Behold the ultimate Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe you can make at home! Sweet, savory, and full of juicy chicken that is topped with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and bacon. This chicken sandwich is anything but a plain old sandwich! If your family is anything like mine, there’s just something about Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken sandwich that hits every single time. That tender, juicy chicken, that smoky sweetness from the honey roasted BBQ sauce, and the perfect crunch from fresh toppings—it’s crave-worthy comfort food at its finest. But let me tell you, making it at home has been a total game changer for us.
My husband asks for these weekly, and my kids devour them like it’s fast food night, even though I made them from scratch in my kitchen. Win-win! This recipe is one of those “feel good” meals that somehow feels fancy and fuss-free at the same time. Whether it’s a weekend lunch, a backyard dinner, or a casual meal with friends, this sandwich has quickly become one of our go-tos—and once you try it, it might become yours too.
What Are These Grilled Chicken Sandwiches?
This is a homemade version of Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken sandwich—featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy mix of dill pickle juice, milk, and seasonings. It’s grilled to perfection, topped with Colby Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and tomato, all piled onto a toasty multigrain bun. But what really seals the deal is the dreamy, creamy, sweet-and-savory honey roasted BBQ sauce that you’ll want to put on everything.
Why You’ll Love These
- Better than takeout: It’s just as tasty as the original—and even more satisfying because it’s homemade.
- Easy prep: Simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time make this great for busy schedules.
- Family approved: My kids and husband go wild for this one every time.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or swap the cheese to make it your own.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Chicken sticking to the grill? Make sure your grates are well-oiled and hot before adding the chicken.
- Chicken dry or overcooked? Always use a meat thermometer and pull it at 165°F.
- Sauce too thick or thin? Adjust with a splash of lemon juice or a little extra mayo until it’s perfect for spreading.
This is the perfect recipe for when you feel like firing up the grill. You can eat for a simple weekday lunch, want to impress guests, or get a craving for your favorite takeout. Learn how to make this Chick-fil-A recipe in the comfort of your own home! Even better, these sandwiches are a hit at pool parties. They’re hearty enough to satisfy hungry swimmers but still feel light and summery. You can lay everything out buffet-style—buns, toppings, sauce, grilled chicken—and let everyone build their own. It’s fun, stress-free, and absolutely delicious. Plus, no one will believe you didn’t pick them up straight from the drive-thru!
Recipe Highlights
- Better than drive-thru flavor, and you can make it for a fraction of the price at home.
- Serve up for lunch or dinner, or meal prep with this recipe.
- Packed with protein, and great for grilling season!
- You can make it into a classic grilled chicken sandwich or go for the club version.
- Easy, everyday ingredients are needed; nothing complicated to find is required.
Pair this chicken sandwich with some tasty french fries and my homemade Chick Fil A sauce, and even a side of their classic Chick Fil A coleslaw!
Ingredients & What Each Does
Chicken: You will want to use a boneless chicken breast for this recipe. Trim off any silverskin or fat. I also find that if you slice the chicken in half, it will cook quicker but also fit your bun better.
Dill Pickle Juice: The brine for the chicken is a classic pickle juice. It will help lock in moisture, flavor the chicken, and tenderize all in one.
Milk: Whole milk is best, but you can use a lower percentage. This will help reduce the acidic flavor in the pickle juice.
Powdered Sugar: Chick Fil A is known for their mildly sweet flavor in their chicken. The powdered sugar is the secret ingredient.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder are used to flavor the chicken.
Homemade BBQ Sauce: Mayonnaise, bbq sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and paprika are used to make this incredible signature honey roasted BBQ sauce.
Sandwich Fixings: Multigrain bread, pepper jack cheese, thick bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes are all used to assemble your hearty sandwiches.
Variations and Substitutes
Here are a few ways you can change up the sandwich to create a different flavor variance. Feel free to keep the recipe the same, or play around with the ingredients to create your own version.
Turkey Bacon can be used in replace of the classic bacon to help lighten up the sandwich.
Use any type of sliced cheese you would like. Cheddar, Swiss, Colby-Jack, etc.
You can skip the bun and make a lettuce wrap, slice and place in a low-carb tortilla, etc.
Feel free to skip the grill and cook in a grill pan or even in the air fryer if you would like.
You can pick and choose what toppings you want to pile on your sandwich. Go plain or add on some sliced avocado or even red onion.
Serving Suggestions
Go classic and pair with some crispy waffle fries or even a tasty steak cut fry. Or if you want more of a picnic style reach for some salty chips or even a pasta salad.
For a lighter option you could do a side salad or even a fruit salad or sliced fresh fruit.
This easy chicken sandwich recipe is one that will pair with almost anything. It is super versatile so pick sides that you know you will enjoy.
Helpful Tips For Making
- Make sure to marinate your chicken, so it can help lock in flavor, and help tenderize the chicken properly.
- Ensure your chicken reaches the proper 165 degrees internal temperature on the grill.
- Slicing the chicken breast in half, making them thinner will help make it easy to assemble and eat your sandwich.
- Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before you assemble and serve. This helps lock in the juices and prevents a dry chicken.
- If you toast the bun it adds great texture but even more flavor to the sandwich.
FAQs For Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful—just adjust cooking time slightly.
Can I use bottled honey BBQ sauce instead?
You can, but the homemade sauce is what makes this sandwich truly special and more authentic.
What if I don’t have pickle juice?
Use a mix of vinegar and water with a pinch of salt and sugar as a substitute, but the real deal is worth it.
Can I cook this on a stovetop grill pan?
Definitely! It still gives you that great sear and flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free milk in the marinade and skip the cheese. The sandwich will still be flavorful.
Can I cook the chicken in the oven or air fryer?
Air fry your chicken at 375 degrees for around 15 minutes, flipping half way through. Make sure your chicken gets to 165 degrees internally. If you want to bake the chicken you can do so at 400 degrees on a sheet pan for around 20-25 minutes.
This grilled chicken sandwich is made for summertime vibes. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual weekend hangout or going all-out for a backyard Fourth of July bash, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prep ahead, the chicken grills up juicy and flavorful, and the honey roasted BBQ sauce takes it over the top. Skip the fast food line and serve these up hot off the grill with a side of coleslaw, watermelon slices, and lemonade—now that’s a backyard win.
This Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich copycat is truly a labor of love, and it pays off every single time. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a total kitchen rockstar—serving up something that tastes restaurant-quality with just a few simple ingredients. My husband says it tastes better than takeout, and my kids ask for seconds. It’s perfect for when you want something cozy and satisfying but still light and fresh.
Whether you’re hosting friends, meal prepping, or just craving something delicious and nostalgic, this sandwich belongs in your rotation. And don’t skip the sauce—it’s a keeper all on its own!
More Copycat Recipes
- Copycat Popeye’s Chicken
- Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
- Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks
- Willow Tree Chicken Salad
Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 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
For the honey roasted bbq sauce:
- 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
Sandwich Assemble
- 4 slices pepper jack or Colby jack cheese
- 4 multigrain buns
- green leaf lettuce
- beefsteak tomato slices
- 4 slices thick cut applewood smoked bacon cooked crispy
Instructions
- Cut the breasts in half lengthwise, set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together the pickle juice, milk, powdered sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and paprika.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and coat the chicken. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
- While the chicken is marinating, make the sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, bbq sauce, honey, dijon, lemon juice, and paprika. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge until ready to use.
- Preheat the grill over medium heat. Cook the chicken, flipping occasionally until an internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, up to 15 minutes total. Take off the heat and top each piece of chicken with a slice of cheese to melt slightly.
- To assemble, remove the tops off the buns, add lettuce and a tomato slice on top. Add a piece of chicken followed by a slice of bacon broken in half so it fits.
- Spread the honey roasted bbq sauce on the bottom side of the top bun. Add to the sandwiches and enjoy.
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