Dinner

Homemade Chick-fil-A Style Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Bylina Carter December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

Introduction

This Chick-fil-A style chicken sandwich brings the perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken and a flavorful, crispy coating. Marinated in pickle juice and fried to golden perfection, it’s a delicious homemade take on a beloved fast-food classic.

The image shows three fried chicken sandwiches placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three layers: the top layer is a soft golden brown bun with a smooth texture, the middle layer is a large piece of crispy, crunchy fried chicken with a rough, golden-brown crust, and just below the chicken is a layer of green pickle slices with a slightly shiny, wet look. The bottom layer is another golden brown bun that looks fluffy and soft. In the background, there is a white bowl with more pickle slices and a black-and-white checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast
1 cup pickle juice

1 cup flour
1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika
1 tsp basil

1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp peanut oil

1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2-3 cups peanut oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the chicken breast into 4 equal pieces.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken pieces in pickle juice for one hour to tenderize and add flavor.
Step 3: Mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, basil, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk until combined.
Step 5: Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture.
Step 6: Dip the chicken back into the flour mixture, coating it thoroughly for a crunchy crust.

Step 7: Pour 2-3 cups of peanut oil into a deep frying pan and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 9: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes.

Step 10: Place the fried chicken pieces on a rack or in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with peanut oil.
Step 11: Air fry the chicken for 20 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture.

Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the right temperature without overcooking.
Serve on a toasted bun with pickles, lettuce, and your favorite sauce to complete the sandwich experience.
If peanut oil isn’t available, vegetable or canola oil can be substituted for frying.

Storage

Store leftover chicken sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the meat.

How to Serve

The image shows a metal tray filled with waffle fries at the back and four fried chicken sandwiches at the front. Each sandwich has a golden brown fried chicken fillet with a crispy texture, placed between two shiny, golden toasted buns. Inside the sandwich, there are green pickle slices visible beneath the crispy chicken. The waffle fries are piled behind the sandwiches, golden and crispy with their waffle pattern clear. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with part of a red and white checkered cloth visible in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I skip the pickle juice marinade?

While you can skip it, the pickle juice adds a unique tang and helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicier and adding authentic flavor.

Is air frying necessary after frying in oil?

The air fryer step ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature while keeping it extra crispy and less greasy. However, you can skip it if the chicken is fully cooked during frying.