Anyone who knows Chick-fil-A will tell you that their fans are very passionate! Many people, including my husband Jeff, are crazy about their chicken sandwiches! We love them so much that I make this copycat version whenever we have 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 don’t eat any chicken that has been injected or improved with saltwater, phosphates, or brines, which are common ways to make meat more juicy and heavy. So, they can be sure that only natural, high-quality chicken gets 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 placed in a high-tech pressure cooker filled with peanut oil heated to the optimal temperature. The tightly sealed environment allows the heat and pressure to rise rapidly, enabling the chicken to cook faster while retaining 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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It is then dipped into an egg and milk mixture which helps the next layer adhere.
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Finally, the chicken gets coated in a seasoned breadcrumb blend which gives each piece its signature crispy exterior.
To make sure there is even coverage, the breading is always put on by hand, never by machine. 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 preparing everything fresh daily right 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
This fast food chain’s most popular item is the fried chicken sandwich, but they know that many customers want healthier options. 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: Dip the marinated chicken into the egg mixture, and then coat in the flour breading 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 at our house! If youd like to add a little heat to your chicken sandwich, add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture when making the breading. Before adding the cayenne pepper to my kids’ sandwiches, I like to coat them in flour. Then I make mine and my husband’s sandwiches.
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Here’s How Chick-fil-A Makes A Perfectly Crispy Chicken Sandwich | Southern Living
FAQ
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?
Chick-fil-A marinates their chicken in a salt and sugar brine, not pickle juice as some believe. Although the pickles on top of the sandwich add to the overall taste, it is the brining process that makes the chicken tender and seasonings it.
How does Chick-fil-A get their chicken so tender?
How does Chick-fil-A cook chicken?
In conclusion, Chick-fil-A’s chicken cooking technique is a combination of high-quality ingredients, meticulous marination, and an innovative cooking method: pressure frying.
How long does Chick-fil-A grilled chicken take to cook?
The grilling process for Chick-Fil-A’s chicken is carefully monitored, but it generally takes a few minutes per side to ensure proper cooking without drying out the meat. 9. What sets Chick-Fil-A’s grilled chicken apart from others?.
Does Chick-fil-A cook fried chicken?
While Chick-fil-A’s cooking methods contribute to the mouthwatering taste of their chicken, it’s important to note that their products are 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 carefully grills by getting the grill hot first and using oil or non-stick spray to make the food not stick. 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 keep the flavor and juiciness and gives Chick-fil-A its famous taste. 5. Why does Chick-fil-A pressure-cook their chicken? 6.