That crunch, that tangy pickle juice, that buttery toasted bun you know exactly what I’m talking about. These Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches give you all the same crave-worthy flavor without waiting in the drive-thru line.
I started testing versions of this back in 2019 after my niece requested them for her birthday dinner (yes, really). The trick I discovered? A quick pickle brine soak tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature brightnessno pressure cooker needed. I’ve made these at least thirty times since, tweaking the spice blend until it hit that perfect balance of peppery and sweet.
PrintCopy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches Recipe Easy Homemade
Enjoy homemade Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches that perfectly mimic the fast food favorite. This easy recipe combines simple ingredients and techniques to deliver tender chicken with flavorful seasoning and toasted buns. It’s a delicious way to bring classic Southern flavors to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 3
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (we get 3 patties per breast)
- 1/4 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp celery salt
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- tiny dash of cayenne
- 1 cup Oil for frying if you’re going for authenticity use peanut oil I usually just use vegetable oil and they still taste phenomenal
- Buns buttered and lightly toasted
Instructions
- Place chicken between plastic wrap and gently flatten it to about 1/2 inch thickness using a meat tenderizer.
- Slice the chicken breast into two or three even pieces.
- Soak the chicken pieces in dill pickle juice for 30 to 60 minutes.
- In one bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
- In another bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, dried basil, and cayenne.
- Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned flour blend on both sides.
- Heat oil in a skillet to 345-350 degrees Fahrenheit, about 1/2 inch deep.
- Fry chicken cutlets for 2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve on toasted buttered buns with pickle slices.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1157kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1266mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 169g
- Cholesterol: 518mg
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Chicken Sandwiches
What makes these sandwiches so addictive is the combination of a few clever techniques that recreate that iconic taste right in your own kitchen. The pickle juice marinade is the real MVP hereit tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang that balances the sweetness from the powdered sugar in the breading.
- Quick and simple: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes of active time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
- Budget-friendly: One chicken breast makes three sandwiches, and you likely have most of the pantry staples already.
- Customizable heat: That tiny dash of cayenne gives just a whisper of warmth, but you can dial it up or skip it entirely depending on who’s at your table.
The Secret Ingredients That Make It Work
The magic happens in two places: the marinade and the breading. Soaking your chicken in dill pickle juice for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour) breaks down the proteins gently, making every bite incredibly tender. I’ve tested shorter soaks, and trust methe full 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference.
The breading blend is where things get interesting. Powdered sugar might sound unusual, but it creates that signature golden-brown crust and adds a hint of sweetness that plays beautifully against the savory spices. The celery salt and dried basil are subtle but essentialthey round out the flavor profile in a way that just tastes right.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Can I Skip It? |
|---|---|---|
| Dill pickle juice | Tenderizes and adds tang | Not recommendedit’s essential |
| Powdered sugar | Creates golden crust, balances savory | You’ll lose the signature sweetness |
| Celery salt | Adds depth and complexity | Use regular salt, but flavor will be flatter |
| Peanut oil | Authentic flavor (high smoke point) | Vegetable oil works great too |
How to Make Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches Step-by-Step
Start by prepping your chicken: wrap it loosely in plastic wrap and gently pound it with the flat side of a meat tenderizer until it’s about ½ inch thick throughout. This ensures even cooking and helps you get 2-3 evenly sized patties from one breast. Cut the flattened chicken into pieces, then let them soak in the pickle juice while you set up your breading station.
Whisk together the egg and milk in one bowl, and combine the flour, powdered sugar, and all your spices in another. Dip each marinated chicken piece first into the egg mixture, coating both sides, then press firmly into the seasoned flour. Heat your oil to 345-350 degreesthis temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy, non-greasy crust.
Fry each cutlet for exactly 2 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep golden brown color and an internal temperature that reaches safe levels. Remove to paper towels, blot gently, and assemble on your buttered, toasted buns with pickle slices.
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting
- Oil temperature matters: Too hot and your breading burns before the chicken cooks through. Too cool and you’ll end up with soggy, greasy sandwiches. Use a thermometer if you have one.
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken: Uneven thickness means some parts overcook while others stay raw. A few gentle whacks makes all the difference.
- Let the breading set: After coating, let the chicken sit for a minute before frying. This helps the breading stick better and creates a crispier crust.
- Pickle juice substitute? If you’re out, buttermilk works in a pinch, though you’ll lose that signature tangy brightness.
How to Serve and Store Your Sandwiches
These are best served immediately while the breading is still crispy and the buns are warm. Pile them high with extra pickle slicesit’s not authentic without them. A side of waffle fries or coleslaw makes it feel like the full experience.
| Storage Method | How Long It Keeps | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (assembled) | Not recommendedbuns get soggy | |
| Refrigerator (chicken only) | 3-4 days in airtight container | Reheat in 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness |
| Freezer (cooked chicken) | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight, then oven reheat as above |
Pro Tip: Store the cooked chicken patties separately from the buns and assemble fresh when you’re ready to eat. Toast fresh buns and add new pickles for the best texture.
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FAQs (Copy Cat Chick-Fil-A Sandwiches)
What makes the chicken so tender and juicy?
The secret is brining the chicken in pickle juice for at least 2 hours. This adds flavor while the salt breaks down proteins, creating incredibly tender meat. Pat the chicken completely dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks properly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate it uncovered. This actually helps the coating adhere better. For best results, fry just before serving to maintain the crispy texture that makes this dish special.
What oil temperature works best for frying?
Maintain oil temperature between 350-365°F for perfect results. Too hot and the coating burns before the chicken cooks through. Use a candy thermometer and adjust heat as needed – the temperature will drop when you add chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature. The coating should be golden brown and crispy, usually taking 3-4 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes before serving.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking oil before baking for extra crispiness. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and much healthier.
You Just Made Restaurant Magic at Home
These Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches deliver crispy, golden perfection in about half an hour. The pickle juice works wonders, and that powdered sugar secret? Pure genius. You’ll love how it turns out.
Try swapping the cayenne for smoked paprika if you want warmth without heat. Leftover chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for quick lunchesjust reheat in a hot oven to bring back the crunch. A trick I learned: double the breading recipe and freeze half for next time.
Did your family have a favorite drive-thru order growing up? I’d love to hear what brings back memories for you. Snap a photo when you make thesetag us so we can cheer you on. Save this one for Sunday suppers or whenever you need a little comfort.
