Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches Recipe Easy Homemade

There’s something about that perfect crispy chicken sandwich with pickles and a soft buttery bun that just hits different. These Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches bring that same crave-worthy combo straight to your kitchenno drive-thru line, no Sunday closures.

I tested this one back in spring 2019 after watching my neighbor pay $40 for a family dinner run. The secret? A quick pickle juice brine that makes the chicken unbelievably tender, plus peanut oil if you can find it (but vegetable works great too). After eight years writing about accessible ingredients, I’ve learned that the best copycat recipes don’t need fancy tricksjust good timing and a hot skillet.

Yesica Andrews

Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches Recipe Easy Homemade

Enjoy this easy homemade Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches recipe that perfectly mimics the iconic fast food favorite. With a flavorful marinade and a unique blend of spices in the breading, these chicken sandwiches deliver that signature crispy, juicy bite you love, served on warm buttered buns with pickles.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 3 servings

Calories: 1157

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (we get 3 patties per breast)
• 1/4 cup dill pickle juice
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp celery salt
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• tiny dash of cayenne
• 1 cup Oil for frying if you’re going for authenticity use peanut oil I usually just use vegetable oil and they still taste phenomenal
• Buns buttered and lightly toasted

Method

 

1. Place the chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap and gently flatten until it is about half an inch thick.
2. Slice the chicken into two or three evenly sized pieces.
3. Soak the chicken pieces in dill pickle juice and let them marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth.
5. In another bowl, mix flour with powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, dried basil, and cayenne.
6. Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture coating both sides, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour blend.
7. Heat the oil in a skillet to around 345-350 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure it is about half an inch deep.
8. Fry each chicken piece for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is golden and chicken is cooked through.
9. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels and gently blot to eliminate excess oil.
10. Serve the chicken on lightly toasted buns with slices of pickles for the perfect homemade Chick Fil A sandwich experience.

Notes

• For the best flavor, make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Peanut oil is recommended for frying if you want an authentic taste, but vegetable oil works well too. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Chicken Sandwiches

Here’s what makes this recipe a keeper for busy weeknights and weekend cravings alike:

• Budget-friendly: One chicken breast feeds three people, and you probably have most of the pantry staples already
• That signature flavor: The pickle juice marinade tenderizes the meat and adds that tangy brightness you remember
• Easier than you think: Just a quick brine, simple breading, and a hot skilletno deep fryer needed
• Customizable heat: Add more cayenne if you like spice, or skip it entirely for picky eaters

What You’ll Need (and Why Each Ingredient Matters)

The magic here isn’t complicatedit’s about layering flavor at every step. The dill pickle juice acts as your brine, breaking down the chicken fibers so every bite stays juicy. I’ve tested this with both store-bought pickle juice from the jar and fancy brine from the farmers’ market, and honestly? The Vlasic jar works beautifully.

That powdered sugar might surprise you, but it’s one of the secret ingredients that gives the crust its golden color and subtle caramelization. And if you can grab peanut oil, it adds an authentic nutty richnessbut vegetable oil gets you most of the way there and costs half as much.

The celery salt and dried basil might sound fancy, but they’re what set this apart from regular fried chicken. Keep them in your spice drawer for next time.

How to Make Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches

Start by pounding your chicken breast until it’s an even half-inch thickthis ensures it cooks through without drying out. I wrap mine loosely in plastic wrap and use the flat side of my meat tenderizer, working from the center outward.

Let the chicken soak in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes while you set up your breading station. Mix your egg and milk in one shallow bowl, then whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and all those beautiful spices in another. When your oil hits 345-350 degrees (use a thermometer if you have oneit makes all the difference), dip each piece in egg, then flour, and slide gently into the hot skillet.

Two minutes per side gives you that perfect golden crust with juicy meat inside. Drain on paper towels, then build your sandwich on a buttered, toasted bun with plenty of pickle slices.

Swaps and Tweaks for Your Family

This recipe is flexible enough to work with what you’ve got on hand. Swap regular milk for buttermilk if you want extra tang, or use gluten-free flour blend for the breading (just add a pinch of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it).

Pro Tip: If your chicken breasts are enormous, cut them into four pieces instead of threeyou’ll get slider-sized portions that kids love.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these sandwiches hot off the skillet with classic dill pickle chips, a handful of waffle fries, and maybe a simple coleslaw if you’re feeling fancy. They’re perfect for Sunday lunch after church or a weeknight dinner when you want something special without leaving the house.

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 8 minutes to crisp up the breading againskip the microwave or you’ll lose that crunch. The breaded chicken also freezes beautifully before frying; just add an extra minute per side when cooking from frozen.

Make-ahead hack: Bread all your chicken pieces in the morning, layer them between parchment paper, and refrigerate. Fry them fresh when dinnertime rolls around.

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FAQs (Copy Cat Chick-Fil-A Sandwiches)

Bring That Drive-Thru Favorite Home

Your Copy Cat Chick Fil A Sandwiches are ready in under an hourcrispy golden crust, tender juicy chicken, tangy pickles on buttery toasted buns. That first bite? Pure weekend comfort without leaving your kitchen.

Try swapping brioche buns for extra richness, or add a smear of honey butter if your family loves sweet-savory. Leftover breaded chicken makes amazing salad toppersjust slice it thin and warm gently. A Texas neighbor taught me to double-batch the breading and freeze half for next week’s easy dinner.

Did this recipe bring back drive-thru memories or spark a new family tradition? Snap a photo when your sandwiches come togetherI’d love to see your golden beauties. Save this one for Sunday lunch or share it with a friend who needs a cozy kitchen win.