasion, even on a Tuesday.
For sides, I love a simple waffle fry. They are fun to dip in that extra sauce. A light, crunchy coleslaw is also wonderful. Or just some sweet potato fries for a different flavor. They all sit so nicely together.
What to drink? A tall, frosty glass of lemonade is my go-to. It cuts through the richness perfectly. For the grown-ups, a crisp lager beer is a classic pairing. It just feels right. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Sandwich Crispy
Let’s talk about keeping your chicken sandwich tasty. You can store the cooked chicken in the fridge for three days. Just place it in a sealed container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat.
You can also freeze the chicken before cooking. After you coat it in breading, lay it on a tray. Freeze it solid, then put it in a bag. I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s surprise visit. It was a lifesaver on a busy day.
To reheat, use your oven or air fryer. This brings back the crunch. The microwave will make it soft. Batch cooking like this saves you time and money. It means a good meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your breading falling off? Make sure your oil is hot enough. I remember when my first batch turned out pale. The oil was not ready. A candy thermometer helps a lot.
Is the chicken drying out? Do not overcook it. Cook for just 3-4 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to be sure. It should read 165 degrees inside.
Is your sandwich not as flavorful? Do not skip the marinade. The pickle juice is the secret. It makes the chicken tender and adds a special tang. Getting the oil right builds your cooking confidence. A good marinade makes all the difference for flavor. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour mix instead of all-purpose flour.
Q: Can I make parts ahead of time? A: You can make the sauce a day early. Keep it in the fridge.
Q: I don’t have pickle juice. What can I use? A: Try buttermilk. It will also make the chicken very tender.
Q: Can I make more for a crowd? A: Absolutely. Just double or triple all the ingredients. Use a bigger pot for frying.
Q: Is the spicy version very hot? A: Start with one teaspoon of cayenne. You can always add more next time. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this sandwich. It brings back happy memories for me. Cooking for others is a way to show you care.
I would love to see your creation. Your photos make my day. *Fun fact: The original Chick-fil-A sandwich was created in 1964.
Share your kitchen success with everyone. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I cannot wait to see what you make.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Chick fil A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe
Description
Make your own delicious Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich at home with this easy copycat recipe, complete with the signature sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade:
For the Breading:
For the Chick-fil-A Sauce:
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine the pickle juice and water in a ziplock bag. Add the chicken breast halves and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Make the Chick-fil-A sauce by combining all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Next, in a large bowl mix the breading ingredients together: flour, powdered sugar, paprika, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl mix the milk, and egg.
- Add 2-3 cups of oil to a large saucepan and heat oil to about 350 degrees F.
- Coat the chicken: Dip the marinated chicken into the egg mixture, and then coat in the flour breading mixture. Now “double-dip” by repeating this step and dipping that same chicken tender back into the egg mixture and then back into the flour again!
- Pan fry: Place chicken in hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove to paper towel to dry.
- Assemble Sandwich: Toast the sandwich buns. Grab the Chick-fil-A sauce and smooth it on both sides of the buns. Top with lettuce, cheese, and crispy chicken! Enjoy!
Notes
- Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat fryer to 370ºF. Grease the inside basket/rack of the air fryer and place two coated chicken breasts in the air fryer. Lightly spray the top of the chicken. Cook the chicken for 11-13 minutes, flipping halfway through cook time. Assemble sandwich as instructed.
Baked Instructions: Preheat oven to 450ºF. Place a wire cooling rack on top of a baking sheet. Place your coated chicken breasts on the wire rack and spray both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake the chicken for 12 minutes, flip and bake for another 15 minutes or until it’s cooked through.
Spicy Version Instructions: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture when making the breading.