Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Easy homemade Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich copycat recipe with anti-inflammatory ingredients, lower sodium, and whole grain buns.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 whole wheat or brioche buns
- 8 dill pickle chips
- 1 tsp butter for toasting buns
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- 1
Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, and bay leaf in a large bowl to create the marinade.
- 2
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of approximately 0.75 inches using a meat mallet.
- 3
Submerge the pounded chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully covered, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
- 4
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature for even cooking.
- 5
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- 6
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form.
- 7
Flip the chicken breasts carefully and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the second side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
- 8
Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- 9
While the chicken is resting, lightly butter the buns and toast them face-down on the grill or in a skillet for 1-2 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
- 10
Place one grilled chicken breast on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- 11
Top each chicken breast with two dill pickle chips for the signature tangy flavor.
- 12
Close the sandwich with the top bun and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular refined buns | Whole wheat or sprouted grain buns | Whole grains provide more fiber, sustained energy, and contain more micronutrients than refined white buns, supporting better digestive health and blood sugar stability |
| Regular salt | Sea salt or potassium chloride salt substitute | Reduces sodium content by 40-50% while maintaining seasoning; excessive sodium increases inflammation and blood pressure, while potassium supports heart health |
| Vegetable oil or canola oil in marinade | Extra virgin olive oil | Extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols and oleocanthal, powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce markers of inflammation more effectively than refined oils |
| Butter for toasting buns | Ghee or avocado oil spray | Ghee and avocado oil have higher smoke points and contain fat-soluble vitamins; avocado oil contains monounsaturated fats that reduce LDL cholesterol |
| Boneless skinless chicken breast alone | Free-range or pasture-raised chicken breast | Pasture-raised chicken contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and lower omega-6 ratios, promoting better anti-inflammatory benefits |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 390 |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 38g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
