The Best Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis at Home

Craving the deliciousness of Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken minis but want to enjoy them from the comfort of your own home? Look no further! Our copycat recipe for Chick-fil-A chicken minis will satisfy your taste buds and bring the mouthwatering flavors right to your table even on Sunday!

What Makes Chick-fil-A So Irresistible

Chick-fil-A is known for its commitment to quality, excellence, and exceptional customer service. Each Chicken Mini is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring a consistent level of taste and quality. From the friendly staff to the clean and inviting restaurants, Chick-fil-A creates an overall experience that makes enjoying their Chicken Minis even more delicious. The only downside is the line down the street and the fact you crave it the most on a Sunday!

Key Ingredients:

Southern Made Creole Seasoning: This spice blend, packed with a delicious combination of herbs, spices, and flavors, adds a distinctively Southern Louisiana taste to our chicken minis. Feel free to use your favorite cajun or creole seasoning if you like.

Pickle Juice: The pickle juice acts as a tenderizer and adds a tangy, briny flavor to the chicken marinade that is distinct in Chick-fil-A’s chicken.

Powdered Sugar: The slight sweetness from the powdered sugar helps balance out the spice in the chicken coating, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Flour and Breadcrumbs: The flour is used in the chicken coating to create a crisp and flavorful outer layer. The breadcrumbs add texture and help create a crunchy coating for the chicken.

Hot Sauce: Adding heat and spiciness to the chicken marinade, hot sauce is a key ingredient in giving our copycat chicken minis that kick. I wish they came out with a spicy version of the chicken minis like their Spicy Chicken Sandwich! I’d be in line every morning!

Sister Schubert Rolls: According to Chick-fil-A’s website they use this brand of rolls topped with a honey butter mixture. These can be found at your local grocery store like Walmart in the freezer section. So there is no need for homemade rolls for that classic taste! I like the sound of that.

How To Make Copycat Chicken Minis

Step 1: Brine the chicken– This is a key step in making sure you come out with super juicy and tender chicken as well as locking in that great briny flavor!

Step 2: Mix the batter- The combination of flour, breadcrumbs, powdered sugar and spices are going to take the chicken to the next level. Set up your station so you’re ready when the chicken is done marinating.

Step 3: Dredge the chicken- Coat the chicken in the batter shake off the excess, let rest and get ready to fry!

Step 4: Heat the oil- In a large frying pot, add about 2 inches of oil and heat to 350°F.

Step 5: Bake the rolls- Pop the rolls in the oven while the chicken is resting and the oil is heating up.

Step 6: Everything tastes better fried– Fry the chicken in batches until cooked through and golden brown.

Step 7: Butter the rolls- Once the rolls come out the oven, brush them with a mixture of honey and butter and let it sop into the bread!

Step 8: Assemble- Cut each roll in half and place a chicken inside! Serve for breakfast or as an appetizer at a get-together and family and friends will be begging for more!

FAQ

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to enjoy the Chicken Minis fresh, you can make some components ahead of time. For example, you can prepare the dry ingredients for the coating in advance. However, it’s recommended to cook the chicken and assemble the minis just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Q: Can I use different types of seasoning instead of Creole seasoning?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have Creole seasoning available, you can experiment with other spice blends or even create your own. Cajun seasoning or a simple mix of salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper can be used as alternatives. Adjust the quantities to your taste preference and try different spice combinations for a unique twist.

Q: Can I substitute the powdered sugar with regular sugar?
A: Powdered sugar is recommended for this recipe due to its fine texture and ability to blend well with the other ingredients. Regular granulated sugar may not dissolve as easily and could potentially affect the texture of the coating. If you don’t have powdered sugar on hand, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until finely ground.

Q: Can I bake the Chicken Minis instead of frying them?
A: While the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis are deep-fried, if you prefer a healthier option, you can certainly try baking them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with olive oil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the fried version.

Q: Are there any vegetarian/vegan alternatives for the Chicken Minis?
A: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can try substituting the chicken with breaded and fried tofu or seitan. For a vegan option, you can use plant-based chicken substitutes or marinated and fried tofu. Adjust the recipe to cater to your dietary preferences and experiment with different flavors and textures. I’ve never tried these alternatives so if you try it out, I’d love to hear the results!