Homemade Chick-fil-A? Yes, you heard that right. But first came breakfast.
Something about eggs in warmer weather make me happy. I know most people turn to smoothies, but I love fresh eggs. Yesterday I made a Mexican egg scramble consisting of 2 eggs, black beans, red onions, mushrooms, Jack’s fresh salsa and cilantro. I also ate half and peach. Hailey ate the other half of the peach and black beans.
After a 4 mile walk with a friend, it was snack time.
Cherry Chobani (quite possibly my favorite variety) with some Simply Oats LOVE Grown granola (also, a favorite) topped with 3 cherries, fresh from the freezer.
Clearly Mexican flavors never get old to me and I downed a salad at lunch consisting of romaine, spinach, cilantro, sautéed mushrooms and red onions, avocado and salsa.
After lunch we ventured into the rain for an afternoon of errands and voting. I ended up standing in a line that wrapped around a building, while holding an umbrella and a baby, but it was all worth it because after about 45 minutes,
Afternoon snackage was a hodgepodge of my favorites.
Hummus, carrots, pickles, pistachios, string cheese and cantaloupe.
It held me over until I could get to the main event… HOMEMADE Chick-fil-A. Do say I was excited about the prospect of a healthier version of their delicious original sandwich is an understatement. I grabbed a Blue Moon seasonal (pictured with the beautiful lilies David brought me on our anniversary- my fav!) and got to work.
I used this recipe I found on Food Babe, but had to do a little modification (because I don’t own spelt flour… or even know what it is).
For the marinade
-3 chicken breasts, pounded and cut in half
-1 cup pickle juice
-paprika
-salt and pepper
The day before, I pounded chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thick, then cut them in half to create 6 roughly equal sized pieces. I covered them generously in paprika on both sides and salt and peppered them, too. Then, I let them marinade overnight in pickle juice.
For the egg wash
-1 whole egg
-1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
For the breading
-1 cup whole wheat flour
-1/4 tsp dry mustard
-1/4 tsp baking soda
-1 Tbsp powdered sugar
-1 tsp paprika
-a pinch of cayenne (if you want the spice)
I set up my dredging station. First I dunked the chicken pieces in the egg wash, then thoroughly covered them with the flour mixture.
Then, I placed them on a rack on a backing tray, so they could bake and get crispy on all sides.
I sprayed both sides of the chicken generously with olive oil, then stuck them in the oven at 450 degrees. After 12 minutes, I flipped them and put them back in for another 13 minutes before pulling them out and letting them rest for about 5 minutes while I toasted some whole wheat buns and sliced up some of my Nannie’s pickles.
Then, I assembled.
But the true test… did it taste like the real thing??
Kind of! I wouldn’t be fooled into thinking I’d just been through the drive-through, probably because it wasn’t as greasy, which is a good thing! However, biting into the juicy sandwich was very reminiscent of the classic Chick-fil-A sandwich. The flavors were spot-on, but the intensity was lacking slightly. Overall, it’s my favorite chicken sandwich I’ve ever made at home and will definitely be making it again!
Plus, how often do you get that crispy, delicious look and taste without frying?
Homemade Chick-fil-A for the win!
What restaurant item do you wish you could copy cat at home?
Heather says
OH! i MUST MUST MUST MUST! try this soon.
I love the idea of homemade chick-fil-a – it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to indulge in that favorite because I’m so far away from one now 🙁
Thanks for sharing the recipe redux and your thoughts on the outcome, dear!
Bethany @ One Girl's Taste On Life says
That looks delicious! What if you replaced some of the flour with partially crushed corn flakes? I find just flour or just bread crumbs is usually not as crispy as I’d like.
The idea of marinating the chicken in pickle juice is genius! I always thought their sandwiches tasted pickle-y even when I get them without pickles. I always wondered if they just added dill to their breading, but now seeing the pickle brine I get it! Food Babe knows her stuff, eh?
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
I never get tired of Mexican food either! I don’t eat chicken, but I could totally make this for my meat-eating boyfriend! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Cat says
Love Chick-fil-a!!! Whenever my husband & I travel, it’s usually our go to place for lunch or dinner on our way.
Iowa Girl Eats has a great Chick-fil-a recipe!
http://iowagirleats.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6018895
Brittany says
Iowa Girl Eats has everything, doesn’t she? I love her!
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
i’ve never tried actual chic-fil-a cause i’m just not a huge fan of fried fast food but I feel like its just something you have to try in life! the homemade version looks really delicious!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I really want to learn how to make Thai food at home. I’ve made Pad Thai once, and it was good but just not as good as the real thing.
I may make this for Vishnu because he LOVES Chick-fil-A!
StoriesAndSweetPotatoes says
I’ve never been to that restaurant but that chicken sandwich sure looks amazing!
Maria says
Yes! Chick Fil- A and I go way back and since there are none anywhere near where I live at the moment, I have decided its high time I make the sandwich (or nuggets) at home.
p.s. I’m definitely a more savory breakfast eater, too. I hardly ever do granola and yogurt for breakfast and much more prefer scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, or chicken apple sausage.
christina says
I LOVE THIS. Obviously! Did I do a guest post on your blog about how much I love Chick-fil-A? Pretty sure I did, hahha.
Brittany says
Haha, I know, I almost mentioned you in the title, but I know your love for the chicken part has gone by the wayside. I definitely still thought of you, though! 😉
Katie says
I’m from the burbs of Chicago – No Chick-Fil-A’s around here! =( But – that chicken sandwich sounds pretty awesome! Defintely going to be trying it!
MassachusEATS says
Envious of all your eats – everything looks amazing! And what gorgeous flowers 🙂
Jen says
So cool! I kind of love Chickfila so I’ll need to try this recipe!
PS- I’m so impressed you ran errands in the rain with baby. A skill I have yet to master!
Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie) says
Wow i gotta make those chicken burgers, they look amazing and definitely Chick-fil-A style 😉
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
I am all over that. Even if it’s not quite the real deal…close enough is fine by me!
Meagan @ Managing Meagan says
MMM! That sandwich looks really good! Sign me up!!
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles says
Your salad looks so good! I love the Cherry Chiobani flavor too
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness says
That sandwich totally has me drooling! Just pinned it for future references 🙂
Lisa says
Goodness, that looks amazing! What a great idea. I’ve never tried chick-fil-a, but this looks like a must try recipe!
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
You may have just saved my waistline. I have been obsessed with Chik-Fil-A lately haha. Love it!
blackhuff says
I think you did an awesome job with those chicken burgers you made.
Love the meals you had yesterday and well done on voting. So important in any country.
Kelli says
My husband and I made this last night and it was great! Will definitely be a staple in our bi-weekly meal plan! Though, my husband accidently grabbed the cayenne instead of paprika, but it still turned out wondeerful!
Ginny says
This looks divine & I can’t wait to recreate! What kind of pickle juice? I’m thinking dill but thought I better double check…
Brittany says
I used dill, and it was delish! Though I guess you could always play around with sweet pickles or wickles if you’re feeling crazy 🙂