Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Deluxe Sandwich (Better Than Takeout!)

Short on time but craving fast food flavor?

This homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Deluxe Sandwich is crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—without the 60+ ingredients found in the original. With just a few simple pantry staples, you can recreate this drive-thru favorite right in your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or impressing the whole family.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like Chick-fil-A (maybe even better!)

• Made with fewer than 15 real, clean ingredients

• Kid-approved, husband-devoured

• Ready in under 45 minutes

• Saves money vs. takeout

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded to ½-inch thick)

• 1 cup dill pickle juice

• ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk

• 1 egg

For the Seasoned Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a kick)

For Frying:

• Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil

To Assemble the Sandwich (Deluxe Style):

• Brioche buns, toasted

• 2 slices cheddar, Colby Jack, or American cheese

• Leaf lettuce

• 2 slices tomato

• Dill pickle chips

• Optional: Mayo or Chick-fil-A sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the pickle juice, milk, and egg. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best flavor).

2. Make the Breading

In a shallow bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and seasonings until well combined.

3. Dredge and Coat

Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge in the seasoned flour, pressing in firmly. For extra crispy chicken, dip again in the marinade and re-dredge.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or heavy pan to 350°F. Fry each piece of chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F). Let drain on a wire rack or paper towel.

5. Toast and Stack

Lightly butter your buns and toast until golden. Build your sandwich:
Bottom bun → pickles → fried chicken → cheese → tomato → lettuce → optional sauce → top bun

Mom Tip:

Make a double batch and freeze the extra fried chicken patties for quick dinners later in the week. Just reheat in the oven or air fryer and assemble!

Serve It With:

• Homemade waffle fries

• Air fryer sweet potato fries

• Fresh lemonade or sweet tea

Is Chick-fil-A Really Made With 60+ Ingredients?

Yep! From the preservatives in the bun to the additives in the chicken seasoning, the original sandwich has over 60 ingredients. This homemade version cuts that list down to just 15 real, clean ingredients you can actually pronounce. No MSG. No weird fillers. Just delicious, crispy chicken you can feel good about feeding your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sandwich in the air fryer?

Yes! After dredging the chicken, spray it with a little oil and air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. It still gets crispy with less oil.

What kind of cheese does Chick-fil-A use on their Deluxe sandwich?

Chick-fil-A typically uses Colby Jack or American cheese on their Deluxe. You can use cheddar, Colby Jack, or any melty cheese you prefer.

Do I have to marinate the chicken in pickle juice?

Pickle juice is key to that signature Chick-fil-A flavor and tender texture. If you're not a fan, you can substitute with buttermilk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice—but the flavor will be slightly different.

What oil is best for frying chicken sandwiches?

Chick-fil-A uses peanut oil, but you can also use canola oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil—anything with a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the breading and swap the bun for your favorite gluten-free option.

Does Chick-fil-A really use 60+ ingredients in their sandwich?

Yes! Between the bun, pickles, chicken, and seasoning, the Chick-fil-A Deluxe has over 60 ingredients, including preservatives and additives. This homemade version uses fewer than 15 real ingredients—with no MSG or artificial stuff.Save + Share This Recipe

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Homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Deluxe Sandwich (Copycat Recipe)

Yield 2-4

Author Kim Alexander

This crispy, juicy, homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Deluxe Sandwich is a spot-on copycat made with real, simple ingredients. It’s marinated in dill pickle juice, breaded with a lightly sweet seasoned flour, then fried to perfection and stacked high with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted brioche bun. No drive-thru needed—just pure comfort food at home!

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded thin)
• 1 cup dill pickle juice
• ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1 egg

For the breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)

For frying:

• Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil

To assemble:

• 2 brioche buns, toasted
• 2 slices cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
• 2 leaves green leaf lettuce
• 4 slices tomato
• Dill pickle chips
• Optional: Mayo or homemade Chick-fil-A sauce

Instructions

1. In a bowl or zip bag, mix pickle juice, milk, and egg. Add chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and all spices until evenly combined.
3. Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge thoroughly in seasoned flour. For an extra crispy layer, dip the chicken back into the marinade and dredge again.
4. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry each piece of chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.
6. Layer in this order: bottom bun → pickle chips → hot fried chicken → slice of cheddar cheese → tomato slices → lettuce → (optional sauce) → top bun.

Notes

• For a lighter version, air fry the chicken at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before assembling to keep the coating crispy.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

1111

Fat

44 g

Sat. Fat

20 g

Carbs

122 g

Fiber

7 g

Net carbs

116 g

Sugar

15 g

Protein

56 g

Sodium

3878 mg

Cholesterol

332 mg

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