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This Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich has everything you love about the fast-food favorite! Juicy chicken breasts are soaked in a spicy buttermilk marinade, coated in perfectly seasoned breading, and fried until golden and crispy. Add melted pepper jack cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted bun for a delicious homemade chicken sandwich!

I don’t know what it is about a really good chicken sandwich, but sometimes nothing else sounds quite as good. Not a casserole, not pasta, not even pizza. Just a big, crispy chicken sandwich with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and plenty of pickles. And when I’m craving one, Chick-fil-A is usually one of the first places that comes to mind.

The Spicy Deluxe has always been one of those sandwiches that feels like a little more than your average fast-food chicken sandwich. You’ve got that juicy chicken with the crispy, spicy coating, the melted pepper jack cheese, the cool lettuce and tomato, and those pickles that add just the right amount of tanginess. Everything works together, and it’s one of those combinations that doesn’t really need anything else.

But as much as I love picking up dinner instead of cooking it, feeding a whole family at a drive-thru can get expensive so quickly. It starts out sounding like an easy dinner, and then everyone wants a sandwich, fries, drinks, and maybe an extra sauce or two. By the time you’re done ordering, you’ve spent way more than you planned.

That’s one of the reasons I love making copycat recipes at home.

There’s something really satisfying about figuring out how to recreate a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, especially when it turns out just as delicious as the one you were craving. And with this Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich, you get all those familiar flavors without having to leave the house.

The chicken is really what makes this recipe special. Instead of just seasoning the outside and throwing it into some flour, we’re starting with a buttermilk marinade. The buttermilk helps keep the chicken tender and juicy, while hot sauce, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, and salt add flavor before the chicken ever touches the breading.

And yes, we’re using pickle juice!

I know that might sound a little strange if you’ve never tried it, but it adds a wonderful tanginess to the chicken. It doesn’t make the chicken taste like a pickle. It just gives the marinade that extra little something that works so well with fried chicken.

Then comes the breading, which is where we really build that spicy, crispy coating. We’re using flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and a little powdered sugar. The powdered sugar might surprise you, but that tiny bit of sweetness helps balance the spices and gives the breading a flavor that’s a little more interesting than plain seasoned flour.

Once the chicken is fried, you get this gorgeous golden crust with tender, juicy chicken underneath. I like to put the pepper jack cheese right onto the hot chicken so it starts melting before I even build the sandwiches.

And then it’s time for all the good stuff.

A soft toasted bun, a little mayonnaise or Chick-fil-A-style sauce, dill pickles, that crispy spicy chicken with melted pepper jack, fresh lettuce, and a juicy tomato slice. It’s simple, but every single part of it matters.

I also love that making these at home means everyone can have theirs exactly how they want it. Someone wants extra pickles? Easy. Someone doesn’t want tomato? Leave it off. Want yours a little spicier? Add more cayenne or some extra hot sauce.

And if you’re making these for dinner, don’t forget the fries. There’s something about a crispy chicken sandwich with a pile of hot fries that just feels like a Friday night treat.

If you love Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Deluxe Sandwich, you need to try making this homemade version. It’s crispy, juicy, spicy, cheesy, and exactly the kind of copycat recipe that makes staying home for dinner feel like a treat.

What Is a Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich?

A Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich is a homemade version inspired by the popular spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A.

It starts with a boneless chicken breast that’s marinated in buttermilk, hot sauce, pickle juice, and seasonings. The chicken is coated in a spicy flour breading and fried until golden brown and crispy.

Each piece of chicken is topped with pepper jack cheese and served on a toasted bun with dill pickles, green leaf lettuce, and tomato.

The combination of spicy chicken, melted cheese, crunchy vegetables, and a soft bun makes this sandwich a little more special than an ordinary fried chicken sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It recreates the flavors of a favorite fast-food chicken sandwich.
• The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
• Pickle juice adds a delicious tangy flavor.
• The breading is crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned.
• You can adjust the spice level.
• Pepper jack cheese adds even more flavor.
• It’s easy to customize the toppings.
• One recipe makes four generous sandwiches.
• You can prepare the chicken ahead of time.
• It’s perfect for a homemade fast-food night.
• No drive-thru required!

When To Serve This Recipe

This Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich is perfect for those nights when everyone wants fast food but you would rather make dinner at home.

I especially love recipes like this for Friday nights, weekends, family movie nights, game days, and casual dinners when you want something fun instead of your usual weeknight meals.

It’s also a great recipe when you have friends or family over. You can set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own sandwich.

Add fries, waffle fries, or onion rings, and you’ve got an easy restaurant-inspired dinner without leaving the house.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – You’ll need two large chicken breasts sliced horizontally to make four thinner cutlets, or four already thin-sliced chicken breasts. Keeping the chicken evenly sized helps it cook quickly and stay juicy.

Buttermilk – Buttermilk creates the base of the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken while adding a little tanginess.

Hot Sauce – Hot sauce adds flavor and heat right into the chicken. Texas Pete or Frank’s RedHot are both great choices.

Dill Pickle Juice – Pickle juice adds a little acidity and tanginess to the marinade. It’s a simple ingredient that makes a big difference in the overall flavor.

Paprika – Paprika adds warm, savory flavor and helps give the chicken a little color.

Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds savory flavor without needing fresh garlic in the marinade.

Salt – Salt seasons the chicken and helps bring out all those delicious flavors.

For the Breading

All-Purpose Flour – Flour creates the base of our crispy coating and helps give the chicken that golden fried exterior.

Powdered Sugar – Just a little powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness that balances the spicy seasonings.

Paprika – Paprika gives the breading color and another layer of warm flavor.

Cayenne Pepper – This is where much of the heat comes from. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want your sandwiches.

Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds plenty of savory flavor to the crispy coating.

Onion Powder – Onion powder works with the garlic and other spices to create a flavorful breading.

Salt – Salt makes sure the coating is seasoned all the way through.

Black Pepper – Black pepper adds another layer of peppery heat.

Chili Powder – Chili powder rounds out the spicy breading with a warm, slightly earthy flavor.

For Frying and Assembling

Peanut Oil or Canola Oil – Use a neutral frying oil that can handle high temperatures. Peanut oil or canola oil both work well for getting that crispy golden coating.

Pepper Jack Cheese – Pepper jack adds creamy, melty cheese with a little extra spice. Place it on the chicken while it’s still hot so it begins melting.

Brioche or Sandwich Buns – Soft buns are perfect for these sandwiches. Toasting them adds a little texture and helps keep them from getting soggy.

Dill Pickle Slices – Pickles add that familiar tangy crunch that works so well with spicy fried chicken.

Green Leaf Lettuce – Fresh lettuce adds a cool, crisp contrast to the hot chicken.

Tomato – A juicy tomato slice balances the heat and makes the sandwich taste fresh.

Mayonnaise or Chick-fil-A Sauce – Either is delicious. Mayonnaise keeps things simple and creamy, while a homemade copycat sauce adds a little extra sweetness and tanginess.

How To Make Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwiches

Step 1. Start by preparing your chicken. Slice two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. If you’re using already thin-sliced chicken breasts, you can skip this step.

Step 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, dill pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.

Step 3. Add the chicken cutlets to the marinade and turn them until completely coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 4. While the chicken marinates, prepare the breading. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder.

Step 5. Remove one piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess liquid to drip off.

Step 6. Place the chicken into the seasoned flour mixture and press gently to coat both sides. For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk marinade and then into the flour mixture one more time.

Step 7. Repeat with the remaining chicken cutlets.

Step 8. Pour about 1–2 inches of oil into a large, deep skillet and heat it to 350°F.

Step 9. Carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil, working in batches so the skillet doesn’t become overcrowded.

Step 10. Fry the chicken for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 11. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain away any excess oil.

Step 12. While the chicken is still hot, place a slice of pepper jack cheese over each cutlet so it begins melting.

Step 13. Lightly toast the brioche or sandwich buns.

Step 14. Spread mayonnaise or Chick-fil-A-style sauce over the bottom buns. Add two dill pickle slices to each bun, followed by the crispy chicken with melted pepper jack cheese.

Step 15. Finish with a leaf of green lettuce and a slice of tomato. Add the top bun and serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.

Substitutions

Pepper Jack Cheese – American, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese can replace pepper jack. American cheese gives you a classic creamy melt, while Monterey Jack keeps things mild.

Buttermilk – If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes before using.

Hot Sauce – Buffalo sauce or sriracha can be substituted for a slightly different spicy flavor.

Peanut Oil – Canola oil or vegetable oil works just as well for frying.

Brioche Buns – Potato rolls or regular hamburger buns are great alternatives.

Variations

Spicy Grilled Deluxe Sandwich

Skip the breading and grill the marinated chicken instead. You’ll still get plenty of spicy flavor from the marinade, but with a lighter finish.

Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Deluxe

For an extra spicy version, mix cayenne pepper and paprika into melted butter and brush it over the fried chicken before assembling the sandwiches.

Honey Pepper Deluxe

Drizzle a little honey over the spicy chicken before adding the cheese. The sweetness balances the heat beautifully.

Air Fryer Spicy Deluxe

Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil and air fry at 380°F for approximately 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken, so always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Homemade Chick-fil-A-Style Sauce

Mix mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard together for a quick homemade dipping or sandwich sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• Slice the chicken evenly. Chicken cutlets that are the same thickness cook more evenly and stay juicy.
• Don’t skip the marinade. The buttermilk, hot sauce, and pickle juice add flavor before the chicken is breaded.
• Double bread for extra crunch. Dipping the chicken twice creates a thicker, crispier coating.
• Keep the oil at 350°F. A thermometer makes frying much easier and helps prevent greasy breading.
• Fry in batches. Overcrowding the skillet lowers the oil temperature and makes it harder to get a crispy coating.
• Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F.
• Keep cooked chicken warm. Place it on a baking rack in a 200°F oven while you finish frying the remaining pieces.
• Melt the cheese on hot chicken. Add the pepper jack immediately after frying so it softens beautifully.
• Toast the buns. Toasted buns hold up better to the juicy chicken and sauce.
• Assemble right before serving. This keeps the breading crispy and the vegetables fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwiches

How spicy is this Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich?

This sandwich has a noticeable kick, but it isn’t meant to be overwhelmingly spicy. The heat comes from the hot sauce in the marinade and the cayenne pepper in the breading. If you prefer a milder sandwich, reduce the cayenne slightly. If you love spicy food, add a little more cayenne or use a hotter sauce.

Why do you marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it juicy while frying. It also adds a little tanginess that works beautifully with the hot sauce and pickle juice. The marinade helps the flour coating stick to the chicken, which gives you that crispy fried exterior.

Does the pickle juice make the chicken taste like pickles?

Not really! The pickle juice adds a subtle tanginess to the marinade rather than making the chicken taste strongly of pickles. It works with the buttermilk and seasonings to give the chicken a little extra flavor.

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

You can prepare the marinade and breading ahead of time, and the chicken can marinate in the refrigerator for the recommended 30 minutes to 1 hour. For the crispiest sandwiches, I recommend frying the chicken shortly before serving and assembling everything fresh.

Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?

Yes! Lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil and air fry at 380°F for approximately 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Air fryer cooking times vary, especially with thicker chicken cutlets, so make sure the chicken reaches 165°F before serving.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Letting the cooked chicken rest on a wire rack can also help keep the bottom from becoming soggy. Assemble the sandwiches right before eating so the lettuce, tomato, and sauce don’t soften the breading.

Can I freeze the fried chicken?

Yes. Let the cooked chicken cool completely before wrapping it individually and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

You really can’t go wrong serving these sandwiches with a big pile of waffle fries. If you’re trying to recreate that Chick-fil-A experience at home, waffle fries and your favorite dipping sauce are definitely the way to go.

Regular French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, tater tots, or potato wedges are also delicious.

For something a little lighter, serve the sandwiches with coleslaw, a garden salad, fresh fruit, or a simple cucumber salad.

And don’t forget the sauces! Chick-fil-A-style sauce, ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or extra mayonnaise are all great options.

Continue to Content

Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich (Crispy, Juicy & Better Than Takeout!)

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Marinate Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

This Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich is crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, everything you love about the original, made right at home! Tender chicken breasts soak in a buttermilk marinade, get coated in a flavorful spicy breading, and fry up golden and crunchy. Each sandwich is stacked on a soft toasted bun with melted pepper jack cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles for that perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creamy freshness.

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Ingredients

• For the chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets) or 4 thin sliced chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Texas Pete or Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the breading:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use more or less for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• For frying and assembling:
• Oil for frying (peanut oil or canola oil recommended)
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 brioche or sandwich buns, toasted
• 8 dill pickle slices
• 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
• 4 slices tomato
• Optional: mayonnaise or Chick-fil-A sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Add chicken cutlets and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Make the breading: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Mix well.
3. Bread the chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. For extra crispy coating, dip once more in the buttermilk and back into the flour.
4. Fry the chicken: Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a large skillet to 350°F. Fry each piece for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each hot chicken breast to melt slightly.
6. Build your sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise or Chick-fil-A sauce on the bottom bun, then layer pickles, the chicken with melted cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Top with the bun and serve immediately.

Notes

• Slice chicken evenly: Even thickness means even frying.
• Use a thermometer: 350°F is the sweet spot for crispy coating and juicy chicken.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches for perfect texture.
• To keep warm: Place cooked chicken on a baking rack in a 200°F oven while finishing other batches.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 553Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 2496mgCarbohydrates: 66gFiber: 6gSugar: 11gProtein: 38g

Nutrition information provided on this website is an estimate only and is offered as a courtesy and can be incorrect. These calculations are generated automatically using an online nutrition calculator, so results may vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, substitutions, and portion sizes used.I am not a nutritionist or registered dietitian, and this information should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for dietary or nutritional guidance specific to your needs.

Storage & Make Ahead

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For the best texture, keep the chicken separate from the buns, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and sauce until you’re ready to serve.

Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for approximately 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Thicker pieces may need additional time.

You can also freeze cooked chicken cutlets for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Copycat Restaurant Favorites

Craving more of your favorite restaurant meals without the drive-thru? These easy copycat recipes let you recreate some of your favorite restaurant and fast-food favorites right at home!

• Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwiches – Crispy, juicy chicken sandwiches with all the flavor of the drive-thru favorite.
• Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets – Crispy homemade chicken nuggets perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
• Copycat McChicken – An easy homemade version of the classic McDonald’s chicken sandwich.
• Copycat Burger King Chicken Fries – Crispy seasoned chicken fries that are perfect for dipping and snacking.
• Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken Tenders with Cane’s Sauce – Crispy chicken tenders served with a creamy homemade copycat Cane’s sauce.
• Slow Cooker Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken & Rice – A cozy slow cooker version of the restaurant favorite with tender chicken, creamy rice, and plenty of comforting flavor.

There’s something so satisfying about making a restaurant favorite at home, especially when it turns out this good. This Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe Sandwich has everything I love about the original: crispy, spicy chicken, melted pepper jack cheese, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and tangy pickles on a soft toasted bun.

I love that you can make the chicken as spicy as you want, add your favorite sauce, and customize every sandwich for your family.

Serve these with a big pile of waffle fries, plenty of sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a homemade fast-food night that everyone will be excited about.