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Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich Recipe Easy Homemade Guide

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A flavorful copycat recipe for Chick-fil-A’s spicy deluxe sandwich featuring juicy brined chicken, a special spice blend, and spicy mayo, perfect for a quick and satisfying homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz / 170–225 g each), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) kosher salt
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free blend for GF)
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 toasted buttered brioche buns (or potato buns)
  • 2 slices American cheese
  • 2–4 dill pickle slices
  • Leafy green lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
  • 2 tomato slices
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Brine the chicken: Dissolve sugar and kosher salt in water in a large bowl. Submerge chicken breasts and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the breading mix: Combine flour, powdered sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a shallow dish.
  3. Mix the wet batter: Pour whole milk or buttermilk into another bowl.
  4. Pound the chicken: Remove chicken from brine, pat dry, and pound to about 1/2-inch thickness between plastic wrap sheets.
  5. Bread the chicken: Dip each breast into milk, then dredge in flour mixture, pressing lightly. Repeat dipping and dredging once more for extra crunch.
  6. Heat oil: Heat about 1.5 inches of peanut oil in a frying pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry the chicken: Fry chicken breasts 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Fry in batches if needed.
  8. Drain and rest: Transfer chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crispy. Rest 3-5 minutes.
  9. Toast the buns: Butter insides of brioche buns and toast until golden and fragrant.
  10. Make the spicy mayo: Whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, honey, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  11. Assemble the sandwich: Spread spicy mayo on both bun halves. Layer lettuce, tomato slices, fried chicken, pickles, and cheese slice. Top with bun crown and press gently.
  12. Serve immediately while warm and cheese is melty.

Notes

If chicken isn’t crisping well, add a pinch more powdered sugar or cornstarch to flour mix. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Double dredge chicken for extra crunch. Let fried chicken rest on wire rack to keep crust crispy. Spicy mayo is essential for flavor balance. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free blend. Baking option: bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chick-fil-A, spicy deluxe sandwich, copycat recipe, fried chicken sandwich, homemade chicken sandwich, spicy mayo, comfort food

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/copycat-chick-fil-a-spicy-deluxe-sandwich-recipe-easy-homemade-guide/