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When our oldest son was just a toddler, he was diagnosed with a soy allergy — and suddenly eating out became incredibly complicated. Nearly every restaurant near us cooked in soybean oil, which meant most fast food and casual dining options were completely off the table.
One place that consistently felt safe for our family was Chick-fil-A.
For years, it became our go-to. It was one of the few places we could eat without worry, and it quickly turned into a family favorite. Thankfully, our son has since outgrown his soy allergy — but not his love for Chick-fil-A.
These days, the downside is the cost, and as a large family – that cost adds up fast, so recreating our favorites at home just makes sense. This crispy Chick-fil-A–style chicken sandwich is our best effort at bringing that familiar flavor into your kitchen — comforting, affordable, and made with ingredients you trust.
And of course, no Chick-fil-A–style sandwich is complete without the sauce. Be sure to pair this with our Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden breading with just the right touch of sweetness
- Juicy chicken thanks to a pickle juice marinade
- Classic flavor that tastes just like the restaurant version
- More affordable and family-friendly than eating out
- Works beautifully for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken & Marinade
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pickle juice
- Water, Milk
For Serving
- Hamburger buns
- Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato
- Cheese (optional)
Breading & Coating
- All-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Cornstarch
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet – Allows for shallow frying and even browning without crowding
- Instant-read thermometer – Ensures the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements keep the seasoning balanced. I’m a die-hard fan of these adjustable measuring spoons.
- Wire rack – Keeps the breading crisp while the chicken rests
- Tongs – Makes flipping safer and easier during frying
How to Make a Crispy Chick-fil-A–Style Chicken Sandwich
The secret to this sandwich starts with the marinade. Pickle juice tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with that signature savory flavor. A small amount of milk helps balance the acidity without over-soaking the meat, which keeps the breading from slipping later.
The breading is where texture really shines. Powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness, baking powder creates lightness, and a touch of cornstarch helps the coating stay crisp even after resting. Pressing the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken — and double-dipping if needed — builds those craggly edges that fry up beautifully.
Oil temperature matters here. You’re aiming for steady, moderate heat so the coating turns golden without burning before the center cooks through. Once fried, resting the chicken briefly on a wire rack allows excess oil to drip away while preserving crunch.
From there, it’s all about assembly — warm buns, crisp pickles, fresh toppings, and plenty of sauce.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintCrispy Chick-fil-A–Style Chicken Sandwich (Homemade)
This homemade Chick-fil-A–style chicken sandwich is a copycat-inspired favorite made with juicy chicken marinated in pickle juice, coated in a lightly sweet, ultra-crispy breading, and pan-fried until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: about 4 servings
- Category: Chicken, Copy-Cat, Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup milk
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 TBSP powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp cornstarch
- 1–2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spicy)
For Frying
- Neutral oil, enough for frying (about 2-3 cups depending on pan size, enough for ½–¾ inch depth)
For Serving
- 4 hamburger buns
- Pickles
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Cheese slices (optional)
Instructions
- In a large zip-top bag, combine pickle juice, water, and milk. Add chicken, seal, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Whisk the egg in a shallow bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix all breading ingredients until evenly combined.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dip into egg wash, then dredge in flour mixture, pressing firmly.
- For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and flour dip. (RECOMMENDED!)
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat to about 350°F.
- Fry chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to rest briefly.
- Assemble sandwiches on toasted buns with desired toppings and serve with our copy-cat chick fil a sauce.
Notes
- Air Fryer Option: Lightly spray breaded chicken with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne to the flour mixture for heat.
- Crispiness Tip: Rest fried chicken on a wire rack to keep the coating crunchy.
- Oil temp target: 350°F
- Visual cue: oil should shimmer and gently bubble around a wooden spoon
Tips for Success
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for even frying
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the coating crisp
- Press the breading firmly onto the chicken for maximum crunch
- Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack, not paper towels
Storage & Reheating
Store:
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Make it spicy by increasing the cayenne in the breading
- Serve on brioche buns or toasted sandwich rolls
- Turn leftovers into chicken wraps or salads
- Pair with seasoned fries, coleslaw, or fresh fruit
For the full Chick-fil-A experience, don’t forget to serve this sandwich with our Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce.
Final Thoughts
This homemade version brings back so many memories for our family — from quick lunches during those allergy-conscious years to now, when we simply love recreating our favorites at home. It’s proof that with the right technique, comfort food can be both familiar and budget-friendly.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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