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Crispy Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich

crispy copycat chick-fil-a spicy deluxe sandwich - featured image

A homemade version of the popular Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich featuring crispy breaded chicken, spicy mayo, and fresh toppings on a buttery brioche bun. Perfect for a quick, flavorful lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170 g each), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup (240 ml) dill pickle juice
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Pinch of smoked paprika
  • 2 buttered and toasted brioche buns
  • 2 slices American cheese
  • 4 dill pickle slices
  • Crisp lettuce leaves
  • Ripe tomato slices
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 1/2 inch depth)

Instructions

  1. Place pounded chicken breasts in a bowl and pour dill pickle juice over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. In one bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In another bowl, beat the egg and milk together until combined.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry lightly with paper towels.
  5. Dip each chicken breast into the wet mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the breading clings well. Repeat dipping in wet mix and flour once more for extra crispiness.
  6. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 350°F/175°C).
  7. Carefully place breaded chicken breasts into hot oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  8. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, honey, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Adjust heat and sweetness to taste.
  10. Butter and toast brioche buns in a dry skillet or oven until golden and warm.
  11. Assemble the sandwich by spreading spicy mayo on the bottom bun, adding lettuce, chicken breast, a slice of American cheese, tomato slices, pickles, and the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure coating sticks. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for best crust. Flip chicken only once to keep breading intact. Let chicken rest after frying to lock in juices. Assemble sandwich just before serving to avoid soggy buns.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken sandwich, spicy chicken, copycat recipe, Chick-fil-A, homemade lunch, crispy chicken, spicy mayo