Name: Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich with Dill Pickles and Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (6 ounces each); 2 cups buttermilk; 2 dashes Cholula hot sauce or Tabasco hot sauce; 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt; 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; ¾ teaspoon onion powder; 4 cups vegetable oil or shortening (enough for deep frying, at least 4-6 inches deep); 6 brioche hamburger buns; 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened; Dill pickles, for serving; 1 recipe Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce (see recipe link)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

I have to say, this Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich with Dill Pickles and Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to comfort meals. There’s just something about the perfect crunch of the golden fried chicken combined with the tangy dill pickles and that irresistibly creamy Chick-fil-A sauce that makes every bite pure bliss. I love how easy it is to make in the kitchen but still feels indulgent and special enough to impress family and friends. Whenever I’m craving something hearty yet satisfying, this sandwich nails it every time.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich with Dill Pickles and Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe

Whenever I make this sandwich, the first thing I notice is the incredible flavor profile. The combination of seasoned, juicy fried chicken with the sharpness of dill pickles and that rich, slightly sweet Chick-fil-A sauce creates a balance that’s unbelievably addictive. The crispy coating on the chicken has just the right amount of crunch without being greasy, while the tender meat inside stays moist thanks to the buttermilk marinade and the double coating process. I love how each bite hits those savory, tangy, and creamy notes all at once.

It’s also a surprisingly simple recipe that doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, which makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. I appreciate that you can customize it to your preferences by switching up the sauce or adding your favorite toppings. The ease of preparing everything from scratch adds a special touch that makes me feel like I’m treating myself. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that brings that restaurant-quality vibe right into your own kitchen? This sandwich really stands out because it’s classic, comforting, and just downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate filled with several pieces of golden brown fried chicken, each piece showing a rough, crispy texture with small cracks and uneven surface from the crunchy coating. The chicken pieces vary in shape and size, some looking like drumsticks and others more rounded, piled closely together on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I’ve found that the ingredients for this recipe are refreshingly straightforward but each holds an important role in building the perfect sandwich. From the tender chicken breasts soaked in a zesty buttermilk mixture to the fragrant spices in the flour coating, every element contributes to the flavor, texture, and aroma that make this sandwich so memorable.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Chicken breasts: I always use skinless, boneless breasts pounded to ½ inch thickness to ensure quick, even cooking and tender meat inside.
Buttermilk: This is my secret for juicy chicken — it tenderizes and adds a subtle tang that makes a big difference.
Hot sauce: Just a dash to give a nice kick and deepen the marinade’s flavor complexity.
Dill pickle juice: Adds that signature tang that complements the pickles on the sandwich perfectly.
All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that forms a golden, crunchy crust.
Spices (sea salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder): Each adds layers of flavor to the flour coating that come through beautifully when fried.
Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the chicken evenly to a crisp, golden perfection.
Brioche buns: I love their soft, slightly sweet texture which contrasts perfectly with the crunchy chicken.
Butter: Brushed on the buns before toasting for added richness and flavor.
Dill pickles: The crunchy, tangy hero that balances the fried chicken.
Chick-fil-A sauce: Creamy, smoky, and sweet — this homemade version ties it all together amazingly.

Directions

Step 1: First, I pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness between parchment or plastic wrap to make sure they cook quickly and evenly. Then I slice each breast in half horizontally, giving me smaller pieces that are easier to sandwich.

Step 2: I whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, and dill pickle juice in a bowl, then soak the chicken pieces in this flavorful bath. I leave them to marinate here for at least 20 minutes while I prep the rest — this step is key for juicy, tender chicken.

Step 3: Next, I mix the flour with sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour blend creates that crave-worthy crispy coating you want.

Step 4: I heat about 4 inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot, carefully warming it to 350°F using a thermometer to get the perfect frying temperature — this usually takes around 15 minutes.

Step 5: When the oil is ready, I take the chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, dredge each side in the flour mix, then dip them back into the buttermilk and coat again with flour for a thick double layer that fries up super crispy.

Step 6: I gently lower one piece at a time into the hot oil, frying them for about 5 minutes until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. It’s important to maintain the oil at 350°F throughout for even cooking.

Step 7: After frying, I place the chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil, keeping it crispy without being greasy.

Step 8: While the chicken rests, I slice the brioche buns and spread softened butter on the cut sides before toasting them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden and warm.

Step 9: To assemble, I layer several dill pickle slices on the bottom bun, add the crispy fried chicken, and drizzle on that heavenly Chick-fil-A sauce before topping with the other half of the bun.

Step 10: I serve these sandwiches immediately while still warm and crunchy, enjoying every bite!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 satisfying sandwiches, perfect for sharing or meal prep. The prep time is approximately 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to marinate and ingredients to be prepared. Cooking takes around 30 minutes, mostly frying and toasting, so the total time from start to finish is about 50 minutes. You’ll want to serve these freshly made, but the resting step after frying is minimal, just enough to drain excess oil.

How to Serve This Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich with Dill Pickles and Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe

A sandwich held by two woman's hands shows four main layers: the top layer is a soft, light brown sandwich bun with a slightly wrinkled texture; under it, three thick green pickle slices with a firm and shiny look lay flat; beneath the pickles, there is a thick, golden-brown fried chicken piece with a crunchy, rough texture; the bottom layer is the soft, light brown sandwich bun with a bit of white mayo sauce spread on it. The background is a close-up of a person wearing a blue denim shirt. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this sandwich, I like to keep the accompaniments simple to let those bold flavors shine. Classic sides like crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or even a fresh coleslaw with a tangy dressing work beautifully. I also recommend a side of pickled veggies or a vibrant salad to cut through the richness and refresh your palate.

For presentation, I find that stacking the sandwich high with extra pickles and a generous drizzle of Chick-fil-A sauce makes it irresistible visually and taste-wise. You can garnish with some fresh herbs, like parsley or a few thin slices of red onion, to add color and brightness. I prefer serving these sandwiches hot or warm for the best texture contrast between the crunchy chicken and soft bun.

As for drinks, a cold, crisp lager or a fruity iced tea is a personal favorite pairing — they complement the fried goodness without overpowering it. This recipe is so versatile that it fits perfectly for casual family dinners, weekend cookouts, game day parties, or any time you want to treat yourself to an indulgent homemade meal.

Variations

I love making tweaks to this Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich with Dill Pickles and Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe to keep it exciting. One simple substitution is swapping the brioche buns for gluten-free buns if you’re catering to dietary needs, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. Using gluten-free flour or panko breadcrumbs can also help create that crispy coating without gluten.

If you want to try different flavors, experimenting with spice blends in the flour mix is super fun — adding cayenne or smoked paprika amps up the heat and smokiness. For a vegan spin, I’ve even tried coating and frying thick tofu slabs or cauliflower steaks following the same double dredge and buttermilk substitute made from plant-based milk and vinegar, with promising results!

Finally, if frying isn’t your thing, baking the chicken pieces after a similar marinade and breading can offer a lighter version. Though you’ll miss that perfectly crispy crust from frying, a hot oven set to 425°F and a quick broil finish can get close. I always recommend a light spray of oil before baking to add some crunch.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once you have leftovers of this Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich with Dill Pickles and Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe, I suggest storing the fried chicken and buns separately to keep everything fresh. Place the chicken pieces in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any moisture and keep the coating crisp as long as possible. Refrigerate the chicken and buns separately for up to 3 days for best quality.

Freezing

This sandwich freezes well if you want to save portions for busy days. Wrap each fried chicken piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to avoid freezer burn. The chicken will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. I recommend freezing the buns separately or storing them at room temperature for faster thawing.

Reheating

To reheat and preserve that crunchy exterior, I always pop the chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 375°F on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes, which helps restore crispiness without drying the meat. Avoid microwaving because it makes the breading soggy. Toast or warm the buns separately for a fresh, soft finish before assembling your sandwich again. Add fresh pickles and sauce after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness similar to breasts for consistent cooking. The cooking time might vary slightly, so check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What can I substitute if I don’t have dill pickle juice?

If you don’t have dill pickle juice, a mix of lemon juice with a splash of white vinegar works well to mimic the tanginess. Just make sure not to overpower the marinade’s balance — a tablespoon or two should do the trick.

Is there a way to make this sandwich healthier?

Definitely! You can bake the chicken instead of frying and use whole wheat or gluten-free buns. Also, swapping the butter for olive oil or a light spread on the buns can reduce saturated fat. However, the classic crispy indulgence is what makes this recipe so special.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight in the buttermilk mixture enhances the flavor and juiciness even more. You can also assemble the sandwich up to the step before adding sauce and pickles, then finish right before serving for freshness.

What is the best oil to use for frying the chicken?

I recommend vegetable oil or peanut oil because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, which are perfect for achieving that crisp, golden crust without imparting unwanted tastes.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Crispy Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich with Dill Pickles and Chick-fil-A Sauce Recipe as much as I do. It’s that perfect blend of crunchy, juicy, and tangy that always hits the spot and feels like a special treat made with love. Give it a try for your next meal and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen too!