If you’re craving that iconic Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich but want to recreate it at home, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to make the perfect sandwich—from marinating the chicken to building layers of flavor with sauce, spices, and toppings. While it may look like a lot at first, all the ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the process is easy once you get started.
1. Prep the Chicken
What you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Dill pickle juice
- Water
- Zip-top plastic bag
Steps:
- Slice each chicken breast in half to make thinner, more even pieces. This helps them cook more uniformly.
- Place the halved chicken breasts into a zip-top bag.
- Add ½ cup dill pickle juice and ¼ cup water.
- Seal the bag, removing excess air, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step tenderizes the chicken and adds that signature Chick-fil-A tang.
2. Make the Signature Sauce
This homemade sauce is creamy, tangy, and sweet—just like the original.
Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Yellow mustard
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Barbecue sauce (preferably sweet, like one with brown sugar)
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Use a spatula to scrape everything in, then whisk until smooth.
- Taste and adjust if needed.
- Place the sauce in the fridge to chill while you finish the rest of the prep.
3. Set Up the Breading Station
This is the key to that crispy, golden crust with the perfect level of spice.
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper
- Powdered sugar (yes, this adds a subtle sweetness that mimics Chick-fil-A’s blend)
- Cayenne pepper (1–1.5 tsp depending on your spice tolerance)
- Baking soda
- Chili powder
- Paprika
Wet Ingredients:
- Milk
- 1 large egg
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
- These two bowls will be your breading stations—one wet, one dry.
4. Breading the Chicken
Double-dipping technique:
- Remove marinated chicken from the fridge (don’t pat it dry).
- Dip each piece into the milk-egg mixture.
- Transfer to the flour mix. Press the flour in firmly on both sides to make sure every part is well coated.
- Return to the wet mixture for a second dip.
- Coat again in the flour mix, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, crunchy breading.
- Shake off any excess and place on a cooling rack.
Pro tip: Press the flour mix into all the chicken’s crevices to build that signature crispy coating.
5. Frying the Chicken
You can use a deep fryer or a heavy pot with a thermometer.
Steps:
- Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower chicken pieces into the oil. For thinner pieces, fry about 4–5 minutes; thicker pieces may need 7–8 minutes.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Place fried chicken on a cooling rack to rest.
6. Melting the Cheese (Optional but Awesome)
While the chicken is still hot:
- Add a slice of American cheese or smoked Gouda to the top.
- Let it melt from the residual heat for added flavor.
7. Assemble Your Sandwich
What you’ll need:
- Toasted buns (brioche recommended)
- Pickle slices
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- The chilled sauce
- Your crispy chicken
Steps:
- Spread sauce on the bottom bun.
- Add pickles.
- Layer lettuce and tomato.
- Place your cheesy, crispy chicken breast on top.
- Add more sauce to the top bun (if desired).
- Close the sandwich and admire your work!
Final Thoughts
This copycat Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich hits all the right notes: juicy, crispy chicken; flavorful sauce; crunchy pickles; and fresh veggies, all held together with a soft, buttery brioche bun. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
If you’re making a batch for a group, you can prep everything ahead of time and fry when ready. The total time is about 45 minutes, making it a great option for weekend meals or impressing friends and family.
No mystery ingredients, just real flavor. Once you’ve tried this, you might never go back to the drive-thru again.