Here at Market House, the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich is the gold standard. It’s crispy yet juicy, seasoned to perfection, and is enveloped in a soft, sweet, and buttery bun – there’s nothing quite like it. In an effort to bring that flaky goodness to your kitchen, we’ve recreated the recipe so that you can enjoy a Chick-fil-A-like sandwich anytime, anywhere. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Peanut oil, for frying
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- Butter, for spreading
- Dill pickle slices
- Sliced tomatoes (optional)
- Lettuce (optional)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour in the dill pickle juice. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The pickle juice will add a touch of tangy flavor and will help tenderize the chicken, giving it that unmistakable Chick-fil-A taste.
Step 2: Create the Dredging Station
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. In another bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This coating will add a crispy and well-seasoned crust to the chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the pickle juice marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Dip each breast into the milk and egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Set the coated chicken aside on a wire rack.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large, deep skillet, pour enough peanut oil to reach a depth of approximately 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A thermometer can be handy here to monitor the temperature accurately.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread a small amount of butter on the inside of each hamburger bun. Toast them on a griddle or in a skillet until they are lightly golden and crisp. Now, it's time to construct your masterpiece. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun. Optionally, add dill pickle slices, sliced tomatoes, and lettuce leaves for that authentic Chick-fil-A experience. Top with the remaining bun half.
Step 7: Dig In!
For even more of a fast-food experience, serve your sandwich with waffle fries and a milkshake. Enjoy!
By using fresh, high-quality ingredients and following these steps, you can enjoy this beloved fast-food classic with a homemade touch. At Market House, we take pride in inspiring home cooks to elevate their culinary skills and step outside their comfort zones in the kitchen. If you love to cook or just love Chick-fil-A, this is a great place to start! And as always – cooking with premium meats and seafood gives you a leg up in any recipe.