Easy, Homemade Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich (Copycat Recipe)

There is truly nothing quite like a perfectly fried chicken sandwich.

I remember the first time my husband, John, brought home a bag of those famous sandwiches on a busy weeknight. The kids’ eyes lit up, and I have to admit, so did mine. It was simple, yet so satisfying. For years, it was our go to treat. But one Saturday afternoon, with a big family cookout looming and the nearest Chick Fil A a good twenty minutes away, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I knew the secret was in the brine, and I had a jar of my grandmother’s dill pickle juice ready to go. As I reached for it, my hand knocked over a jar of spicy bread and butter pickles I’d put up last summer. A little bit of that spicy, sweet brine spilled right into my bowl. Instead of starting over, a little voice told me to just go with it. I added a pinch of smoked paprika to the flour for good measure, and goodness, am I glad I did. That little accident created the most incredible homemade Chick Fil A sandwich I have ever tasted. It has that classic flavor we all love, but with a gentle warmth and a hint of smoke that makes everyone ask for my secret.

Why This Chick Fil A Sandwich Recipe Works

The original Chick Fil A sandwich has a history rooted in simplicity and quality. Its founder, Truett Cathy, perfected the recipe over years in his Dwarf Grill restaurant in Georgia before opening the first Chick Fil A in 1967. The concept was straightforward. It was a perfectly cooked, boneless breast of chicken served on a toasted, buttered bun with two pickles. That’s it. Its success proves that you don’t need a mountain of toppings when your main ingredient is flawless.

The magic has always been in the preparation. The chicken is famously brined in pickle juice, which not only flavors the meat but also tenderizes it, ensuring a juicy bite every single time. It’s then hand breaded and pressure cooked in peanut oil, giving it that signature crispy crust and moist interior. It’s a formula that has created legions of devoted fans across the country.

This recipe captures that same spirit while making it achievable for the home cook. We use the classic pickle brine method, but with our little twist of using a spicy pickle brine for a subtle kick. We also pan fry the chicken, which gives you an incredible crust without needing a commercial pressure fryer. The result is a homemade Chick Fil A sandwich that honors the original while adding a unique, personal touch. It works because it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It just makes the ride a little more exciting.

Ingredients for a Perfect Chick Fil A Sandwich

The beauty of a truly great chicken sandwich is in its simplicity. We aren’t hiding behind a dozen toppings, so using good quality ingredients will make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best homemade Chick Fil A sandwich you’ve ever had.

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded to an even ½-inch thickness
• 1 ½ cups spicy dill pickle juice (This is our secret weapon! The little bit of heat from the juice infuses the chicken and gives it a wonderful, subtle warmth.)
• 1 cup whole milk
• For the Breading:
• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• For Frying and Assembly:
• 3 cups peanut oil (Using peanut oil is key for that authentic flavor. If you have an allergy, canola or vegetable oil will work, but the taste will be slightly different.)
• 4 buttered and toasted brioche or potato buns
• Dill pickle slices (Don’t be shy with these!)

A note on the chicken, try to get breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. Pounding them to an even thickness is a step you should not skip. It guarantees the chicken cooks through at the same rate, so you don’t have one end dry while the other is still pink. As for the pickle juice, I love using the brine from Claussen’s Hot & Spicy Pickle Spears, but any brand you enjoy will do the trick just fine.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making a Chick Fil A Sandwich

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Chick Fil A sandwich at home is easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be in for a real treat. Don’t rush the process, especially the marinating and frying steps, as that’s where the magic happens.

1. Marinate the Chicken: First things first, we need to get that chicken soaking. In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the spicy pickle juice and whole milk. Add your pounded chicken breasts, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, let it marinate overnight. This is the most important step for a juicy, flavorful sandwich.
2. Prepare the Breading: When you’re ready to cook, get your breading station set up. In a shallow dish, whisk together the all purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix it until everything is evenly distributed. You want every bite to have that perfect blend of savory, sweet, and smoky.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade one at a time, letting any excess liquid drip off. You don’t want them sopping wet. Place a chicken breast in the flour mixture and press down firmly, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Flip it over and repeat. For an extra crispy crust, you can dip it back into the marinade briefly and then back into the flour for a second coat.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection: Pour the peanut oil into a large, heavy bottomed skillet, like a cast iron pan, until it’s about an inch deep. Heat the oil over medium high heat until it reaches 350°F. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here for getting it just right. Carefully place two chicken breasts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the crust is a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. A common mistake is having the oil too low, which leads to greasy chicken, or too high, which burns the outside before the inside is cooked.
5. Rest and Assemble: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain. Letting it rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels keeps the bottom from getting soggy. While the chicken rests, lightly toast your buttered buns on a griddle or in a clean pan. To assemble your masterpiece of a Chick Fil A sandwich, place the hot chicken on the bottom bun and top it with a few dill pickle slices. It’s simple, classic, and absolutely delicious.

How To Serve Your Homemade Chick Fil A Sandwich

Once you’ve cooked up that beautiful, golden brown chicken, serving it is the easy part. The classic way is often the best way, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with it. A perfect Chick Fil A sandwich deserves the perfect presentation, even if it’s just for a simple Tuesday night dinner.

For a truly authentic experience, serve it simply on a toasted buttered bun with two or three dill pickle chips. That’s how it was originally intended, and the pure flavor of the chicken really shines through. You can wrap them in a little parchment paper or foil to make them feel just like they came from the restaurant, which my kids absolutely love.

If you’re looking to build a full meal around your Chick Fil A sandwich, here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• With Classic Sides: You can never go wrong with a side of crispy waffle fries. A small bowl of creamy coleslaw or a simple side salad also pairs wonderfully, offering a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm, savory sandwich.
• Make It Deluxe: While the original is perfect, sometimes you might want a little something extra. Add a slice of Colby Jack cheese, a couple of slices of ripe tomato, and a crisp lettuce leaf for a deluxe version. A little bit of mayonnaise or a zesty aioli can also be a delicious addition.
• Family Style Sandwich Bar: For a party or a family get together, this is so much fun. Set out the fried chicken, toasted buns, and a variety of toppings in separate bowls. Include pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, different cheeses, and a few sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, and buffalo sauce. Everyone gets to build their own perfect chicken sandwich.

No matter how you serve it, just make sure you serve it hot. That crispy, juicy chicken is at its absolute best right after it comes off the wire rack. Gather the family, pour some sweet tea, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s a meal that is guaranteed to make everyone happy.

How To Store & Reuse Chick Fil A Sandwich Leftovers

Now, in my house, leftover Chick Fil A sandwiches are a rare occurrence. But on the off chance you do have some extra fried chicken, storing it properly is key to enjoying it later. The biggest challenge is keeping that wonderful crispy crust from getting soggy. Don’t you worry, I have a few tricks up my sleeve for that.

First, let the cooked chicken fillets cool down completely to room temperature. Storing them while they’re still warm will create steam inside the container, and that is the number one enemy of crispy breading. Once they’re cool, you have a couple of options for storing them properly.

Here’s the best way to handle those delicious leftovers for maximum enjoyment the next day:

• How to Store: Place the cooled chicken fillets in a single layer in an airtight container. To be extra careful, you can place a paper towel on the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the buns and pickles separately to prevent them from getting mushy.
• How to Reheat: The absolute best way to reheat your chicken is in an air fryer or a conventional oven. This will bring that crispy crust right back to life. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and heat the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. In an oven, place them on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes. Please, for the love of all things crispy, avoid the microwave! It will make the breading steamy and soft.
• How to Reuse: If you don’t want another sandwich, this chicken is wonderful repurposed. Chop it up and toss it into a salad for a fantastic crispy chicken salad. You can also slice it and add it to a pasta dish with some alfredo sauce or use it as a protein in a wrap with lettuce, cheese, and ranch dressing. It even makes a great topping for a homemade pizza. The possibilities are endless!

With these tips, your leftover Chick Fil A sandwich chicken will be just as delicious the second time around. It ensures that none of your hard work in the kitchen goes to waste, and you get another delightful meal out of it.

Substitutions & Variations For This Chick Fil A Sandwich

One of the things I love most about cooking is making a recipe my own. While this homemade Chick Fil A sandwich is fantastic as is, there’s always room to play around and tailor it to your family’s tastes or what you have on hand in your pantry. A few simple swaps can create a whole new experience.

Don’t be afraid to experiment a little. The foundation of this recipe, the pickle brine marinade and the seasoned flour, is solid. That means it can handle a few creative tweaks here and there without losing what makes it so special. Whether you need to adjust for a dietary restriction or you just want to try a new flavor combination, I’ve got some ideas for you.

Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations for this Chick Fil A sandwich:

• Make It Spicy: If you want to turn up the heat beyond the subtle warmth from the spicy pickle brine, you certainly can. Add a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper to your flour mixture. You can also toss the chicken in a spicy buffalo sauce after frying for a truly fiery kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten free, simply substitute the all purpose flour with a good quality gluten free all purpose baking blend. I find that blends containing xanthan gum work best for creating a sturdy crust that won’t fall apart during frying.
• Different Chicken Cuts: While chicken breasts are classic, this recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs as well. They have a slightly richer flavor and are even more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them a bit. You can also cut the chicken into strips or nuggets for the kids before breading and frying.
• Pickle Variations: The type of pickle you use can completely change the flavor profile. Instead of dill pickles, try using sweet bread and butter pickles for a sweet and savory contrast. This is a popular Southern twist and it is absolutely delicious with the seasoned chicken.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Cooking should be fun and creative, so use this recipe as your starting point and see where your imagination takes you. You might just discover your family’s new favorite version of the perfect chicken sandwich.

5 FAQs About This Chick Fil A Sandwich Recipe

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this homemade Chick Fil A sandwich recipe.

What is the secret to a really juicy homemade Chick Fil A sandwich?

The secret to a juicy chicken sandwich really comes down to two key steps: the marinade and the cooking process. First and foremost, you cannot skip the marinade. Soaking the chicken in the pickle juice and milk mixture does more than just add flavor. The acidity in the pickle juice acts as a fantastic tenderizer, breaking down the tough proteins in the chicken breast. This process, called brining, allows the chicken to absorb moisture, which it then retains during cooking.

The second part of the secret is not overcooking the chicken. This is where a meat thermometer becomes your most valuable tool in the kitchen. Chicken breast is very lean, which means it can go from perfectly cooked to dry and stringy in a matter of a minute. Frying the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F is crucial. As soon as it hits that temperature, pull it from the oil. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps ensure that the entire breast cooks evenly, so you don’t have one part overcooked while the other is still trying to catch up.

Why is the breading falling off my Chick Fil A sandwich chicken?

Oh, this is a frustrating problem, but it’s usually easy to fix! There are a few common reasons why breading might fall off. The first is that the chicken was too wet when you dredged it in the flour. After you remove the chicken from the marinade, you should let the excess liquid drip off for a few seconds. You want it to be damp, not sopping wet. A damp surface helps the flour stick, but a wet surface creates a steamy layer between the meat and the crust, causing it to slide right off.

Another reason could be overcrowding the pan. When you put too many pieces of chicken in the skillet at once, the oil temperature drops dramatically. This means the crust doesn’t get that initial blast of high heat it needs to set quickly. The pieces will also steam instead of fry. Give each piece of chicken plenty of space. Lastly, be patient and don’t fuss with the chicken too much once it’s in the oil. Let the crust form and turn a deep golden brown before you flip it. Flipping it too early or too often can tear the delicate crust before it has a chance to fully adhere to the chicken.

Can I make this Chick Fil A sandwich in an air fryer?

Yes, you absolutely can make a delicious version of this sandwich in an air fryer! It’s a great option if you’re looking to use less oil. The process will be slightly different, but the results are still fantastic. After you’ve marinated and breaded your chicken as directed in the recipe, you’ll need to give the breading a good spray with cooking oil. This is a critical step because it’s what helps the crust get golden brown and crispy, mimicking the effect of deep frying.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the sprayed chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You’ll want to cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken and the model of your air fryer. Use your meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. The crust will be wonderfully crispy and you’ll have a slightly healthier, but still incredibly tasty, chicken sandwich.

What kind of pickles are best for a homemade Chick Fil A sandwich?

This is a great question because the pickles are such a key component of the sandwich’s signature flavor. Traditionally, Chick Fil A uses dill pickle slices. They provide a tangy, salty crunch that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken perfectly. For the most authentic taste, you’ll want to use classic dill pickle chips. I find that pickles with a good, firm crunch are best. No one wants a soggy pickle on their sandwich.

However, this is also an area where you can have a little fun. As I mentioned in my story, I love using a spicy pickle brine for my marinade, and using those same spicy pickles on the sandwich itself adds a lovely little kick. You could also try bread and butter pickles if you prefer a sweeter contrast. Their sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savory chicken. Ultimately, the “best” pickle is the one you enjoy the most, so feel free to use your favorite kind. Just make sure they are sliced to a medium thickness, not paper thin, so they add both flavor and texture.

How do I get that signature powdered sugar flavor in my Chick Fil A sandwich?

That subtle sweetness you taste in a classic Chick Fil A sandwich is one of its most defining characteristics, and it’s surprisingly easy to replicate at home. The secret is, just as you suspected, powdered sugar. It is mixed directly into the flour and seasoning blend that you use for the breading. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves almost instantly and incorporates seamlessly into the flour mixture.

In this recipe, we use a third of a cup of powdered sugar to one and a half cups of flour. This ratio provides that distinct, slightly sweet flavor without making the sandwich taste like a dessert. It balances the saltiness of the brine, the savory notes from the spices, and the richness of the fried chicken. When the chicken hits the hot oil, the sugar helps the crust caramelize beautifully, contributing to that perfect golden brown color. Don’t be tempted to skip it. This little bit of sweetness is a non negotiable part of achieving that authentic Chick Fil A sandwich flavor at home.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved making this homemade chicken sandwich, I think you’ll have a wonderful time trying out some of my other family favorite recipes. They are all about simple, comforting food that brings everyone to the table.

• 110 Easy Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights
• Cheap Meal Ideas That Don’t Skimp on Flavor
• Easy Breakfast Ideas for the Whole Family

Never stop trying new recipes!