Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich: Perfect Homemade Version for Any Day

I first made this copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich on a Sunday afternoon when my husband had severe fast food cravings. He sighed dramatically, “Why does Chick-fil-A have to be closed today?” Instead of explaining corporate policy to a hungry man, I surprised him. After some online research and kitchen experimentation, I presented him with this homemade version.

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Why This Recipe Works

The science behind this perfect copycat lies in several key techniques. First, the overnight brining process seasons the chicken and helps break down proteins, resulting in exceptionally tender meat. The addition of chicken bouillon to the brine creates a depth of flavor that permeates throughout the breast.

The unique breading mixture, which includes the unexpected addition of powdered sugar, creates that signature slightly sweet note that distinguishes Chick-fil-A’s coating from other fried chicken. Frying in peanut oil at the precise temperature gives the chicken that distinctive golden color and crispy texture while keeping the interior moist and juicy.

Ingredients

• Peanut oil – The authentic frying medium that imparts distinctive flavor
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – The foundation of the sandwich, providing lean protein
• Water – Forms the base of the marinade for proper brining
• Chicken bouillon cubes – Adds rich chicken flavor that penetrates the meat
• Seasoned salt – Provides balanced seasoning throughout the chicken
• All-purpose flour – Creates the base for the crispy coating
• Saltine cracker crumbs – Adds unique texture and flavor to the breading
• Powdered sugar – The secret ingredient that gives the coating its subtle sweetness
• Paprika – Contributes color and mild, sweet pepper flavor
• Hamburger buns – Soft foundation that complements the crispy chicken
• Dill pickle slices – Adds the signature tangy contrast to the sandwich
• Butter – Enriches the buns with flavor and creates a light toasting

CopyKat Tip: If chicken breasts are huge, you can slice them in half horizontally.

How to Make a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

1. Place cool water in a bowl. Add seasoned salt and bouillon cubes. Stir and dissolve the bouillon cubes.
2. Place chicken breast in the marinade.

3. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 12 hours or overnight.
4. Pour off and discard the marinade.
5. In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and paprika. Stir to combine.
6. Shake off excess marinade and dredge chicken into the seasoned flour mixture.
7. Place the breaded chicken breasts on a wire rack and allow them to rest for a few minutes.

8. Heat oil to 350 degrees in a deep fryer, large pot, or frying pan.
9. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes or until the chicken has browned and has an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
10. Drain the chicken on a clean wire rack.
11. Melt the butter and brush the butter on the hamburger buns.
12. Lay one crispy chicken breast down on each hamburger bottom.
13. Top with 2 dill pickle chips and then the top bun.

Breading Doesn’t Have to be a Messy Job!

Don’t skip this Chick-fil-A recipe just because it calls for breading. If you follow the wet-hand/dry-hand breading method, you can bread your chicken breasts without getting your hands full of glop and your kitchen covered in flour. You are going to be amazed at how easy Chick-fil-A breading can be.

How to Bread Chicken

The wet-hand / dry-hand breading method requires three wide and shallow containers in a line and a cooking sheet at the end of the row.

1. After removing it from the marinade, use a bowl or a plate to set the chicken in.
2. Then, line up a pan with seasoned flour.
3. Finally, place a wire rack for the chicken to rest on after they have been breaded.
4. Use one hand to shake off the excess marinade. Use your other hand to dredge the chicken.
5. Now, use your other hand to get both sides of the skinless chicken breast covered in seasoned flour.
6. Gently lay the chicken down on a wire rack with the same hand you coated the chicken with the flour mixture.
7. Let the breaded chicken sit for about 5 minutes so the coating sets before frying.

Tips For Cooking and Serving a Chick Fil A Sandwich

• Toast your buns. Nothing is worse than soggy buns when enjoying a crunchy chicken sandwich. It is worth your time to spend an extra few minutes getting them hot and crispy. Put a heavy-bottom pan over medium-low heat. Spread a thin layer of softened butter or mayonnaise on the inside of each bun half. Place the buns cut-side down in the pan and wait until golden brown. Rotate the buns to brown evenly. Voila, you have just made a toasted bun.
• Use a thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked.  It is easy to undercook chicken when it is breaded. Your chicken needs to be at least 165 degrees before taking it to rest for 3 to 5 minutes on a paper towel-lined rack before serving.
• Prevent the crust from burning while the chicken remains raw by allowing the chicken to come up to room temperature before frying. Let the oil return to the correct temperature between batches for the best results.
• Want to make this sandwich more authentic? Be sure to use peanut oil for frying.
• Make it a deluxe chicken sandwich. Top it with lettuce and tomato and serve with a side of mayonnaise.

Find even more with this roundup of Chick-fil-A copycat recipes.

More Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes

• Chick-fil-A Lemonade
• Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
• Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
• Chick-fil-A Sauce
• Frosted Lemonade
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich
• Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Favorite Chicken Recipes

• Baked Chicken
• Baked Chicken Parmesan
• Chicken Dijon
• Chicken Strips
• Hunan Chicken
• Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
• Shoyu Chicken Recipe

Check out my tasty sandwich recipes and the best Chick Fil A copycat recipes here on CopyKat.com!

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