The Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich from Chick-fil-A features a tender, juicy chicken breast seasoned with bold spices, topped with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and pickles, all nestled inside a toasted, buttery bun for a flavorful and satisfying spicy meal.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Sheet pan
- Wire rack
- Bun toaster or skillet/griddle
- Food thermometer
- Plate/tray for assembly
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Peanut oil (for frying)
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 8 dill pickle chips
- 2 brioche sandwich buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
When preparing the Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich, be sure to use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts to achieve a tender and juicy texture. The combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder is essential for replicating the bold, spicy flavor. Buttermilk and egg help tenderize the chicken and create a crispy coating when breaded with flour and cornstarch. Using peanut oil for frying ensures a crispy crust while maintaining moisture inside the chicken breast. Your homemade Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich from Chick-fil-A copycat menu will capture the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin fillets.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg.
- In another bowl, combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, flour, and cornstarch.
- Marinate chicken fillets in buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat deep fryer with peanut oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat.
- Place coated chicken on a wire rack over a sheet pan.
- Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C), about 4–5 minutes.
- Drain chicken on a clean wire rack.
- Toast brioche buns with butter on a skillet, griddle, or bun toaster until golden.
- Cut lettuce and slice tomatoes.
- Place fried chicken on buns, add a slice of pepper jack cheese to each.
- Top each with lettuce, tomato slices, and pickle chips.
- Close sandwich; serve hot.
Substitution
The Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich from Chick-fil-A copycat menu can be customized easily to suit your taste or ingredient availability. If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar for a similar tangy effect. When peanut oil is not an option, canola or vegetable oil can provide a comparable frying temperature and crispiness. For a different cheese flavor, swap pepper jack with cheddar or Monterey Jack slices without compromising melt quality. Use any sturdy sandwich bun like ciabatta or potato rolls if brioche is not accessible, ensuring your sandwich remains soft yet durable enough for stacking.
Tips
Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165degF (74degC) to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Marinating the chicken in the buttermilk and egg mixture for at least 30 minutes tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor absorption. Use a wire rack over a sheet pan to drain excess oil after frying, which helps keep the chicken crispy rather than soggy. When assembling, lightly toast the brioche buns with butter to add richness and prevent the bun from becoming soggy once the sandwich is assembled.
Nutritions
The Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich provides a balanced combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Each chicken breast offers approximately 25 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The sandwich's peanut oil frying method introduces healthy fats, while the inclusion of tomato, lettuce, and pickles adds fiber and essential vitamins like A and C. Your meal contains roughly 600-700 calories, making it a satisfying option for those seeking a flavorful yet hearty lunch or dinner.
Storage
Store the Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Keep lettuce, tomato, and pickles separate in small containers to preserve their crispness and flavor. Reheat the chicken fillet in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10 minutes to restore juiciness without compromising texture before assembling your sandwich.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap the pepper jack cheese with pepper jack or cheddar for a milder or sharper flavor. Use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and flour instead of just flour and cornstarch to achieve an extra crispy coating. Instead of frying, you could bake the chicken fillets at 425degF (220degC) for 20-25 minutes to reduce oil content while retaining juiciness if you prefer a healthier option. Finally, try adding a spicy mayo or chipotle sauce to your sandwich for an extra kick that complements the bold spices.
Allergies
The Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich contains several common allergens including eggs, dairy from the pepper jack cheese and butter, and wheat found in the all-purpose flour and brioche buns. Peanut oil is used for frying, which could pose a risk for individuals with peanut allergies even though the oil is highly refined. You should carefully review the ingredient list and inform the restaurant of any allergies to avoid potential adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich from Chick-fil-A features a perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken breast topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy pickles on a toasted bun, creating a balanced blend of heat and flavor. Customers appreciate its crispy exterior and tender interior, which delivers a satisfying texture and mouthfeel. Replicating this menu item at home allows you to customize spice levels and ingredients to your taste while enjoying a cost-effective alternative to dining out. The sandwich's unique combination of quality ingredients and bold spices makes it an irresistible culinary experience worth copying.