Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Copycat Recipe)

This Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich tastes just as good, if not better, than the real deal! The grilled chicken is super juicy and jam-packed with that iconic flavor from the special marinade and seasoning blend. It's fresh, healthy, budget-friendly, and easy to make at home—no driving or waiting in line required! If you've tried my Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets, then you already know this sandwich version won't disappoint.

Exact Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich

The Chick-Fil-A grilled chicken sandwich has always been my favorite Chick-fil-A menu item. I think it's so much better than any other fast-food grilled chicken sandwich. Since I had already made the grilled nuggets, I decided to test out making the sandwich.

After testing multiple variations in my kitchen, I can confidently say this copycat Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich nails the flavor, texture, and juiciness of the original—while being even fresher and healthier when made from scratch. Each bite is loaded with flavor thanks to the buttermilk-pickle juice marinade, savory seasonings, and all the classic toppings.

And since most of the prep time is spent marinating the chicken, you’ll have plenty of downtime to whip up sides. For a true Chick-fil-A style meal, pair it with my copycat Chick Fil A macaroni and cheese . Or, if you want something lighter, serve it with sugar snap peas or a kale salad for a fresh, balanced option.

Why You'll Love This Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Recipe

• It’s easy to make. All you need to do is marinate the chicken breasts in a mix of buttermilk and pickle juice, season them, and grill until crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Spot-on Chick-fil-A flavor. This recipe delivers the same flavor as the restaurant sandwich, from the smoky grilled chicken to the perfect balance of tang and seasoning. Everyone who tries it will think you grabbed it from the drive-thru!
• Made with simple ingredients. Nothing fancy or hard to find—just pantry staples and fridge basics. If you don’t already have everything at home, you’ll be able to grab the ingredients easily at your local grocery store.
• Healthier than takeout. You control the ingredients, what the chicken is cooked in, the seasonings, and sides, making this a lighter, cleaner alternative to the fast-food version without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Chicken- boneless skinless chicken breasts work best.
• ¼ cup Buttermilk- for the best flavor.
• ¼ cup Dill pickle juice- to make the chicken extra juicy.
• Salt and pepper- a little of each to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon Onion powder and garlic powder- for a savory undertone.
• ⅛ teaspoon Paprika- just a pinch for a little spice to balance out the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil- or any neutral oil.
• Burger buns, lettuce, and tomatoes- for making the sandwiches.

By the way, if you're craving Chick fil A chicken nuggets, you can use many of these same ingredients to make these Chick Fil A grilled nuggets or this Chick fil A nuggets recipe. 

How To Make Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by slicing the chicken breast in half and wrapping each half in plastic wrap. Then, using a meat mallet, pound each piece of chicken until they're both thin.

Next, grab a large bowl and combine the buttermilk and dill pickle juice in a bowl. Then you can unwrap the chicken and place both halves in the bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours. Just so ya know, the longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it'll have. 

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken for Cooking

Once you've let the chicken marinate, you can prepare the seasoning blend by combining the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika together in a bowl.

Then you'll want to heat the grill to 350°F or set a grill pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Next, you can remove the chicken from the marinade and season it generously on both sides with the spice blend.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Now that the chicken has been seasoned, you can put it on the heated grill or hot pan and grill the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

While the chicken is cooking, brush the hamburger buns with some cooking oil or butter and quickly grill them for a minute or so until crisp, or you can pop them under the broiler until they are just barely toasted.

By the way, if you'd like to add some Colby Jack cheese or any other type of cheese, I recommend placing it on one of the buns now so it has a chance to melt. And if you want to make the Chick Fil A grilled chicken club sandwich, just cook up some bacon at this time.

Step 4: Assemble The Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

To assemble, first place the green leaf lettuce on top of the bottom hamburger bun, followed by the tomato slices and a piece of grilled chicken. You can spread some of this Chick-fil-A sauce or Chick-fil-A honey roasted BBQ sauce on top for more flavor. Then you'll want to sandwich it with the remaining half of the bun and serve it warm. Enjoy!

How To Store Leftovers

This recipe for Chick fil A grilled chicken sandwich makes 2 servings. So it's perfect for a quick healthy lunch or dinner for two. 

But if you're just making it for yourself and want to save a piece of chicken for the next day, it stores really well. Just transfer the chicken to an airtight container, and you can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Alternatively, if you want the chicken to last longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 4 months.

To reheat grilled chicken, I've found the best way is to put the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Then bake the chicken at 350°F for about 10 minutes or so until warmed through.

Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken FAQS

What does Chick-fil-A marinate their chicken in?

Chick-fil-A marinates their chicken in a mixture that includes pickle juice and buttermilk, which work together to make the chicken tender, juicy, and flavorful. The pickle juice adds a tangy, savory flavor that sets Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken apart, while the buttermilk helps break down the proteins for an ultra-moist bite.

Does Chick-fil-A use pickle juice on their grilled chicken?

Yes. Pickle juice is one of the signature ingredients in the Chick-fil-A grilled chicken marinade—used for grilled chicken sandwiches, grilled nuggets, and even their fried chicken. It’s what gives the chicken its unique tang and helps keep it from drying out during cooking.

Does Chick-fil-A marinate their chicken in milk?

Kind of, but more specifically, they use buttermilk in their marinade. The acidity in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while also adding a subtle creamy flavor. Combined with pickle juice, it creates the iconic taste and texture that makes Chick-fil-A’s chicken so crave-worthy.

Can I recreate the Chick-fil-A chicken marinade at home?

Definitely. For a spot-on copycat Chick-fil-A grilled chicken recipe, marinate boneless chicken breasts in a mix of buttermilk, pickle juice, olive oil, garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes—or up to 8 hours—for maximum flavor before grilling.

Is Chick-fil-A grilled chicken healthy?

Yes, the Chick-fil-A grilled chicken—even in a sandwich—is one of the lighter menu options. It’s high in protein, lower in calories compared to the fried sandwiches, and can be customized at home with whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps for an even healthier version.

More Copycat Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe and are looking for some more easy copycat recipes, we have a ton on the blog that I think you'll love!

Give one of these recipes a try next:

• Chipotle chicken
• McDonalds French fries
• Olive Garden shrimp scampi
• Taco bell Mexican pizza
• Popeyes biscuits
• Subway tuna salad sandwich

Also, for more easy recipes, don't forget to follow us along on our YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram pages. We post new ones on 'em every single day.