Craving that famous Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, but they’re closed on Sunday? My copycat Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich recipe is your answer! Skip the drive-thru, and instead make these delicious sandwiches right at home. I’ll show you how to make the classic fried chicken sandwich or a healthier air fryer Chick-fil-A sandwich that tastes just like the real thing. No matter which way you whip them up–fried or air fried–you’re going to love this spot-on copycat recipe, and the fact that it’s always available, even on Sundays!
Top Reader Reviews
I LOVED this recipe! It came out perfect! I didn’t have pickle juice on hand so I used 1/4 tsp ground dill weed and it tastes better than Chick fil A!
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Good tasting recipie. I had to air fry the chicken in batches. The first batch was very crispy with the extra 8 mins on the end at 400 degrees. Next batch I did the last air fry at 400 for 4 mins and it was better!! Would make again!!
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Fried or Air-Fried: The Best Chick-fil-A Sandwich Method
My copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich tastes just like the real thing, whether you choose to fry it or air-fry it. The flavorful batter, made with buttermilk and pickle juice, gives the chicken its signature tang. When pan-fried in peanut oil, powdered sugar helps give you that classic, crispy golden-brown exterior.
For a healthier and less messy option, the air fryer works wonders, mimicking the fried texture with a fraction of the oil. Whichever method you choose, you’re guaranteed a delicious sandwich that’s always available, even on Sunday!
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Why Powdered Sugar is Your Secret Weapon
To truly nail that authentic Chick-fil-A taste, my secret isn’t just in the brine; it’s also in the sugar. The small amount of powdered sugar in the breading is what gives this fried chicken recipe that slightly sweet, caramelized crust that truly tastes like the original. The sugar not only enhances the flavor but also helps the chicken brown beautifully, whether you’re frying it in oil or in the air fryer. So, don’t skip the sugar in the flour dredge; it’s a small detail that makes a huge difference.
Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe (Fried or Air Fried)
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet (for Stovetop method)
- Air Fryer (for Air-frying method)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved*)
- 1½ cups buttermilk (divided**)
- ½ cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup peanut oil (for frying***)
For Assembly:
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
- Chick Fil A sauce (click for recipe!)
- dill pickle slices
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Halve each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner fillets. Place each chicken breast fillet between two pieces of plastic wrap and set on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to pound them to ½-inch thickness.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In a large plastic zip-top bag, add ½ cup buttermilk and the pickle juice. Seal and shake, then add chicken. Place in the refrigerator and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Drain well.1½ cups buttermilk, ½ cup dill pickle juice
- In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the remaining buttermilk and the egg.1 large egg
- In a clean plastic zip-top bag, combine flour, sugar, salt, paprika, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Seal and shake well.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Place the chicken in the bag and shake to coat.
- Dredge each piece through the egg-milk mixture.
- Then, return the chicken to the bag and coat well. Shake the excess flour off of each piece and allow them to rest on a metal cooling rack.
Pan-Frying Instructions:
- Heat 1 cup peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.1 cup peanut oil
- Working in batches, add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes, flipping once.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Air-Frying Instructions:
- Spray the inside of an air fryer basket with cooking oil, then preheat it to 350°F.
- Place chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil or brush with peanut oil.
- Air fry the chicken for 6 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken, spray with additional cooking oil, and fry for 6 more minutes.
- Increase the temperature of the air fryer to 400°F. Continue cooking for 4-8 minutes, until the chicken is crispy and 165°F internally.
Serve:
- Place a piece of chicken on each bun. Top with sauce, pickles, and any other toppings you desire.4 hamburger buns, dill pickle slices, Chick Fil A sauce
Notes
- Pound the chicken thin, or it won’t cook evenly.
- The keys to that authentic Chick-fil-A flavor are the dill pickle brine and the powdered sugar; don’t skip either of them!
- For a spicy version, add a dash of cayenne powder to the seasoning mix.
- Let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes on a rack after dredging to help the coating adhere better.
- Properly cooked chicken should reach 165°F internally.
- Lightly butter and toast buns in the skillet or oven for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve with waffle fries, coleslaw, pickle chips, and plenty of Chick-fil-A sauce for dipping!
- Nutritional information is for 1 fried chicken sandwich, and does not include pickles or Chick-fil-A sauce.
- Use a thermometer to keep the oil between 325-350°F during frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed to avoid soggy chicken.
- Let the fried chicken pieces drain on paper towels or a wire rack to avoid making it greasy.
- While the traditional frying method is delicious, the air fryer method is also great, especially if you’re looking for a bit of a healthier option.
- Don’t stack the chicken, and leave space between pieces for air flow. Cook in batches if needed.
- Be sure to lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil so it crisps up.
- Increase the temperature at the end for extra crispy chicken.
Note: Water, salt, pepper, oil, and broth are not counted as ingredients on this site.
How to Make a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Step by Step
Marinate the Chicken: Start by halving 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, then placing the halves between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them to ½-inch thickness–this helps the chicken cook evenly, so you don’t end up with a golden outside and a raw center. In a large zip-top bag, combine ½ cup of buttermilk and ½ cup dill pickle juice, then add the chicken. Seal the bag and shake it to coat everything evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then drain the chicken well. This brine is the key to that Chick-fil-A flavor. Don’t skip it, even if you’re short on time.
Coat the Chicken: In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 large egg. In a separate zip-top bag, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of ground paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Seal the bag and shake to mix the seasonings thoroughly. The powdered sugar is what gives the chicken that slightly sweet, golden crust, so don’t leave it out. Place the chicken in the flour bag and shake to coat. Then dip each piece into the egg-buttermilk mixture, and return it to the flour bag for a second coating. Shake off any excess flour and place the chicken on a metal rack to rest for 5-10 minutes so the coating sticks and crisps up.
Frying Instructions: Heat 1 cup peanut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 325-350°F, add the chicken in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it lowers the oil temperature and makes the chicken greasy. Cook about 5-6 minutes, flipping once, until the outside is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest point. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
Air Frying Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Spray the basket with oil and place the chicken in a single layer (don’t stack). Lightly spray the chicken with oil, then cook for 6 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook another 6 minutes. Finally, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 4-8 minutes until crispy and 165°F internally. The last high-heat step is what makes it crispy, so don’t skip it.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast 4 hamburger buns lightly in a skillet or oven (if you want the true Chick-fil-A vibe, toast the bun in a little butter–it’s worth it). Then, place the chicken on the bun, add dill pickle slices, and slather on Chick-fil-A sauce.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
I recommend storing the fried chicken, buns, and toppings separately. Store the crispy chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. Then, assemble the sandwiches as desired.
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