The 15 Best Chick-fil-A “Copycat” Recipes to Make at Home

If you are craving Chick-fil-A on Sundays when they are closed, you are not alone. To help you satisfy your cravings anytime, we have compiled fifteen of the best copycat recipes from the fast food chain. You can make these recipes easily and enjoy Chick-fil-A's signature flavors whenever you want.

The Origins of Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is a popular fast-food chain that specializes in chicken sandwiches and chicken nuggets. The company was founded by S. Truett Cathy in 1946. Initially, Cathy opened a small diner named the Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Georgia, which is located near Atlanta. Later, the Dwarf Grill was renamed the Dwarf House. However, the name was eventually changed to Chick-fil-A.

The name “Chick-fil-A” is a play on words, referencing both the chicken sandwich (the “chick” part) and the company's commitment to quality (“fil-A” is a play on “filet,” emphasizing the premium quality of the chicken breast used in their sandwiches).

Cathy perfected the original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich in 1967 and then opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta's Greenbriar Mall. The sandwich quickly gained popularity, especially in the southern United States, due to its unique taste and quality. Chick-fil-A now has restaurants all across the country.

Chick-fil-A is famous for its commitment to customer service and the restaurant's policy of being closed on Sundays. Furthermore, Chick-fil-A is known for its iconic advertising campaign featuring the “Eat Mor Chikin” cows.

Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

Taking your entire family out for Chick-fil-A sandwiches gets expensive. Not only did this crafty mom figure out how to copy their signature sandwich, but she also figured out how to make eight sandwiches for less than ten dollars. This recipe provides instructions for both baked and air fryer versions.

Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Making a spicy chicken sandwich at home may seem like a bit of work, but when you perfect this copycat Spicy Chicken sandwich recipe, you will be able to enjoy it any time. If you have a deep fryer and a good deep-fry thermometer, you will be set.

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

If you are a fan of Chick-fil-A's chicken nuggets, you will love this easy recipe that allows you to make them at home. For best results, use peanut oil or canola oil for frying the chicken nuggets. You will need a large pan or fryer to cook them in. Once you heat the oil to medium heat, simply add the nuggets and cook for three to five minutes until they are golden brown. That's it!

Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets

This versatile copycat recipe can be used in a variety of ways. Once you have marinated the chicken, these nuggets can be cooked in minutes. You can also experiment with different ingredients in the marinade to create other delicious variations of grilled nuggets. Adding these grilled nuggets to a tossed salad is another great idea.

Chick-fil-A Sauce

If you plan to enjoy some copycat chicken nuggets, you will want a copycat dipping sauce to go with them. Luckily, this copycat recipe is quick and easy to make. Plus, you probably already have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry. This sauce is so versatile that you can also use it to add some flavor to your sandwiches.

Homemade Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce

Polynesian Sauce, Chick-fil-A's sweet and sour sauce, is one of their most popular dipping sauces. The chain actually sells this in stores now, but you can make your own easily with three simple ingredients: Catalina dressing, apple cider vinegar, and honey. This recipe works because Catalina dressing is tomato and vinegar-based, which makes it a perfect base for a copycat version of Polynesian sauce. Honey adds sweetness, and apple cider vinegar adds a touch more tanginess.

Chick-fil-A Avocado Lime Ranch Sauce

Another popular Chick-fil-A dipping sauce and salad dressing is their Avocado Lime Ranch sauce. This recipe recreates it using pantry staples and a blender or food processor. This dressing not only tastes amazing on salads but is great in wraps and as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries

If you are yearning for the delicious waffle fries from Chick-fil-A, you can make them at home using russet potatoes and a deep fryer. In addition to this, you will need some peanut oil (preferred for its smoke point) or canola oil, as well as a wave waffle cutter or crinkle cutter to recreate the texture and the shape of the chain's French fries.

Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap

You can recreate Chick-fil-A's healthy wraps with grilled chicken breasts, lettuce leaves, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and flaxseed flour flatbread. While they are best enjoyed immediately, you can store leftovers for up to three days.

Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich

If you are a fan of Chick-fil-A's chicken salad sandwich, you can easily recreate it using common pantry ingredients. This recipe makes two sandwiches.

Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese

One of Chick-fil-A's most popular menu items is their mac and cheese. This recipe combines parmesan, Romano, and sharp cheddar cheeses to recreate the strong cheesy flavor of the chain's mac and cheese. It is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

Chick-fil-A Milkshakes

These recipes recreate Chick-fil-A's amazing milkshakes, from their classic strawberry or chocolate milkshakes to their signature frosted drinks. You will also find recipes for their seasonal favorites, including Chick-fil-A's Peppermint Milkshake and Peach Milkshake. These milkshake recipes use simple ingredients from the grocery store so that you can enjoy a delicious Chick-fil-A treat anytime.

Chick-fil-a Frosted Coffee

The Chick-fil-A frosted coffee is a creamy blend of cold-brewed coffee and vanilla ice cream. To replicate the restaurant's signature ice cream, this recipe suggests using one of two vanilla ice cream brands: Tillamook Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream or Meadow Gold Ice Cream Olde Fashioned Recipe Vanilla.

Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade

Try making a Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade at home with this easy copycat recipe. This delicious drink combines the flavor of lemonade with the texture of a milkshake. It has a light and creamy texture that is especially refreshing during the hot summer months. Moreover, it is easily recreated with vanilla ice cream, lemons, lemon juice, and ice water. Simply blend all the ingredients and enjoy a cool and refreshing drink in minutes.

Chick-fil-A Chocolate Chunk Cookies

While Chick-fil-A's cookies are undoubtedly delicious, they are also a bit pricey. However, you can recreate them in your kitchen for a fraction of the cost. If you want to make Chick-fil-A's cookies at home, you will need basic baking ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Chick-fil-A's chocolate chunk cookies contain oats, so if you want your homemade cookies to taste just like theirs, be sure to add oats as well.

In Summary

If you are a fan of Chik-fil-A, you can now enjoy it at home with these copycat recipes. Recreating their food at home can save you a lot of money compared to eating out. With our Chick-fil-A copycat guide, you can make an entire feast for your family, from their famous chicken sandwiches to their sides, like mac and cheese and waffle fries. We even included recipes for their dipping sauces.

Moreover, you can end your meal on a sweet note with their desserts such as peach milkshakes and chocolate chunk cookies. Alternatively, you could make yourself some frosted coffee or lemonade to go with your food. Our guide makes it easy and affordable for the entire family to enjoy Chick-fil-A at any time.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©P Maxwell Photography/Shutterstock.com.