Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich offers one of the healthier options at most fast food restaurants without sacrificing flavor. This copycat recipe recreates the tender, juicy grilled chicken with that irresistible backyard-grilled taste, served on a hearty toasted multigrain bun with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato slices. The secret lies in a unique marinade featuring pickle juice and buttermilk that creates the restaurant’s signature flavor.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken lies in their special marinade that combines pickle juice with buttermilk. This unusual combination not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a unique tangy flavor that sets it apart from ordinary grilled chicken. The blend of seasonings creates layers of flavor that make each bite memorable, while the grilling process adds that perfect smoky char.
The Story Behind Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Option
While Chick-fil-A is famous for its crispy fried chicken sandwiches, their grilled version proves that healthy can be just as delicious. This sandwich maintains the legendary flavor profile that sets the restaurant apart from competitors while offering a lighter alternative. The careful balance of seasonings and the signature marinade ensures that choosing the healthier option never feels like a compromise.
Ingredients You Will Need
Chicken Preparation:
- Boneless chicken breast – The lean protein base that becomes incredibly tender when properly marinated and grilled
Marinade Components:
- Pickle juice – The secret ingredient that tenderizes meat and adds distinctive tangy flavor
- Buttermilk – Creates tender, juicy chicken while adding subtle richness to the marinade
- Salt – Enhances all flavors and helps break down proteins for maximum tenderness
- Ground black pepper – Adds warmth and subtle heat to complement the other seasonings
- Paprika – Provides mild sweetness and beautiful color to the finished chicken
- Garlic powder – Delivers savory depth without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor
- Onion powder – Adds sweet, aromatic complexity that enhances the overall taste profile
- Celery salt – Contributes unique herbaceous notes that round out the seasoning blend
For Cooking:
- Olive oil – Prevents sticking and adds healthy fats while creating perfect grill marks
Sandwich Assembly:
- Hamburger buns – Multigrain, whole-wheat, or brioche provide hearty foundation for the sandwich
- Green leaf lettuce – Adds fresh crunch and nutrients while providing textural contrast
- Tomato – Contributes juicy freshness and bright acidity that balances the rich chicken
Nutrition Information
Nutrient values, including protein, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, sodium, cholesterol, vitamin C, and grams of fat can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make a Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken SandwichÂ
- Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally. Place a half breast in a plastic bag, and use the flat side of a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken until it is an even thickness, gently. The exact thickness doesn’t matter much, but a consistent thickness ensures that the meat cooks evenly and simultaneously.
- Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl or a sealing bag. Stir or shake well to combine.
- Add the cut chicken breasts to the bowl. If using a bag, close it securely, massage the marinade into the meat, and place the bag onto a rimmed pan in case of leaks. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer in the fridge. Two hours is ideal.Â
- When cooking the chicken, heat the grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, prepare the seasoning blend by combining salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and celery salt. Season chicken with the seasoning mixture.
- Brush oil on the grill grates.
- Grill the chicken breasts for four to five minutes on one side and slightly less on the other side. The chicken should release easily from the grates when it is ready to flip. Don’t play with the chicken to allow it to develop nice-looking grill marks.
- When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest on a wire rack or baking sheet.
- Brush the cut sides of the buns with olive oil. Toast the buns on the grill or under the broiler for about 30 seconds.
- Assemble the copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich by placing the lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by two thin slices of tomato, the grilled chicken breast, and finally, adding the top bun.
Recipe Variations
Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich
Bacon makes everything better, and adding a few slices to this sandwich turns it into a version of the classic club sandwich. Layer on extra lettuce and tomato, and combine store-bought honey-mustard with just a touch of sweet BBQ sauce for a kick.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Sandwich With Colby and Bacon
As the chicken finishes cooking, place a slice of Colby Jack cheese on top and let it melt. Top with the tomato, lettuce, a couple of bacon pieces, and a good dollop of BBQ sauce.
What To Serve With a Grilled Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich goes great with potato wedges, onion rings, waffle fries, or a side salad. Wash it down with Chick-fil-A sweet tea and enjoy some cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked chicken wrapped individually in plastic in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Method: Reheat in skillet over medium heat with a small amount of water or chicken stock to prevent drying. Alternatively, you can also use an air fryer set at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap individual pieces in plastic and freeze in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Love Chick-fil-A Food? Try These Copycat Recipes
- Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad Recipe
- Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe
Want more for their drinks and desserts? Take a look at these Chick-fil-A copycat recipes.
Favorite Fast Food Sandwich and Burger Recipes
- Arby’s Classic Roast Beef Sandwich
- Burger King Cheeseburger
- Burger King Impossible Burger
- Culver’s Butterburger
- Krystal Burgers
- McDonald’s Hamburger
- Quarter Pounder with Cheese
- Wendy’s Baconator
- White Castle Hamburgers
Check out more of my easy sandwich recipes and the best Chick Fil A recipes on CopyKat!
Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken – Easy Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken Breast
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced in half horizontally and pounded thin
- ½ cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil to brush the grill
Sandwich
- 4 multigrain hamburger buns
- 4 pieces leaf lettuce washed
- 8 slices ripe tomato
Instructions
- Place the chicken, dill pickle juice, and buttermilk in a zip-top bag. Place the bag in the fridge, and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for several hours.
- Prepare the seasoning blend by combing salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and celery salt in a small bowl. Season chicken with the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken.
- Heat the grill to 350°F or use a grill pan. Brush the grill with oil.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F when you remove it from the grill.
- Spray a bit of non-stick spray on the insides of the hamburger buns.
- Place the buns cut-side up under a broiler on high heat until they just brown. This should take only about 30 to 45 seconds depending on your broiler.
- To build the sandwich, place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by two tomato slices, and the grilled chicken. Place the top bun over the chicken.
I made this . Its very good!!!