Name: Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup dill pickle juice; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 slices pepper jack or Colby jack cheese; 4 multigrain buns; Green leaf lettuce; Beefsteak tomato slices

Print Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

If you are craving a mouthwatering, juicy, and flavorful chicken sandwich that feels like a warm hug from a good friend, the Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe is just what you need. This recipe captures the perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, combined with a tender grilled chicken breast and fresh, crisp veggies. It brings that unmistakable Chick Fil A charm right into your kitchen, making each bite an experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there are four brown sandwich buns with oats on top, stacked loosely on a white plate. To the right of the buns, a small white plate holds six square yellow cheese slices with visible spices. Below the cheese, a clear glass bowl contains a creamy light beige sauce. Next to it, a small white bowl has a yellow mustard sauce, and a blue bowl holds white powdered seasoning. Below, a white plate is filled with fresh green leafy lettuce. At the bottom left, three raw light pink chicken pieces rest in a white bowl. Above the chicken, five cooked crispy bacon strips are stacked irregularly on a long white plate. A bright red tomato sits near the center. Small white bowls hold various spices, a pale yellow liquid, a reddish-brown sauce, a light amber liquid, olive oil, and milk, all arranged neatly around the main ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the key to recreating the magic of the Chick Fil A grilled chicken sandwich at home. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s enhancing the marinade, building the sauce, or adding texture and color to your sandwich.

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the sandwich; choose fresh for the best texture and juiciness.
1/2 cup dill pickle juice: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken for that signature flavor.
1/4 cup whole milk: Balances the marinade, making the chicken tender and juicy.
1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Brings a gentle sweetness enhancing the marinade’s complexity.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a savory depth.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile subtly.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to the seasoning mix.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky undertone that complements the grilled chicken beautifully.
1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the delicious honey roasted BBQ sauce.
1/4 cup sweet BBQ sauce: Gives a sweet and tangy twist that elevates the sandwich.
1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness, balancing the acidity of the lemon and BBQ sauce.
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle sharpness to the sauce, rounding out its flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh zing.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sauce): Adds continuity of smoky flavor in the sauce.
4 slices pepper jack or Colby jack cheese: Melts perfectly over the chicken, adding creamy richness.
4 multigrain buns: Provide a wholesome and hearty foundation for the sandwich.
Green leaf lettuce: For a fresh, crisp crunch in every bite.
Beefsteak tomato slices: Adds juiciness and vibrant color to the sandwich.

How to Make Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces that cook evenly and quickly. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect grill texture without drying out the chicken. Keep them ready as you prepare the marinade.

Step 2: Whisk the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the dill pickle juice, whole milk, powdered sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt, and smoked paprika. Whisk these ingredients until fully blended. This marinade is where the magic starts—pickle juice tenderizes and infuses every bite with tangy goodness, while the spices deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 4 hours. This allows the flavors to soak in and the chicken to stay juicy after grilling.

Step 4: Make the Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce

While the chicken marinates, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet BBQ sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and smoked paprika in a medium bowl. This sauce is a creamy, sweet, and smoky delight that will bring extra personality to your sandwich. Chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill it, turning occasionally so it cooks evenly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest section—that perfect internal temperature guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. Once done, top each breast with a slice of cheese and close the grill briefly to let it melt slightly.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich

Slice the buns and layer green leaf lettuce and a thick slice of beefsteak tomato on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cheesy grilled chicken piece on top, then add a generous spread of your homemade honey roasted BBQ sauce on the bottom side of the bun’s top half. Bring the pieces together, and your homemade Chick Fil A grilled chicken sandwich is ready for its debut!

How to Serve Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

The image shows four grilled chicken pieces on a black metal grill. Each piece has clear, dark brown grill marks in a crisscross pattern, giving the chicken a textured look. The chicken pieces are light golden with some darker charred spots, showing they are cooked. The grill bars are positioned diagonally from the bottom left to the top right. The background is out of focus, making the chicken the main focus of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness elevates this sandwich. Consider adding extra crisp lettuce leaves, pickles for punchy acidity, or even sliced red onions for a subtle bite. Each garnish adds visual appeal and brightens the sandwich’s flavor without overpowering the grilled chicken star.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides like crispy waffle fries, a fresh coleslaw, or even a light garden salad. These sides complement the savory and slightly sweet flavors without overshadowing them, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies both the stomach and the taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Try serving the sandwich open-faced on rustic wooden boards with mini ramekins of extra honey roasted BBQ sauce for dipping. Wrapping each sandwich in parchment paper tied with twine can add a charming, casual vibe perfect for picnics or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and buns separately in airtight containers to prevent sogginess. The grilled chicken will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its juicy texture when properly reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked grilled chicken breasts by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the buns or fresh toppings as they won’t retain their original texture.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently on a grill pan or in the oven at 300°F to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water and covering the chicken with foil while reheating works wonders. Toast the buns separately for that fresh-from-the-grill warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Pepper jack or Colby jack cheeses add a nice melt and mild flavor, but feel free to swap in cheddar, mozzarella, or even Swiss to suit your taste preferences.

Is the pickle juice necessary in the marinade?

Yes, the dill pickle juice is key to tenderizing the chicken and achieving that signature Chick Fil A tangy flavor. It makes a big difference in the overall taste and moisture of your grilled chicken.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps in place of the multigrain bun, and ensure any BBQ sauce and condiments are gluten-free as well.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop to achieve similar grill marks and charred flavor. Just be sure to preheat the pan and cook the chicken evenly.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate between 30 minutes to 4 hours. Longer than that might start to affect the chicken’s texture due to the acidity in the pickle juice.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe, you’ll wonder why it ever felt easier to order out. The fresh ingredients, homemade marinade, and that unbeatable honey roasted BBQ sauce come together to create a sandwich experience that’s juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Don’t hesitate—fire up your grill and dive into this deliciousness with friends and family today!