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.

Mise En Place is the name of the game here, so get your components set up the day before.

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.

Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich recipe | Tom Dahm Chicago Food Photographer

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)

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.

copycat Chickfila chicken sandwich recipe

Life’s crazy, and there’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty, home-cooked meal. Today, I’m diving into that comfort food with a delicious twist on a classic dish – Ravioli Lasagna with Sweet Italian Sausage. This recipe combines the ease of baked ravioli with the savory richness of sweet Italian sausage, creating a mouthwatering experience that satisfies both the craving for simplicity and indulgence.

Ravioli Lasagna with Sweet Italian Sausage | Tom Dahm

The Foundation: A Sweet Sausage Marinara Sauce

At the heart of this recipe lies a robust Sweet Sausage Marinara Sauce that elevates the entire dish. The sweetness of the Italian sausage infuses the tomato-based sauce with a depth of flavor that complements the cheese-filled ravioli perfectly.

To prepare the sauce, start by browning a pound of sweet Italian sausage, removed from its casing, in a generous glug of olive oil. (Or use my basil compound butter) Add minced garlic to the sizzling sausage, infusing the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Then, introduce San Marzano tomatoes, basil stalks, kosher salt, and chili flakes, bringing the sauce to a simmer. Let it bubble away for 15 minutes or so, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, hearty concoction.

The Noodle Layers: Ravioli, an Unconventional Lasagna Base

Here’s the hack. I use cheese ravioli as my noodle layers! The result is a delightful play on texture and taste, with the pasta pillows providing a creamy counterpart to the savory layers of sausage and melted mozzarella.

To prepare the ravioli, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook them according to the package instructions, aiming for that perfect al dente texture. Drain the ravioli, setting the stage for the layers of goodness to come.

Assembly and Baking: Crafting a Comfort Food Masterpiece

Now comes the fun part – assembling our Ravioli Lasagna. In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ravioli, followed by a generous ladle of the Sweet Sausage Marinara Sauce, and a healthy amount of freshly grated mozzarella. Repeat the layers for a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Top it all off with a dash of oregano and chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil for that golden finish. Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 400 degrees and let the magic happen. In just 10 minutes, the cheese will melt into a gooey perfection, and the aroma of the bubbling lasagna will beckon you to the kitchen.



The Result: A Culinary Triumph

As you pull the Ravioli Lasagna with Sweet Italian Sausage from the oven, be prepared for a visual and olfactory feast. The golden-brown cheese forms a tantalizing crust, concealing layers of pasta and savory goodness beneath. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma.

Serve this culinary triumph to your eager guests or savor it as a comforting solo indulgence. Each forkful is a symphony of flavors – the creamy ravioli, the sweet and savory sausage, the tangy marinara, and the gooey mozzarella – all coming together in perfect harmony.

Conclusion: A New Classic for Your Recipe Repertoire

In the realm of comfort food, the Ravioli Lasagna with Sweet Italian Sausage stands out as a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This recipe seamlessly combines the convenience of ravioli with the richness of sweet Italian sausage, creating a dish that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or simply treating yourself to a night of indulgence, this Ravioli Lasagna is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the warmth and satisfaction of this comforting culinary creation. Just don’t forget the Parmigiano-Reggiano!

A top down photograph of Sweet Italian Sausage Ravioli Lasagna by Tom Dahm

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‘Tis the season

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Tom Dahm's Holiday Elves in Chicago

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Two Christmas Elves hard at work

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