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

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A homemade crispy and juicy chicken sandwich inspired by Chick-fil-A, featuring a tangy pickle brine marinade and a perfectly seasoned crispy coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded to about ½ inch thick
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • About 2 quarts vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying
  • 4 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted (brioche recommended)
  • Dill pickle slices
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • Mayonnaise or honey mustard (optional, for spreading)

Instructions

  1. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, then pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup dill pickle juice and ½ cup buttermilk. Submerge chicken breasts completely and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  4. Heat about 2 quarts of vegetable or peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to maintain temperature.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For extra crunch, double-dip by dipping back into buttermilk then flour again.
  6. Carefully fry chicken pieces in hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Fry in batches if needed.
  7. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crispy. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Spread softened butter on cut sides of buns and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crispy.
  9. Assemble sandwiches by spreading mayonnaise or honey mustard on buns (if desired), layering fried chicken, and topping with dill pickle slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispiness. Rest fried chicken on a wire rack to avoid soggy crust. Double-dip chicken in buttermilk and flour for extra crunch. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 1 hour to avoid texture breakdown.

Nutrition

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

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