There’s something undeniably special about the Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich – the perfect combination of crispy goodness, tender chicken, and dill pickles, all sandwiched between a buttery brioche bun.

But what if you want it on Sunday?

Don’t worry, I got you.

STEP ONE. Remove the tenderloins and split the chicken breasts into 4oz. filets. This makes 3-4 sandwiches.

The Foundation: Chicken Brine

The secret to the mouthwatering tenderness of Chick-fil-A’s chicken lies in the brining process and it’s NOT pickle juice. Sorry, internet.

To replicate this at home, you’ll need:

• ¼ cup + 2 tsp coarse Kosher salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp MSG (I use this – https://amzn.to/3uOkZhz)
• 2 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp coarse ground black pepper
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 liter water

1. Mix all dry ingredients, add water, and stir until dissolved.
2. Brine the split chicken breasts for 6-8 hours.

The Crispy Coating: “Seasoned Coater“

Chick-fil-A’s crispy exterior is a work of art, and you can recreate it with what they call their “seasoned coater”. For 3-4 filets, you’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp granulated sugar
• ¾ tsp + 1 pinch coarse Kosher salt
• 1 tsp MSG
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp non-fat milk powder (https://amzn.to/3sVytre)
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Pinch cayenne
• 2-3 spoonfuls of milk wash (at time of breading)

1. Drizzle 2 tbsp milk wash into the flour mixture and crumble it for the crispiest crust.
2. This seasoned coater is ready to envelop your chicken in the perfect crunch.

The Essential Dip: Milk Wash

The milk wash adds that extra layer of flavor and helps bind the seasoned coater to the chicken. For this, you’ll need:

• 1 cup milk ( I used 2%)
• 2 eggs

Whisk the eggs into the milk until homogenous. Set aside or refrigerate if making in advance.

The Culmination: Crafting the Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Now that your components are ready, let’s assemble the masterpiece:

1. Place chicken in the brine for 6-8 hours.
2. Remove chicken, pat dry, and heat oil to 325 degrees F.
3. Butter and toast the buns over medium heat.
4. Dip chicken in milk wash, and shake off excess.
5. Drizzle a spoonful or two of the milk wash into the seasoned coater and press chicken firmly into it.
6. Fry for at least 4 minutes (or 4 minutes, 20 seconds for the Chick-fil-A touch).
7. Assemble how YOU like and enjoy the homemade Chick-fil-A experience! (I like mine with pickles and mayo)

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Conclusion:

With this copycat recipe, you’re not just making a sandwich; you’re crafting an experience reminiscent of Chick-fil-A’s renowned Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Invite friends, savor every bite, and revel in the satisfaction of recreating a fast-food favorite anytime you want. But especially on Sundays.