Home › Posts Page › Recipe Index › Chicken Recipes

Air Fried Chicken Deluxe Chick Fil A Copycat (Better Than the Original)

By Matt Price

Jun 15, 2025, Updated Mar 18, 2026

Air Fried Chicken Deluxe Chick Fil A Copycat — The Best Homemade Version

Homemade Chick-fil-A Deluxe Sandwich (Copycat Recipe)

There’s nothing like biting into a crispy, juicy Chick-fil-A Deluxe Sandwich — and now, you can recreate it at home with simple ingredients and big flavor. This recipe delivers on that seasoned chicken filet, signature crunch, and buttery bun you love — with your choice of cheese and toppings

Why This Air Fried Chicken Deluxe Chick Fil A Copycat Is Better Than the Original

There’s just something nostalgic and addictive about a Chick-fil-A Deluxe — and now I’ve recreated that exact vibe at home. This recipe is easy, affordable, and most importantly, packed with flavor.

From the pickle-brined chicken to the seasoned breading and melty cheese, this sandwich nails every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together dill pickle juice, milk, and egg. Submerge chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — or up to 4 hours for extra flavor.

Why Pickle Juice?

Pickle juice is the secret weapon. It’s acidic and salty, which helps tenderize the chicken while adding a tangy signature flavor that sets this sandwich apart. Even just 30 minutes of marinating can make a huge difference.

Tenderizes the Chicken

• Pickle juice contains vinegar and salt, which act as a mild brine. The acid gently breaks down muscle fibers, while the salt helps the meat retain moisture, resulting in juicy, tender chicken.

Adds Flavor

• It infuses the meat with a tangy, slightly salty, and savory flavor — subtle but distinctive. It’s especially effective when you’re mimicking fast food flavors.

Works Quickly

• Unlike some brines or marinades that take hours, pickle juice can have a noticeable effect in as little as 30 minutes.

Bonus:

• It’s a great way to repurpose something you’d usually toss (the leftover juice in a jar of pickles).

Step 2 – Mix the Breading

While the chicken marinates, mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a shallow dish.

The powdered sugar might sound odd, but it adds that fast-food style crisp and a touch of balance.

Step 3 – Bread the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off.

Press each piece into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated.

Let the breaded chicken sit for a few minutes while you heat your oil — this helps the coating stick better during frying.

Step 4 – Fry the Chicken

Heat 1–1½ inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat (around 350°F). Fry the chicken 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 5 – Toast the Buns & Assemble

Butter and grill your hamburger buns until golden. On the bottom bun, layer pickle chips, fried chicken, cheese slice, tomato, lettuce, and sauce if using. Top with the other half of the bun. Looking for more? Try my chicken parm sandwich.

More Copycat Recipes

Crunchwrap Supreme

Taco Bell Copycat Recipe

---

crunchwrap recipe

Gordita Crunch Recipe

Taco Bell Copycat Recipe

---

gordita crunch recipe

Download & Print Recipe

Chick-fil-A Deluxe

Matt Price

Homemade Chick-fil-A Deluxe Sandwich (Copycat Recipe)

There’s nothing like biting into a crispy, juicy Chick-fil-A Deluxe Sandwich — and now, you can recreate it at home with simple ingredients and big flavor. This recipe delivers on that seasoned chicken filet, signature crunch, and buttery bun you love — with your choice of cheese and toppings.

5 from 1 vote

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Chicken Recipes, Copycat Recipes, Sandwiches

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 438 kcal

Equipment

Heavy-bottom skillet (cast iron preferred)

Mixing Bowls

Shallow Dredging Dish

Tongs

Wire Rack or Paper Towels

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For the Chicken Marinade:

• ▢ 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs — I used thighs because they stay juicier
• ▢ ¾ cup dill pickle juice
• ▢ ¼ cup whole milk
• ▢ 1 egg

For the Breading:

• ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

For Frying:

• ▢ Vegetable oil enough to fill skillet 1–1½ inches deep

For Assembling:

• ▢ 4 toasted hamburger buns buttered and grilled
• ▢ 4 slices American or Pepper Jack cheese
• ▢ Lettuce
• ▢ Tomato slices
• ▢ Dill pickle chips
• ▢ Optional: mayonnaise or Chick-fil-A sauce homemade or store-bought

Instructions

 

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, whisk together dill pickle juice, milk, and egg.
• Submerge chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — or up to 4 hours for extra flavor.

Step 2 – Mix the Breading

• While the chicken marinates, mix flour, powdered sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a shallow dish.
• The powdered sugar might sound odd, but it adds that fast-food style crisp and a touch of balance.

Step 3 – Bread the Chicken

• Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off.
• Press each piece into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated.
• Let the breaded chicken sit for a few minutes while you heat your oil — this helps the coating stick better during frying.

Step 4 – Fry the Chicken

• Heat 1–1½ inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat (around 350°F).
• Fry the chicken 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
• Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 5 – Toast the Buns & Assemble

• Butter and grill your hamburger buns until golden.
• On the bottom bun, layer pickle chips, fried chicken, cheese slice, tomato, lettuce, and sauce if using.
• Top with the other half of the bun.

Notes

Pro Tips for Sandwich Success

• Use chicken thighs for juicier results (they’re also more forgiving when frying).
• Let your breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying — it helps the coating stick better.
• Toast your buns with butter to take things up a notch.
• Make it your own by using different cheeses or adding bacon.

Nutrition

Calories: 438kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 27gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 1179mgPotassium: 392mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 564IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 257mgIron: 4mg

Show Me What You Made!Mention @_mrmakeithappen_ or tag #mrmakeithappenrecipes!