Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Sandwich
A crispy, flavorful chicken sandwich that rivals your favorite fast-food joint, made easily at home.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- shallow dish
- Skillet or deep fryer
- Thermometer
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Fresh and high-quality for best results.
- 1 cup Buttermilk For marinating the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds flavor and color.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder Adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper For a bit of heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Optional for added spice.
- 1 cup All-purpose flour For breading the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Powdered sugar Balances the savory flavors.
- Peanut oil as needed For frying Ideal for frying due to high smoke point.
Assembly Ingredients
- 4 pieces Hamburger buns Soft and fresh for best results.
- Butter as needed For toasting Adds richness to the buns.
- Pickles as needed For topping Classic addition to the sandwich.
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly for an even coating.
- Heat about 1 inch of peanut oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- While the chicken is draining on paper towels, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat and toast the hamburger buns until golden brown.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing the fried chicken on the bottom half of each bun, topping with pickles, and covering with the top half of the bun.
Notes
For a spicy version, add more cayenne pepper to the marinade or use spicy pickles. For a lighter option, grill the chicken instead of frying.