This Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich recipe is a seasoned to perfection, authentic copy of the real thing. (Includes an air fryer cooking method and video tutorial!)
Chick-fil-a chicken sandwiches are a family favorite for us! It’s my children’s favorite fast food place. After being asked to “go to Chick-Fil-A” over and over again, I decided to come up with this easy copycat recipe of a homemade chick-fil a chicken sandwich recipe. This recipe can be fried (like the original), baked, or air fried, and I include instructions for each below.
It took a couple of tries to come up with a copycat chicken sandwich recipe I was happy with. I researched other copycat recipes, tried them, and found I preferred different techniques or flavors. But finally, I had one the whole family was excited about. This one has everything I wanted in a copycat chick fil a chicken sandwich recipe. Its flavor is authentic, the texture of the sandwich is perfect, and it isn’t difficult to prepare. It will be a favorite in your own kitchen!
It is no secret that Chick-Fil-A uses a pressure cooker in their version of the chicken sandwich. I forego this method because I do not own a pressure cooker (My great-grandmother is cringing in heaven right now). But also I found I didn’t really need it to get the right flavor. Marinating the chicken for several hours produced lovely results. For the air fryer method, scroll below.
This recipe will make six chicken sandwiches. It takes a little prep work, but it’s worth it.
The Best Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tsp paprika, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 3/4 cup self-rising flour
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- Peanut Oil for frying (Vegetable oil will work in a pinch)
- 18 dill pickle slices
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 6 hamburger buns
- 3 tbsp butter
Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast in half, place them in a gallon-size plastic bag (or plastic wrap), and pound them to a half-inch with a kitchen mallet or hammer (or heavy pan). Place the chicken pieces in a 9×13 pan. Mix your paprika, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Divide this in half and sprinkle the paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper mixture over both sides of the chicken breast. Set the other half of the spices to the side. Pour the dill pickle juice (pickle brine) over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preparation
Place the dill pickle slices on a plate. Add the two tbsp of apple cider vinegar and allow to set while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
Combine flour, the remaining spices that were set to the side, and the powdered sugar together in a pie pan. Place the flour mixture to the side. In a different pie pan, whisk the egg and milk together. Place the egg mixture to the side. Heat your oil* in a large skillet, or dutch oven, until it reaches 350 degrees (usually over medium heat). You can also use a deep fryer if available. Take a piece of marinated chicken, dip it in the egg wash, and place it in the flour mixture, covering and patting it generously. Gently shake the loose flour off, and place it in the hot oil. Repeat until your pan is full, but not overcrowded.
*Peanut oil is the oil Chick-Fil-A uses to fry their food in. Using peanut oil provides a more authentic copycat taste. However, peanut oil is pricey. Using vegetable oil or canola oil will work well and still make some beautiful fried chicken.
Frying
Pan fry the chicken for 3 minutes. Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken, and continue to fry for another 3 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack or to a paper towel to drain. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue egg washing, flouring, and frying the remaining pieces of chicken cutlets.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. While your delicious chicken is frying, butter your hamburger buns, and place them on a cookie sheet. Put them in the oven and let them get warm. Heat 5 minutes or until the butter is melted.
To assemble, take a warm, buttered bun, place 3 marinated pickles on the bottom bun. Add your chicken and cover with the top bun. Serve immediately. For added Chick-Fil-A style, you can wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil for five minutes before serving to give it that steamy feel.
Serve with crispy waffle fries, french fries, tater tots, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, dill pickle chips, or whatever you fancy. I personally love the original recipe, a crispy chicken sandwich with pickles on a buttered bun and fries on the side.
Air Fryer Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sandwich Recipe
Prepare the chicken as directed above. Marinate it for several hours as the recipe directs, then continue with the egg wash. Flour it and spray or brush well with cooking oil. Place a piece of parchment paper in your air fryer with holes cut in it so the air can still circulate well. Put your chicken on top of the parchment and place it in your air fryer basket. Don’t put the parchment in ahead of time or it can float up and burn you.
Cook at 390 degrees for 20 minutes. Check the chicken halfway through. If there are white spots from the flour, spray or brush again with your oil over those spots. Continue cooking the rest of the time. With an internal thermometer, your chicken should be 165 degrees F.
Baked Chick-Fil-A Sandwich Recipe
Prepare the chicken as directed above by marinating it according to the recipe. Once this is done, continue with the recipe as instructed above.
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix your egg wash and set to the side. Mix your dry ingredients and set to the side. Take your marinated chicken breast, dip in the egg and milk mixture, then the flour mixture. Now, brush generously with peanut oil.
Place the prepared chicken breast on a wire rack fitted on top of a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, carefully using tongs to turn the chicken halfway through baking time. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Assemble as directed above.
Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Take your chicken breasts and pound them as directed above. Cut the chicken breast into small bite-size pieces. Continue to marinate and fry as directed above. Isn’t it lovely that Chick-Fil-A sauce is now available from the grocery store? It’s one of our favorite condiments for chicken nuggets.
For dessert, try the recipe that went viral on Pinterest, Copycat Great American Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.
You may also like Copycat Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake.
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