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Homemade Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (Fried or Air Fried) photo

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (Fried or Air Fried)

A juicy, crispy copycat Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich that can be made fried or in the air fryer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • cast-iron skillet or heavy skillet
  • Air Fryer
  • Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
  • Plastic Wrap
  • zip-top bags (2)
  • shallow baking dish
  • metal cooling rack
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts halved (to make 4 cutlets)
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk divided
  • 1/2 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup peanut oil for frying
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Chick Fil A sauce for serving (see recipe)
  • dill pickle slices for topping

Instructions
 

  • Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/2-inch thick; then halve each breast to make 4 cutlets if not already halved.
  • In a zip-top bag combine 1/2 cup buttermilk and the 1/2 cup dill pickle juice, add the chicken, seal, and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes; drain well before proceeding.
  • In a shallow dish whisk the remaining 1 cup buttermilk with the large egg until smooth.
  • In a clean zip-top bag combine the flour, powdered sugar, kosher salt, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder; seal and shake to mix.
  • Working one piece at a time, place chicken in the flour bag and shake to coat completely, then dredge in the egg-buttermilk mixture, and return to the flour bag to coat again; shake off excess and rest on a metal cooling rack.
  • For frying: heat 1 cup peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then working in batches cook the chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to 165°F; drain on paper towels.
  • For air-frying: preheat the air fryer to 350°F and lightly oil the basket; place chicken in a single layer (work in batches), lightly spray or brush with oil and air fry 6 minutes, flip, spray again and air fry 6 minutes more; increase temperature to 400°F and continue 8 minutes, or until crispy and 165°F internal.
  • Place each cooked chicken piece on a bun, add Chick Fil A sauce and dill pickle slices, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • The air fryer offers a lighter alternative to deep frying.
  • Always pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
  • Dill pickle brine and powdered sugar are key to the signature flavor.
  • Add cayenne to the seasoning for a spicy variation.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F.