Chik from Krystal features a juicy, crispy fried chicken filet nestled inside a soft, warm slider bun, topped with tangy pickles and a zesty special sauce, delivering a flavorful bite with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Sheet pan or tray
- Paper towels
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Sauce bottle or spoon
- Bun warmer or steamer
- Sandwich assembly station
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast filets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 slider buns
- 8 dill pickle chips
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Your buttermilk marinade enriched with hot sauce tenderizes the chicken breasts while imparting subtle heat. Combining all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the breading mix ensures an extra crispy texture after frying. The special sauce blends mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice with spices to create a tangy flavor that complements the pickles and crispy chicken. Properly warming the slider buns enhances the overall sandwich experience by keeping them soft and inviting. You can recreate the delicious taste of the Chik from Krystal copycat menu using these carefully balanced ingredients and techniques.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into slider-sized filets using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Mix buttermilk and hot sauce in a mixing bowl; submerge chicken filets and marinate 30 minutes.
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in separate bowl.
- Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour mixture; coat thoroughly.
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F with vegetable oil.
- Fry chicken filets until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes); use tongs for handling.
- Place fried chicken on sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain.
- Warm slider buns in bun warmer or steamer.
- Mix mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl to make special sauce.
- Spread special sauce on bottom halves of buns.
- Place fried chicken filet on each bun.
- Top each chicken filet with 2 dill pickle chips.
- Cap with top bun.
- Serve immediately from sandwich assembly station.
Substitution
The Chik from Krystal copycat menu offers a crispy fried chicken filet served on a slider bun with pickles and special sauce, perfect for recreating at home. If boneless chicken breasts are unavailable, chicken thighs provide a juicier alternative but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough frying. Your homemade spicy special sauce can be customized by balancing mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice to suit personal taste preferences. When deep-frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350-375degF to achieve optimal crispiness without excessive oil absorption. Utilize a bun warmer or steamer to keep slider buns soft and warm, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your sandwich.
Tips
Ensure the chicken filets are uniformly sliced to promote even cooking and prevent dryness. Maintain the oil temperature steadily at 350degF during frying to achieve a crispy exterior without undercooking. Use paper towels on the sheet pan to absorb excess oil, keeping the fried chicken crisp rather than soggy. Your special sauce will enhance the flavor profile, so spread it evenly on the buns before assembling to maximize taste in each bite.
Nutritions
Chik from Krystal offers protein-rich chicken filets providing essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth. The breading and deep frying add calories and fats, primarily from vegetable oil, which contribute to the sandwich's crunchy texture and flavor. Pickles provide a low-calorie source of vitamins and minerals, while the special sauce combines mayonnaise and condiments, adding fats and sugars that enhance taste but should be consumed in moderation. Your meal delivers a satisfying balance of macronutrients but benefits from mindful portion control to manage calorie intake effectively.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken filets in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep slider buns separately in a sealed plastic bag or bread box to avoid sogginess and preserve their soft texture. Your special sauce should be refrigerated in a tightly closed container and used within three days for optimal flavor and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance your Chik from Krystal by substituting boneless chicken thighs for breast filets to achieve a juicier, more tender texture. Try double dredging the chicken by repeating the buttermilk soak and seasoned flour coating for an extra crispy crust. Alternatively, use homemade pickled jalapenos instead of dill pickle chips to add a spicy tang that complements the zesty sauce. For a healthier option, consider oven-baking the chicken at 400degF for 20 minutes or air frying until golden brown while still maintaining crispiness.
Allergies
Chik from Krystal contains common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour and slider buns, as well as eggs and soy potentially present in mayonnaise and mustard. The buttermilk and chicken breast filets may trigger dairy or poultry allergies in sensitive individuals. If you have a known allergy to any of these ingredients, carefully review the components or consult with your healthcare provider before enjoying this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
Krystal's Chik menu is popular for its crispy, flavorful chicken that combines a unique blend of spices with a perfect crunch, delivering a satisfying taste experience. The menu offers a variety of options, including tenders, sandwiches, and sliders, catering to diverse preferences and meal occasions. You'll find recreating a copycat recipe worth it because it allows you to enjoy the distinctive flavor and texture at home while customizing spice levels and ingredients to your liking. This makes the Chik menu an appealing choice for chicken lovers seeking convenience without compromising on taste.