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Crispy Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich Recipe with Easy Pickle Brine Chicken

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This recipe recreates the iconic Chick-fil-A sandwich with crispy, juicy chicken marinated in pickle brine and double-dipped in seasoned flour for a perfect crunch. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a homemade fast-food favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), sliced horizontally for thinner cutlets
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pickle juice
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil (enough for 2 inches / 5 cm deep frying)
  • 2 tbsp softened butter
  • 2 hamburger buns (lightly sweetened brioche style recommended)
  • 4–6 dill pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two thinner cutlets (about ½ inch / 1.3 cm thick). Place them in a bowl and pour in the pickle juice. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
  2. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until smooth. In another bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess pickle juice drip off but do not pat dry.
  4. Dip each piece into the egg-milk mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour. For extra crispiness, dip back into the egg wash and flour again, pressing the coating firmly on.
  5. Pour enough peanut or vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat as needed.
  7. Remove chicken and set on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  8. Spread softened butter on the insides of the buns and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and slightly crisp.
  9. Assemble the sandwich by placing the crispy chicken on the bottom bun, topping with dill pickle slices, then the toasted top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt coating. Double-dipping the chicken in egg wash and flour is key for extra crispiness. Use a wire rack to drain fried chicken instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. For a lighter version, use an air fryer at 360°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Substitute almond milk and gluten-free flour for dairy-free and gluten-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A, chicken sandwich, crispy chicken, pickle brine, copycat recipe, fried chicken, homemade sandwich

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-copycat-chick-fil-a-sandwich-recipe-with-easy-pickle-brine-chicken/