Healthier Chick-fil-A
- Sally Rychlak
- May 8
- 2 min read
Never throw out pickle juice - save it for your next chicken marinade and you won't regret it. Pickle juice, often overlooked and discarded, is a culinary gem that can elevate your chicken dishes to new heights. The acidity and flavors from the pickle brine not only tenderize the meat but also infuse it with a delightful tang that's hard to resist. You can simply marinate chicken in pickle juice for a few hours and you’ll be rewarded with juicy, flavorful chicken that rivals your favorite fast food options. OR, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous and want to recreate that special experience at home, you can put in a little more thought and effort to have your very own Chick-fil-A night right in your kitchen.
Imagine setting the scene with delicious sides like waffle fries or a kale salad, and perhaps even a homemade lemonade to wash it all down. While I'd like to say that the pickle-brined chicken is the best part of this meal, it's actually the Chick-fil-A sauce that truly steals the show. This sauce, a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, enhances the chicken and adds an irresistible layer of richness. This recipe includes a copycat recipe for the yummiest condiment in the fast food chain lineup, allowing you to enjoy that signature taste without having to leave your home. The combination of mayonnaise, honey, mustard, and a hint of barbecue sauce creates a creamy, dreamy dip that pairs beautifully with your pickle-brined chicken. With this simple yet delightful meal, you can enjoy the flavors of your favorite fast food while knowing exactly what ingredients went into your meal, making it both a delicious and guilt-free indulgence.
This recipe includes gluten free options, but it is adaptable and hard to screw up.
1
Variation
Add a slice of cheese, lettuce tomato, for a deluxe version!
Notes
1
In a medium bowl, mix pickle juice and buttermilk together. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they're fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor.
2
Place chicken breasts into a sealable bag and pound the chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness with a meat mallet.
Then cut the chicken breasts in half to make 4 total pieces of chicken.
3
In a shallow dish, combine flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form the breading.
4
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
5
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Coat each breast thoroughly in the breading mixture, pressing gently to adhere it well.
6
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place the chicken in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
7
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8
Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Toast the gluten-free buns in the air fryer for about 2 minutes until lightly crispy.
9
SAUCE: mix sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until fully incorporated. Small squeeze of lemon goes a long way here.
10
Assemble the sandwich, being generous with the sauce, and enjoy immediately.
Instructions
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup pickle juice
1/2 cup buttermilk
Chicken and Marinade
1 cup flour or GF flour
2 Tbsp panko breadcrumbs (or GF)
1 Tbsp powdered sugar or monk fruit
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Breading
1/4 cup mayo
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 Tbsp bbq sauce
1 Tbsp honey
little squeeze of lemon
Copycat Cfa Sauce
Brioche buns
Pickle slices
optional lettuce/tomato/cheese
Make it a sandwich
Healthier Chick-fil-A Sandwich
Sally Rychlak
Recreate the famous Chick-fil-A sandwich in your kitchen with using an air fryer and a delicious pickle marinade.
Servings :
2
Calories:
530
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
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