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This Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich tastes just like the drive-thru favorite — crispy, golden chicken with shredded lettuce and creamy mayo on a toasted sesame seed bun, made fresh right at home.

There are certain fast food items that just stick with you. Not because they’re fancy or gourmet, but because they’re nostalgic. And for me, the Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich is one of those.  This was my go to when I was a kid and even now I cannot resist grabbing one when we stop by Burger King.  I just remember getting these all the time with my friends when we were little.

Dean has always loved this sandwich. It’s his order every single time. Something about that long, crispy patty, the soft sesame bun, the shredded lettuce, and the mayo, it just works. And of course, once one kid loves something, the others start asking for it too. Sam likes that it’s simple. No pickles, no crazy toppings. Just chicken and lettuce. And Van? He mostly just loves anything crispy, especially when it looks “fun” like that oblong shape.

But I’ll be honest, loading everyone into the car just to grab a sandwich gets old. Between work, school schedules, and just regular mom-life chaos, sometimes it’s easier to recreate it at home. And once I figured out how to make this copycat version, we honestly haven’t looked back.

What I love about this recipe is that it actually tastes fresher than the drive-thru version. The chicken is juicy inside and crispy outside. The bun is buttery and toasted. The lettuce is crisp. And because we’re making it at home, I can control everything, the seasoning, the crispiness, the oil temperature, even the mayo amount.

Daniel loves this one too. He says it tastes exactly like the original, maybe even better. And when I can make something that feels like a “treat dinner” without leaving the house? That’s a win in my book.

If you’ve ever loved that classic Burger King sandwich, this version will hit every nostalgic note, but fresher, hotter, and made right in your own kitchen.

What Is the Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich?

The Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich is a long, oblong-shaped breaded chicken patty served on a sesame seed bun with mayonnaise and shredded lettuce. It’s known for its crispy coating and simple toppings.

This homemade copycat version recreates that signature shape and crunch using seasoned ground chicken that’s formed, chilled, breaded, and fried until golden brown.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like the drive-thru classic

• Crispy outside, juicy inside

• Family-friendly and kid-approved

• Made with simple ingredients

• Customizable to your liking

• Feels like fast food, but better

When to Serve This Recipe

• Friday night “fun dinner”

• Weekend lunch

• Movie nights

• When the kids request fast food

• Anytime you want something nostalgic

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground lean chicken breast
  Lean chicken keeps the texture close to the original.

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred for crispiness)

• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Oil for frying (about 1 inch deep in skillet)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 4 sesame seed buns

• Mayonnaise

• Shredded lettuce

How to Make Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until just combined.

2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into an oblong patty, similar to the Burger King original shape.

3. Place patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This helps them hold their shape during frying.

4. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and water, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with black pepper and paprika.

5. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F.

6. Remove patties from freezer. Dredge each patty in flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat evenly.

7. Fry two patties at a time for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

8. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.

9. In a clean skillet, melt butter over medium heat and toast the sesame seed buns until lightly golden.

10. Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the buns, add the crispy chicken patty, and top with shredded lettuce.

11. Serve immediately.

Substitutions

• Ground chicken breast → ground chicken thighs (juicier)

• Ground chicken → ground turkey

• Panko breadcrumbs → regular breadcrumbs

• Sesame buns → brioche buns

• Mayo → light mayo or flavored aioli

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne to breadcrumb mixture

• Cheesy Version: Add a slice of American cheese

• Deluxe Version: Add tomato and pickles

• Air Fryer Version: Spray breaded patties and air fry at 390°F for 12–15 minutes

• Oven-Baked: Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway

Tips & Tricks

• Freeze patties before breading, this is key

• Keep oil at 350°F for best crispiness

• Don’t overcrowd the pan

• Drain on a wire rack

• Shape the patties slightly thinner in the middle

FAQs

Why freeze the patties?
It keeps them from falling apart during dredging and frying.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Bread and refrigerate up to 4 hours before frying.

Can I freeze them?
Freeze uncooked patties up to 2 months.

Do they really taste like Burger King?
Yes, especially with the mayo and lettuce combo.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with fries

• Pair with onion rings

• Add a simple side salad

• Serve with milkshakes

• Make it a fast-food-at-home night

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat in oven or air fryer to keep crisp

• Avoid microwave if possible

• Patties can be frozen before frying

Continue to Content

Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Bring the fast-food classic right to your kitchen with these Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwiches! Made with lean ground chicken breast, perfectly seasoned and shaped into that signature oblong patty, these sandwiches are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with cool shredded lettuce and creamy mayo, all on a toasted sesame seed bun. They taste just like the drive-thru favorite but are fresher, customizable, and made right at home.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground lean chicken breast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1.5 cups flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 sesame seed buns
• Mayonnaise
• Shredded lettuce

Instructions

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine your ground chicken, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon onion powder. 
2. Form into 4 oblong patties.
3. Place on a parchment lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. 
4. In a bowl or shallow dish add your flour.
5. In another bowl or shallow dish whisk together the egg and water. 
6. In another bowl or shallow dish whisk together your panko breadcrumbs, black pepper and paprika. 
7. In a large deep skillet heat about an inch of oil over medium high heat. 
8. Dredge the frozen chicken patties in the flour, then egg, then in the panko.
9. Working 2 at a time, fry the chicken patties in oil about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once.  Make sure the patties are 165 degrees on a meat thermometer. 
10. Set aside on a wire rack to drain. 
11. In a clean skillet over medium heat melt the butter and place the buns in the pan until lightly golden. 
12. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading mayonnaise on the buns, adding a chicken patty and shredded lettuce.
13. Serve!

Notes

• Shape matters: Forming the patties into an oblong shape gives them that authentic Burger King look.
• Freeze before frying: Freezing the patties for at least 1 hour helps them hold their shape during dredging and frying.
• Oil temp check: Keep oil around 350°F for crispy patties without greasy spots, too hot will burn, too cool will make them soggy.
• Drain properly: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels so the bottoms stay crisp.
• Toast those buns: That buttery golden crust on the buns makes every bite taste restaurant-quality.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 1241Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 247mgSodium: 1955mgCarbohydrates: 151gFiber: 12gSugar: 6gProtein: 84g

Love making fast-food favorites at home for your family? These copycat recipes bring those familiar drive-thru flavors right into your kitchen in a way that’s easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when everyone wants something they already know and love.

• • Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets – Crispy, juicy chicken bites with that classic fast-food flavor kids and adults both love.

  • Copycat McDonald’s McGriddles – Sweet and savory breakfast sandwiches that taste just like the real thing.

  • Copycat Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burritos – Loaded, cheesy burritos packed with bold flavor and melty goodness.

  • Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken – Crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy takeout-style sauce.

  • Copycat KFC Chicken Pot Pie – Creamy, comforting chicken pot pie inspired by the restaurant favorite.

  • Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits – Buttery, cheesy biscuits everyone knows and loves

This Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich is one of those recipes that makes everyone at the table happy. It’s crispy, nostalgic, and feels like a treat, without the drive-thru. And when I can recreate something Dean loves at home (and make enough for seconds), that’s always worth it.