Did you know you can make the Chick-fil-A chicken recipe at home? Crisp breading, tender juicy chicken, tangy pickles, and a buttered hamburger bun are the key players in the classic Chick-fil-A sandwich. I’m thrilled to tell you that you can make a fabulous copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich at home, for a fraction of the cost. Best of all, for this recipe, you bake the chicken instead of frying it; making this recipe about as easy as can be.
Chick-fil-A Chicken Recipe
I tried a few different chicken sandwich recipes before I discovered that the secret to true Chick-fil-A flavor is pickle juice. Marinating the chicken in pickle juice makes it extra juicy and it brings that tangy flavor through the entire sandwich. It does take a few hours for the chicken to marinate, but if you plan ahead, you won’t believe how quickly these baked sandwiches come together. I typically prep the chicken and marinade the night before and let it sit in the fridge over night to soak up all that good tangy pickle flavor. Then, by lunch time the next day, the chicken is ready to get breaded and baked to crispy perfection. I serve these on buttered buns with fresh pickle slices for an authentic Chick-fil-A taste. Depending on how hungry we are, I sometimes double the recipe because my boys can easily eat two sandwiches each! If you love Chick-fil-A, you’re going to flip your lid over these sandwiches.
Baked Chicken Sandwich
Another point in this recipe’s favor is that these Homemade Chick-fil-A Sandwiches are baked, not fried. I should probably admit that my happiness isn’t necessarily due to the fact that these sandwiches are healthier than their deep-fried fast-food cousins; it’s because baking them leaves them wonderfully crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside without any of the work or mess of frying. Whether that thrills you for health reasons or for sheer laziness alone, the fact that I don’t have to wipe down a greasy stove or turn on the fans to fight the smell of grease makes me very happy. I have nothing against deep-frying but the ease of baking means I can make these sandwiches whenever I like without worrying about the mess. Did I mention these copycat Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches are easily made gluten-free? My middle son hasn’t been able to eat a regular Chick-fil-A sandwich for years and now he can happily enjoy one! I tasted both the gluten-free version of this baked chicken sandwich and the one with regular flour. Both were equally delicious! Okay, maybe THAT is my favorite thing about this recipe. I’m including directions for making your own Chick-fil-A sandwiches with traditional flour or with a simple gluten-free alternative.
How to Make Chick-fil-A Chicken
After years of getting chicken sandwiches from the drive-thru, I’m happy to share that making copycat Chick-fil-A sandwiches is so much easier than you think. Don’t be intimidated by the long ingredients list. Anyone can make these baked chicken sandwiches! My boys and I liked these sandwiches in the classic style with just a few pickle slices on top of the chicken. You’re welcome to dress these up however you like. Lettuce, tomato, sliced onion, ketchup, barbecue sauce . . .whatever you like on your chicken will be delicious here. These Homemade Chick-fil-A Sandwiches were every bit as good as the ones from the restaurant. They made for an awesome lunch served with a side of Classic Memphis-Style Coleslaw and would also be wonderful with just a handful of potato chips and a simple salad for a full meal. Next time we make copycat Chick-fil-A chicken, I just might have to make these Oven Roasted Potato Wedges from Aggie’s Kitchen to serve on the side! Comforting and full of irresistible heat, creamy and cheesy Green Chile Mac and Cheese will also make a great side to Chick-fil-A chicken. Do you like Reuben sandwiches? If so, you just might go crazy over these Corned Beef Sliders – my family sure did! {originally published 4-2-2015 – recipe notes and photos updated 9-27-2019}
Hot Sandwich Recipes
Looking for some more hot sandwich recipes? We LOVE these Classic Cuban Sandwich by The Noshery and these Reuben Sandwich Sliders by Spend with Pennies for lunch or dinner. I have a special place in my heart (and stomach) for these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes I shared a while back. They’re so much fun to make and eat. My kids love them even more than I do. These Grilled Cheese Roll Ups by The Baker Mama are the perfect comfort food for a rainy day, served with a hot bowl of soup. Savory deli meats are piled high on a toasted hoagie roll, then topped with an unforgettable tangy slaw and gooey provolone cheese to make this Italian Grinder Sandwich your new favorite lunch. Next time you’re having a party or looking for a great game day finger food, give these Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches by 365 Days of Baking a try.
