If youre familiar with Chick-fil-A you will know that fans of this fast food chain are passionate! So many people, my husband Jeff included, are completely fanatical about their chicken sandwiches! We love them so much that I make this copycat version whenever we get a craving.
I found that the key to getting an extra crispy and delicious coating on the chicken is double-dipping. Thats right, “double dipping” in this instance is allowed and encouraged! Youll see what I mean when you read the recipe.
I hope you all enjoy this tasty fried sandwich as much as we did. And, the homemade Chick-fil-A sauce we smothered all over it is a must. That stuff is out of this world!.
Chick-fil-A is renowned for its delicious chicken dishes, especially the iconic chicken sandwich. But have you ever wondered how they manage to make their chicken so tender, juicy and full of flavor? Well, today I’m going to let you in on the secrets behind Chick-fil-A’s cooking methods that elevate simple chicken into something truly special.
Sourcing High-Quality Chicken
It all starts with procuring high-quality chicken breasts. Chick-fil-A only uses 100% whole, boneless and skinless chicken breasts. They strictly avoid any chicken that has been injected or enhanced with saltwater, phosphates or brines – ingredients often used to increase moisture and weight. This ensures that only natural, premium chicken makes it into their kitchens.
They also emphasize sourcing chicken raised without antibiotics or added hormones and adhere to strict animal welfare standards. The chickens are fed a vegetarian diet and are never cage-confined. This focus on ethical, sustainable practices provides better tasting, healthier chicken
The Art of Marination
Once the chicken arrives at the restaurant, the real magic begins – the marination process. Chick-fil-A marinates their chicken breasts for a full 12 hours in a carefully balanced, proprietary blend of seasoning and spices.
While the exact recipe is a closely-guarded secret, it contains ingredients like salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, and pickle juice. The acidic pickle juice tenderizes the meat while the sea salt enhances flavor. This lengthy marination allows the seasoning to fully permeate the chicken, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful meat.
Cooking with Pressure
The cooking method is equally vital to creating Chick-fil-A’s signature chicken. Instead of traditional open frying, they use a specialized pressure fryer system.
The chicken is put in a high-tech pressure cooker that is heated to the right temperature and filled with peanut oil. The tightly sealed space lets the heat and pressure rise quickly, which helps the chicken cook faster while keeping its natural juices.
This way of pressure-frying chicken makes the outside crispy and crunchy while keeping the inside soft and juicy. The peanut oil also makes the chicken taste better and gives it its unique flavor.
Hand-Breading for Texture
Before frying, each chicken breast is hand-breaded for added crunch and texture. Chick-fil-A uses a multi-step breading process:
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The marinated chicken is dredged in seasoned flour which creates a textured coating.
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Then it is dipped in a mix of egg and milk, which helps the next layer stick.
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Finally, the chicken gets coated in a seasoned breadcrumb blend which gives each piece its signature crispy exterior.
The breading is always applied by hand, not by machines, to ensure uniform coverage. Again, the exact blend of spices is a proprietary secret!
Freshness Above All
Chick-fil-A takes pride in serving high-quality food made from scratch. Unlike many chains, they don’t rely on frozen pre-cooked chicken. Instead, they insist on making everything from scratch every day in the restaurant.
The chicken is cooked in small batches multiple times a day. Sandwiches are assembled only when ordered and no pre-assembly is allowed. This guarantees you get a piping hot, freshly made sandwich every single time.
Offering Healthy Options
While the traditional fried chicken sandwich is Chick-fil-A’s most famous menu item, they understand that many customers desire healthier alternatives. That’s why they also offer nutritious grilled chicken options.
The grilled chicken is marinated in a similar zesty blend, then cooked over open flames on a specially designed grill. This enhances the smoky, charbroiled flavor. You can order grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, wraps and nuggets.
Grilled chicken has significantly lower fat and calories compared to fried options. It appeals to health-conscious diners who still crave the delicious Chick-fil-A taste.
Quality Control and Food Safety
In addition to great taste, Chick-fil-A also prioritizes rigorous quality control and food safety processes.
All their suppliers must meet strict standards for raising, handling and processing chicken. Each restaurant diligently adheres to food safety protocols during prep and cooking. They monitor cooking temperatures, change gloves frequently, sanitize surfaces, and prevent cross-contamination risks.
These best practices ensure you enjoy safe, high-quality chicken every time. No wonder Chick-fil-A chicken has such devoted fans!
Secret Sauce for Success
- Sourcing premium whole chicken breasts
- Special marinade that tenderizes and flavors
- Innovative pressure frying method
- Hand-breaded for crunchy texture
- Made fresh on-site daily
- Offering healthy grilled options
- Dedication to quality control and safety
It’s clear that Chick-fil-A spares no effort or expense when it comes to producing their signature chicken items. They blend science and innovation with culinary skill and care to create chicken that looks, smells and tastes absolutely mouthwatering.
Next time you sink your teeth into a hot, juicy Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, savor the complex blend of flavors and textures they’ve achieved. With dedication to using only the best ingredients and processes, they’ve elevated simple chicken into an extraordinary dining experience.
Here’s how to make your own AMAZING Chick-fil-A Sandwich, at home!
1. Marinate the chicken. Place chicken breast halves in pickle juice/water marinade, in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2. Combine dry ingredients. Combine flour, powdered sugar, paprika, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and baking powder.
3. Make egg wash. In another bowl mix the milk, and egg.
4. Coat the chicken: first dip the chicken in the egg mixture, and then coat it in the flour mixture. Finally, dip that same chicken tender again, this time into the egg mixture and then back into the flour. Yes, this is how you make a super tasty, crispy sandwich!
5. Pan Fry. Place chicken in hot oil in a sauce pan and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove to paper towel to dry.
6. Assemble Sandwich. Toast the sandwich buns. Grab the Chick-fil-A sauce and smooth it on both sides of the buns. Top with lettuce, cheese, and crispy chicken! Enjoy!.
All you need to make homemade Chick-fil-A sauce is:
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Yellow mustard
- Honey
- BBQ sauce
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Lemon juice
Make the Chick-fil-A sauce by combining all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
For a Spicy Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich:
We love spicy chicken! If you want to make your chicken sandwich a little spicier, mix 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper into the flour mixture when you make the breading. I like to coat my kids sandwiches in the flour first, then add the cayenne for spice, and make mine and my husbands.
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Here’s How Chick-fil-A Makes A Perfectly Crispy Chicken Sandwich | Southern Living
FAQ
How does Chick-fil-A cook chicken?
In conclusion, Chick-fil-A’s chicken is cooked using only the best ingredients, a careful marinade, and a new way of cooking called pressure frying.
How long does Chick-fil-A grilled chicken take to cook?
It takes a few minutes on each side to make sure the chicken is cooked right without drying out, but the grilling process at Chick-Fil-A is closely watched. 9. What sets Chick-Fil-A’s grilled chicken apart from others?.
Does Chick-fil-A cook fried chicken?
Even though Chick-fil-A’s cooking methods make their chicken taste so good, it’s important to remember that all of their food is still fried. As with any fried food, moderation is key when it comes to maintaining a balanced diet. 8. Are there any allergens present in Chick-fil-A’s cooking process?.
How do you Grill chicken at Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A uses a careful grilling method that involves preheating the grill to a high temperature and applying non-stick spray or oil. Each chicken breast is grilled for 6-7 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring even cooking and great flavor.
Does Chick-fil-A grill chicken?
No, Chick-Fil-A’s grilled chicken is free from artificial preservatives, ensuring a fresh and wholesome product for their customers to enjoy. In conclusion, Chick-Fil-A’s grilled chicken is a result of their meticulous cooking process, starting with a flavorful marinade and grilling it to juicy perfection on their custom-made grill.
Does Chick-fil-A pressure cook chicken?
They start by marinating the chicken breasts in a blend of milk and egg before coating them in a seasoned breading. The chicken is then pressure-cooked in peanut oil, which helps to seal in the flavor, maintain juiciness, and create Chick-fil-A’s signature taste. 5. Why does Chick-fil-A pressure-cook their chicken? 6.
Does Chick-fil-A bake or fry chicken?
It is pressure cooked in peanut oil: The Original Chicken Sandwich is pressure cooked in 100 percent refined peanut oil, which is naturally trans-fat free.
How is Chick-fil-A’s chicken cooked?
Cooking Method: Chick-fil-A uses a pressure frying method that cooks the chicken quickly while sealing in moisture. This technique helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
What does Chick-fil-A soak their chicken in?
How does Chick-fil-A get their chicken so tender?