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Crispy Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe Easy Homemade Copycat Step by Step

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This homemade Crispy Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich recipe delivers a perfect balance of a crispy, golden crust with tender, juicy chicken inside. Quick and easy to make, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or casual lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g), butterfly and pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)
  • Peanut oil (about 4 cups for frying)
  • 4 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Pickle slices
  • Butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

  1. Brine the chicken: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup dill pickle juice and 1 cup water. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, then open and pound to about 1/2 inch thickness. Submerge chicken breasts in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  2. Prepare the batter and egg wash: Whisk together flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk until smooth.
  3. Drain and pat dry chicken: Remove chicken breasts from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Coat chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Press flour firmly onto the chicken. For extra crispiness, repeat dipping in egg wash and flour for a double coating.
  5. Heat oil: Pour peanut oil into a skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the chicken: Carefully place chicken breasts in hot oil. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  7. Drain and rest: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crust crispy. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Toast buns and assemble: Butter the insides of buns and toast in a non-stick pan until golden and slightly crisp. Layer each bun with a fried chicken breast and pickle slices. Close and serve.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Double coating the chicken in egg wash and flour yields extra crispiness. Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure coating sticks. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Use peanut oil for authentic flavor and high smoke point. Let chicken rest on wire rack after frying to keep crust crispy. Toast buns just before assembling to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A, chicken sandwich, crispy chicken, fried chicken, copycat recipe, homemade sandwich, comfort food