How Do You Make Chick-fil-A Chicken?
The secret to Chick-fil-A’s signature chicken sandwiches has long been a topic of fascination among fans and aspiring cooks alike. While the company has kept its exact recipe a trade secret, we’ve dug up the essential steps to help you replicate the famous taste and texture at home. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making Chick-fil-A-style chicken, from breaded coating to juicy, grilled goodness.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Before you begin, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
To prepare the chicken, start by combining the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Breading the Chicken
For the breading, you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This is the signature Chick-fil-A Breading Mix.
To bread the chicken, dip each piece into the buttermilk mixture, coating it fully, then roll it in the breading mix, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres evenly. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or tray, leaving a small gap between each piece.
Step 3: Frying the Chicken
Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place 3-4 pieces of the breaded chicken into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Grilling the Chicken
For the final step, preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the fried chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re lightly browned and crispy.
Chick-fil-A Chicken: Tips and Variations
While our recipe provides a solid foundation for recreating Chick-fil-A chicken, here are some additional tips and variations to take your dish to the next level:
- Dip the chicken in egg wash: For an extra crispy coating, try dipping the breaded chicken in a mixture of 1 egg and 1 tbsp water before frying.
- Use different seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme or oregano, to add unique flavor profiles to your chicken.
- Bread the chicken twice: Double-dipping the chicken in the breading mixture can result in an even crisper coating.
- Try grilled or baked alternatives: For a healthier or lower-fat option, grill or bake the chicken instead of frying. Simply adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.
Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Assembly
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Chick-fil-A chicken, it’s time to assemble the famous sandwich. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken pieces (breasts or tenders)
- 4 soft, white bun
- 2 tbsp pickle slices
- 2 tbsp lettuce
- 1 tsp mayonnaise or sauce (optional)
Assemble the sandwich by placing a piece of chicken on the bun, followed by a few slices of pickle, a handful of lettuce, and a dollop of mayonnaise or sauce, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Conclusion
Recreating Chick-fil-A chicken at home requires a few key ingredients and some careful cooking techniques. By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering, crispy, and juicy chicken sandwiches that rival the originals. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and variations to make the dish your own. Happy cooking!