Crispy Southern-Style Chicken Sandwich (Copycat Chick-Fil-A)
Recreate the beloved taste of Chick-Fil-A's signature chicken sandwich right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe! By utilizing two secret ingredients—pickle juice and sugar—you'll achieve that unique flavor profile that fans adore. The method includes a simple marination process that ensures the chicken is juicy and tender, while a seasoned flour coating guarantees a crispy exterior. Perfect for a family meal or casual gatherings, this recipe is a delightful homage to a favorite fast-food classic, highlighting the importance of patience and the love of cooking. Enjoy this delicious dish in sandwich form or as crispy nuggets for the ultimate comfort food experience.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
4 (pounded and cut into chunks if making nuggets)
Pickle juice
1 cup (from dill pickles)
Eggs
2 (beaten for egg wash)
Flour
1 cup (all-purpose for dredging)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (granulated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
MSG (optional)
1/2 teaspoon (leave out if preferred)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
Onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
Peanut oil
for frying (as needed)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness, ensuring they are appropriately thin for sandwiches. If you prefer nuggets, cut the breasts into bite-sized chunks.
2
2. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken pieces with the pickle juice. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
3
3. After marinating, remove the chicken from the pickle juice and let it drain. Set up a dredging station with one bowl containing the beaten eggs for the egg wash, and another bowl containing a mixture of flour and the spice blend.
4
4. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, before coating it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well-covered to achieve that classic crispy texture.
5
5. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat peanut oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6
6. Serve the crispy chicken on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, such as pickles, lettuce, and mayo or your favorite sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this chicken sandwich taste like Chick-Fil-A?
The secret ingredients that recreate the signature flavor are pickle juice for marinating and a small amount of granulated sugar in the breading.
How long should I marinate the chicken in pickle juice?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, though marinating it overnight provides the best and most authentic flavor.
Can I make chicken nuggets using this recipe?
Yes, you can cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks instead of keeping them whole to make crispy nuggets.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Peanut oil is recommended for frying to achieve the traditional southern-style taste and a high smoke point.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts before marinating?
Place the chicken between sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
What are the nutritional values for this sandwich?
Each sandwich contains approximately 450 calories, 18.75g of fat, 32.5g of carbohydrates, and 35g of protein.
What spices are used in the seasoned flour coating?
The coating includes paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.
Is MSG required for this recipe?
MSG is optional; it is included to mimic the fast-food flavor but can be omitted if you prefer.
How long does it take to fry the chicken?
The chicken should be fried for about 5 minutes per side until it is golden brown and cooked through.
How much pickle juice do I need for 4 chicken breasts?
You will need 1 cup of dill pickle juice for the marination process.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash acts as a binder to help the seasoned flour mixture adhere to the chicken for a crispy crust.
Can I use a different type of flour?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which is best for achieving the classic crispy texture.
What temperature should I use for frying?
Heat the oil over medium-high heat to ensure the chicken fries quickly without becoming greasy.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Allow any excess egg wash to drip off before coating thoroughly in flour, and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.
What are the best toppings for this sandwich?
Standard toppings include dill pickles, lettuce, and mayo, though you can use any sauce of your choice.
Why is sugar used in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of granulated sugar are added to the flour to balance the saltiness and help with browning.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust it to your personal taste.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, while the recipe specifies breasts, chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier result.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is an easy-to-follow copycat recipe that focuses on simple marination and dredging steps.
How much paprika is used in the coating?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of paprika for both color and flavor.
What should I do after frying the chicken?
Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Is the bun toasted?
Yes, the instructions suggest serving the chicken on toasted buns for the best experience.
How much garlic and onion powder is needed?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Dried oregano and basil are used in the flour; if using fresh, you would need to adjust the quantities and method.
How many eggs are needed for the wash?
The recipe uses 2 beaten eggs for the egg wash station.
Is there a specific type of pickle juice to use?
Dill pickle juice is the specific type used to get that authentic Chick-Fil-A tang.
What is the total protein count?
This recipe provides a high protein content of 35 grams per serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed for 4 chicken breasts, typically serving 4 people.
Can I make this for a casual gathering?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.