The Big Chicken Fillet Sandwich from Hardee's/Carl's Jr. features a juicy, breaded chicken fillet layered with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise, all nestled inside a soft, toasted sesame seed bun for a satisfying combination of crispy, fresh, and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Sheet pan or tray
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl (for breading or dredging chicken)
- Spatula
- Toaster or grill (for toasting bun)
- Squeeze bottle or spoon (for mayonnaise)
- Assembly station/table
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillet
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 leaves fresh iceberg lettuce
- 2 slices ripe tomato
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 sesame seed sandwich bun
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients like boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets ensures the best flavor and texture in your sandwich. Be sure to season your flour and breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to replicate the savory taste accurately. Proper breading with an egg and milk mixture helps achieve a crispy golden crust when deep frying. Fresh iceberg lettuce and ripe tomato slices add a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy mayonnaise and juicy chicken. Your homemade Big Chicken Fillet Sandwich from Hardee's/Carl's Jr. copycat menu will deliver the same satisfying crispy, fresh, and savory flavors as the original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice chicken breast into even fillet if needed.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In another bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge chicken fillet in flour mixture, dip in egg wash, then coat again in flour mixture.
- Using tongs, carefully place breaded chicken fillet in the hot oil.
- Fry chicken fillet until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–6 minutes).
- Remove chicken from fryer and drain on a sheet pan lined with paper towels.
- Slice tomato and wash lettuce leaves.
- Slice sesame seed bun if not pre-sliced.
- Toast bun halves on toaster or grill until lightly golden.
- Spread mayonnaise on both the top and bottom bun halves with a squeeze bottle or spoon.
- Place fried chicken fillet on the bottom bun.
- Layer lettuce leaves and tomato slices over the chicken fillet.
- Cap sandwich with the top bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Big Chicken Fillet Sandwich from Hardee's/Carl's Jr. copycat menu replicates the original's crispy breaded chicken, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and creamy mayonnaise within a toasted sesame seed bun. If a deep fryer is unavailable, pan-frying the chicken fillet in a heavy skillet with enough oil to cover half the thickness can yield similar crispiness. You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary restrictions without significantly affecting texture. When fresh tomatoes are out of season, sun-dried or roasted tomato slices offer an alternative that enhances flavor complexity. Use a grill or toaster oven to toast buns evenly and prevent sogginess during assembly.
Tips
Ensure the chicken is evenly coated during the breading process to prevent soggy spots and achieve a uniform crispy crust. Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) for thorough cooking without burning the exterior. After frying, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil, preserving the sandwich's crispiness. When assembling your sandwich, apply mayonnaise evenly on both buns to enhance flavor and keep the bread moist without becoming soggy.
Nutritions
The Big Chicken Fillet Sandwich from Hardee's/Carl's Jr. offers a balance of protein from the juicy chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth, and carbohydrates from the sesame seed bun to fuel your day. The fresh lettuce and tomato add fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support your immune system and skin health. Mayonnaise contributes a creamy texture but also adds fats, so moderation is key for managing calorie intake. You can enjoy this sandwich as a hearty meal while being mindful of portion sizes to maintain a balanced diet.
Storage
Store leftover Big Chicken Fillet Sandwich components separately for best freshness--keep the fried chicken fillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap lettuce and tomato slices in paper towels and place them in a sealed container to maintain crispness, while storing the bun in a plastic bag or bread box to avoid drying out. Reheat the chicken fillet in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) until crispy, then reassemble the sandwich with fresh produce for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment by substituting the all-purpose flour with a blend of cornstarch and rice flour to achieve an extra crispy coating for the chicken fillet. For a healthier twist, bake the breaded chicken breast on a sheet pan at 400degF (200degC) for 20 minutes instead of deep frying. Try swapping iceberg lettuce with fresh arugula or baby spinach to add a peppery flavor and more nutrients. Consider mixing sriracha or chipotle sauce into your mayonnaise for a spicy, smoky kick that enhances the sandwich's savory profile.
Allergies
The Big Chicken Fillet Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat (in the flour, breadcrumbs, and sandwich bun), eggs (used in the breading process), and milk (in the mayonnaise and breading mixture). The sesame seeds on the bun may cause reactions for individuals with sesame allergies. If you have sensitivities to any of these ingredients, it is important to check with the restaurant or avoid this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
The Big Chicken Fillet Sandwich from Hardee's and Carl's Jr. is popular for its crispy, juicy chicken breast, complemented by a soft toasted bun and fresh lettuce and pickles, delivering a satisfying texture and flavor. Its combination of seasoned coating and tender meat appeals to those craving a flavorful, comforting chicken sandwich experience. Making a copycat version allows You to customize seasoning and ingredients to match your preferred taste while enjoying a cost-effective, homemade alternative. Replicating this menu item offers a chance to recreate the restaurant-quality sandwich with fresh, high-quality components tailored to Your preferences.