The Chick'n Shack from Shake Shack features a juicy, crispy fried chicken breast topped with lettuce, pickles, and ShackSauce, all nestled inside a soft, toasted potato bun for a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and crunchy flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Sauce bottle or spoon
- Toaster or skillet (for buns)
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 8 dill pickle slices
- 2 soft potato buns
- For ShackSauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle brine
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Ensure the chicken breasts are marinated in buttermilk for at least 1 hour to achieve maximum juiciness and tenderness. Use a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch to create an extra crispy coating when fried in hot vegetable oil at around 350degF. Proper temperature control with a meat thermometer is critical to cook the chicken through without drying it out. Assemble your sandwich with fresh green leaf lettuce, dill pickle slices, and ShackSauce, which combines mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle brine, and spices for the classic flavor. Your homemade Chick'n Shack from Shake Shack copycat menu will deliver the same satisfying blend of savory, tangy, and crunchy textures as the original.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thinner pieces.
- Mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl.
- Add chicken to buttermilk mixture; marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) in the fridge.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
- Dredge marinated chicken pieces in flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Preheat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breasts 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer fried chicken to wire rack on a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Toast potato buns using toaster or skillet until lightly browned.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle brine, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to make ShackSauce.
- Spread ShackSauce on both halves of each toasted bun.
- Place 2 leaves of green leaf lettuce and 4 dill pickle slices on bottom bun.
- Add a fried chicken breast on top of the lettuce and pickles.
- Top with the upper half of the bun.
- Serve immediately on a plate or tray.
Substitution
The Chick'n Shack from Shake Shack copycat menu delivers a crispy, juicy fried chicken breast layered with fresh lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy ShackSauce, all housed within a soft, buttery potato bun. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar marinade effect. Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF, guaranteeing it is safely cooked and juicy inside. Should you lack a deep fryer, frying the chicken in a heavy skillet with enough oil to submerge at least half the breast provides a similarly crispy crust. Toasting your potato buns in a skillet or toaster adds essential texture and helps prevent sogginess from the sauce.
Tips
To ensure your fried chicken stays crispy, use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain excess oil, preventing sogginess. Monitor the oil temperature closely with a thermometer, maintaining 350degF (175degC) for even cooking and a crunchy crust. When marinating, allow your chicken to soak for at least 1 hour, but overnight yields more tender, flavorful results. Toasting your potato buns just before assembly adds a subtle crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy once the ShackSauce is applied.
Nutritions
The Chick'n Shack provides a substantial source of protein from the fried chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth. This sandwich also contains fats from the frying oil and ShackSauce, which contribute to energy intake but should be consumed in moderation. The potato bun and coating on the chicken add carbohydrates, supplying fuel for your body. Including lettuce and pickles contributes a small amount of fiber and vitamins, enhancing the overall nutritional profile.
Storage
To store your Chick'n Shack sandwich, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent sogginess. Place the wrapped sandwich in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to keep the fried chicken crispy and fresh. Reheat in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack to restore crunch without drying out the chicken or bun.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap boneless chicken breasts for boneless thigh fillets to boost juiciness and tenderness in your Chick'n Shack. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a blend of rice flour and tapioca starch, which crisp nicely when fried. Try brining chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for extra flavor and a subtle heat that complements the ShackSauce. Use an air fryer to crisp the chicken breast with less oil while still achieving the signature crunch.
Allergies
The Chick'n Shack contains common allergens such as eggs and soy in the mayonnaise-based ShackSauce, as well as gluten present in the all-purpose flour and potato buns. Fried chicken breast is marinated in buttermilk, which contains dairy, potentially triggering reactions in those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Your allergy concerns should be addressed by checking for these ingredients and consulting with Shake Shack about cross-contamination risks before enjoying this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
Chick'n Shack from Shake Shack delivers crispy, juicy chicken breast, seasoned perfectly and served on a soft, buttery bun, creating a satisfying flavor and texture combination. Its blend of fresh lettuce, pickles, and signature ShackSauce enhances every bite with balanced tanginess and creaminess. You'll find its unique taste profile and quality ingredients make it a standout choice among chicken sandwiches. Trying to replicate this recipe at home offers a rewarding challenge and the enjoyment of crafting a beloved fast-casual favorite.