Spicy Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
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This Chick fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich copycat is a bold, juicy, flavor-packed bombshell!!! Marinated in tangy pickle juice, grilled to perfection, and layered with melty Colby Jack, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and a creamy kick of cilantro lime dressing… this sandwich is everything. It’s smoky. It’s spicy. It’s juicy. It’s fast-food comfort with backyard flavor. One bite and you’ll forget the drive-thru even exists.
Table of Contents
Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Let’s just say my family doesn’t mess around when it comes to Chick-fil-A. If we’re driving around town and someone says “chicken,” you better believe we’re swinging through the drive-thru.
And spicy? That’s our love language. {haha}
This copycat Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich checks all the boxes.
Juicy grilled chicken with smoky seasoning, tangy brine from that pickle juice, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and that creamy cilantro lime dressing that takes it over the top.
I served these once at a casual weeknight dinner, and my crew acted like it was Saturday tailgate food.
And don’t even ask if we had leftovers. We did not. They each wanted a second one… and honestly? Same.
Craving something lighter? I’ve got recipes for their Cobb and Market salads too!
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Chicken: Cutting boneless, skinless breasts in half keeps the sandwich size perfect and cooks them faster. Large thighs (boneless and skinless) also work great and stay super juicy.
- Pickle Juice: Simply use the juice from a dill pickle jar. It’s the classic Chick-fil-A move!
- Seasonings: “Slap Ya Mama” Cajun seasoning adds flavor and heat, along with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. And of course, we need some garlic powder too.
- Buns: Brioche buns are soft and rich, and the texture is sublime when buttered and toasted. Any sandwich bun will do the trick, though!
- Cheese: Colby Jack is creamy, melty, and flavorful without being overpowering.
- Dressing: The Chick fil A spicy grilled chicken sandwich comes with packets of cilantro lime sauce, so we’re using bottled dressing as a substitute.
If you can’t find any at your grocery store, try ranch, spicy mayo, or a spoonful of Chick fil A sauce instead!
VARIATIONS
Spicy Mayo Version: Swap the dressing for a sriracha or chipotle-lime mayo spread.
Crunchy Style: Add pickles and a crispy onion ring on top.
Keto Version: Skip the bun and serve it lettuce-wrapped with avocado slices.
Nashville Style: Add hot sauce and brown sugar to the rub for a sweet heat finish.
Deluxe Club: Add bacon and a second cheese slice for a cross between a club and deluxe-style sandwich.
CHICK FIL A SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH FAQ
Most grocery stores and supermarkets should carry some form of this seasoning blend near the rest of the spices. I prefer to use Slap Ya Momma — a popular Louisiana brand — for my homemade Chick fil A grilled chicken sandwich.
Yes, but in the best way! Want more heat? Add extra cayenne or hot sauce.
It’s the secret ingredient used to get that signature flavor in your Chick fil A spicy chicken sandwich. Plus, the acid helps to tenderize the meat so it’s nice and juicy.
Grill the chicken ahead of time and reheat before assembling. All the components for this sandwich will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. Great for meal prep!
The restaurant uses classic white buns, with multigrain and gluten-free buns available upon request.
As a recipe developer and Chick-fil-A superfan, I’ve spent some time trying to crack the code on that perfectly seasoned, juicy grilled chicken sandwich.
And let me tell you… I’ve grilled, marinated, and seasoned dozens of versions to get this just right.
From the pickle juice brine to the blend of smoky, spicy seasonings, this recipe nails what we all love about the original: bold flavor, tender chicken, and that signature grilled char.
I even tested it side-by-side with the real deal to make sure it passed the ultimate taste test.
If you’re craving Chick-fil-A on a Sunday or just want to skip the drive-thru… this is the one. It’s grilled chicken greatness right from your own kitchen!!!
DONNA’S PRO TIPS
- Don’t skip the pickle juice. It’s what gives this sandwich that signature flavor!
- And don’t brine for too long! A couple of hours is fine, but you shouldn’t exceed 6 hours.
- Pat chicken dry after marinating. This helps the spices stick and the grill marks pop.
- No grill? Use a large skillet to sear the meat on both sides until it is cooked all the way through.
- Use a meat thermometer. 165°F is the sweet spot, no guessing!
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before assembling. It keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Toast the buns lightly. That little bit of crunch makes it feel restaurant-worthy!
TOOLS NEEDED
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Gallon-size zip-top bag
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls (for seasoning or slicing veggies)
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Spicy Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups dill pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, (like Slap Ya Mama)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 6 sandwich buns (brioche or soft hamburger buns work great)
- 1 head lettuce, washed and torn
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 6 Colby Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cilantro lime dressing
Instructions
- Slice the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 6 thinner cutlets.
- Marinate: Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag with the pickle juice. Seal and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to 350°F, or heat a grill pan over medium heat.
- Season the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place lettuce and tomato on the bottom half of each bun. Add grilled chicken, top with a slice of Colby Jack cheese, and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon cilantro lime dressing. Finish with the top bun.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot with waffle fries, sweet potato chips, or your favorite slaw.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published July 2021, updated and republished August 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
It would be nice if the type of pickle juice was stated, any recommendations? There's a huge difference between a swwet mix or a spicy dill brine.
personally, I’d use dill pickle juice but that’s just my preference
Now I can have chick fil a on a sunday! This was amazing.
wow, this Chick Fil A Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Donna and Chad’s Slow Roasted Italian website is out of this world! So easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Hi Austin!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Donna and Chad’s recipes never disappoint, and this Chick Fil A Spicy Chicken Sandwich is no exception. Five stars!
Hi Ethan!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn