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Perfectly spicy, not too overwhelming!|That chicken texture is spot on!|Tastes exactly like the real thing!|Made this twice already this week!|Pickle chips make it authentic!|My picky teenager requested seconds!|Crunchier than I expected, delicious!|Marinating overnight enhanced the flavors!
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Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Master how to make the iconic Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich at home with this quick and easy recipe. Learn the secret to achieving that perfect crispy exterior with the signature heat that makes this recipe so craveable. Better than takeout and ready in minutes!

Prep

30 mins

Cook

15 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

450
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml buttermilk (or 120ml milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried basil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 liter)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 burger buns, preferably brioche style</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 dill pickle slices</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the spicy mayo: 4 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tsp hot sauce, 1 tsp paprika</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Begin by butterflying each chicken breast - place your hand flat on top of the chicken and carefully slice horizontally through the middle, almost all the way through, then open it like a book. Cut each butterflied breast in half to create 4 portions. Place the chicken pieces between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1cm thickness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they're fully submerged, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) for maximum tenderness and flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> When ready to cook, prepare your spicy coating. In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the spiced flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure good adhesion. Shake off any excess, then place on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes (this helps the coating stick better during frying).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> While the chicken is resting, heat vegetable oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven to 175°C. Use enough oil to reach about 5cm depth. If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of flour into the oil - it should sizzle immediately but not burn.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Carefully lower 2 chicken pieces into the hot oil (don't overcrowd the pan). Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> While the chicken is frying, make the spicy mayo by combining mayonnaise, hot sauce, and paprika in a small bowl. Split and lightly butter the burger buns, then toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> To assemble the sandwiches, spread the spicy mayo on both sides of the toasted buns. Place a crispy chicken piece on the bottom half of each bun, top with 2 pickle slices, then close with the top bun half. For the authentic Chick-fil-A experience, wrap each sandwich in foil and let rest for 2-3 minutes to steam slightly before serving.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Spicy Chicken Sandwich Recipe

What ingredients are used in Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A?

The main ingredients include boneless chicken breasts, buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, spices (paprika, cayenne, garlic and onion powder), brioche buns, and pickle slices. The spicy mayo requires mayonnaise, hot sauce and paprika.

How to cook Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A at home?

Learn how to cook Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A by butterflying and pounding chicken breasts, marinating them in buttermilk, coating in seasoned flour, and deep-frying until golden. Top with pickle slices and spicy mayo on toasted brioche buns for that authentic restaurant experience.

What's the secret to achieving that perfect crispy coating on fried chicken sandwiches?

The perfect crispy coating comes from a combination of: letting the buttermilk-soaked chicken rest before dredging, adding cornstarch to the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken, resting again before frying, and maintaining the correct oil temperature.

How can I make a spicier version of a crispy chicken sandwich?

For a spicier sandwich, increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture, add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade, and boost the heat in your spicy mayo with more hot sauce or add sriracha. You could also include sliced jalapeños as a topping.

Can I bake or air-fry chicken fillets instead of deep-frying them?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 200°C and bake the coated fillets for 20-25 minutes, or air-fry at 190°C for 12-15 minutes. Spray with oil first for better browning. The texture won't be identical to deep-frying but will still be delicious and healthier.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.
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Cut each butterflied breast in half to create 4 portions. Place the chicken pieces between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1cm thickness." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Marinate", "text": "In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they're fully submerged, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) for maximum tenderness and flavor." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare coating", "text": "When ready to cook, prepare your spicy coating. In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Coat chicken", "text": "Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the spiced flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure good adhesion. Shake off any excess, then place on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes (this helps the coating stick better during frying)." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Heat oil", "text": "While the chicken is resting, heat vegetable oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven to 175°C. Use enough oil to reach about 5cm depth. If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of flour into the oil - it should sizzle immediately but not burn." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Fry chicken", "text": "Carefully lower 2 chicken pieces into the hot oil (don't overcrowd the pan). Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare sauce and buns", "text": "While the chicken is frying, make the spicy mayo by combining mayonnaise, hot sauce, and paprika in a small bowl. Split and lightly butter the burger buns, then toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Assemble sandwich", "text": "To assemble the sandwiches, spread the spicy mayo on both sides of the toasted buns. Place a crispy chicken piece on the bottom half of each bun, top with 2 pickle slices, then close with the top bun half. For the authentic Chick-fil-A experience, wrap each sandwich in foil and let rest for 2-3 minutes to steam slightly before serving." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria González", "datePublished": "2024-05-02", "reviewBody": "This sandwich is absolutely incredible! The spice level is perfect and the chicken stays so juicy. My family couldn't believe I made these at home - they taste just like the real thing!", "name": "Better Than The Original", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Hiroshi Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-05-05", "reviewBody": "I've tried several copycat recipes and this one is by far the closest to Chick-fil-A. The overnight marinating in buttermilk makes all the difference. Will definitely make again!", "name": "Spot-On Copycat", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-10", "reviewBody": "This recipe is amazing! The spice blend is perfect, and the chicken turned out super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. I added a bit more hot sauce to the mayo for extra kick.", "name": "Perfectly Spiced", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-12", "reviewBody": "I made these for a weekend cookout and everyone was impressed. The detailed instructions made the process easy to follow. The tip about wrapping in foil at the end really does make a difference!", "name": "Crowd Pleaser", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Thompson", "datePublished": "2024-05-14", "reviewBody": "As someone who craves Chick-fil-A on Sundays when they're closed, this recipe is a lifesaver! The spicy mayo is the perfect complement to the crispy chicken. My new go-to sandwich recipe.", "name": "Sunday Craving Satisfied", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ], "url": "https://www.grittychef.com/recipes/chick-fil-a-spicy-chicken-sandwich-recipe" }
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