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Copycat Chick Fil A Sandwich

Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwich Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each), halved horizontally
  • 1 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Neutral oil for frying (enough for 1 inch in a heavy pot)
  • 4 soft hamburger buns
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Dill pickle slices, for serving

Method
 

  1. Brine the chicken in pickle juice in a bowl or zip-top bag, refrigerated, for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
  2. Mix flour, powdered sugar, salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne in a shallow dish until well combined.
  3. Whisk buttermilk and egg in another shallow dish. Remove chicken from brine, letting excess drip off. Coat in flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat again in flour, pressing to form a thick crust. Rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
  4. Heat 1 inch of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches, 2 pieces at a time, for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and 165°F (74°C) internal. Drain on a wire rack set over paper towels.
  5. Butter and toast buns until golden, then build sandwiches with chicken and pickle slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Brining time is not included in the prep time. Letting the coated chicken rest on a rack helps the crust set before frying. Drain fried chicken on a rack for a minute so the bottom stays crisp, then assemble.