Copycat Burger King Chicken Sandwich Recipe

13

If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into the savory delights of a Burger King Chicken Sandwich, you’ll know that moment of bliss is hard to forget. The combination of a tenderly crisp chicken fillet, fresh lettuce, and a smear of creamy mayonnaise ensconced in a sesame seed bun—it’s fast food magic at its best.

How to make Burger King Chicken Sandwich

The Burger King Chicken Sandwich refers to various chicken-based sandwiches available at Burger King. Over the years, the chain has introduced several different versions with unique ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

To make your homemade Burger King Chicken Sandwich, you will need:

• Chicken Breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
• All-purpose Flour: 1 cup
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
• Egg: 1, beaten
• Water: 1 tablespoon
• Sesame Seed Bun: 2
• Mayonnaise: To taste
• Iceberg Lettuce: Shredded or whole leaf
• Vegetable Oil: For frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Flatten the chicken breasts slightly with a meat mallet for even cooking and tender meat—season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Breading Station:

1. In one shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and a little additional salt and pepper.
2. In another shallow dish, beat together the egg with the water.

3. Coating the Chicken:

1. Dip each chicken breast first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
2. Next, dip into the beaten egg wash.
3. Dredge again in the flour mixture for a double coat, which assures crave crispiness.

4. Frying the Chicken:

1. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat (you’ll want it about 1/2 inch deep).
2. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Assembling the Sandwich:

1. Lightly toast the sesame seed buns and spread mayonnaise on both the top and bottom buns.
2. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the fried chicken, and then top it with more lettuce if desired before capping with the top bun.

Tips for the Perfect Sandwich

• Flatten that Chicken: Ensuring the chicken breast is an even thickness helps it cook evenly and mimics the signature BK style.
• Double Dipping: Dipping in the flour mixture creates a thicker breading that adds to the crunch.
• Do Not Overcrowd: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, resulting in less crispy chicken.
• Rest the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps to redistribute juices and maintain the crispiness of the breading.

What to serve with

Transform your homemade Burger King Chicken Sandwich experience into a full-blown feast with the perfect side dishes. When it comes to fast food classics, the sides are almost as important as the main event!

• Classic French Fries: There’s nothing quite like the crispy, golden joy of French fries to complement a chicken sandwich. The key to homemade fries is to slice the potatoes evenly, soak them in cold water to remove excess starch and dry them thoroughly before frying. You can fry them twice: first at a lower temperature to cook through and then at a higher temperature to achieve that golden exterior. Season with salt immediately after frying.
• Onion Rings:For those who like a bit of variation with their crunch, onion rings are a delightful alternative or addition to fries. Coat the onion rings with a simple beer batter or a buttermilk and flour dredge before frying them to golden perfection. The sweetness of the onions paired with the crispy coating makes for an irresistible side.
• Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy crispness of coleslaw works wonders with the flavors of a chicken sandwich. A classic coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt can lighten up the meal. For an extra kick, add some Dijon mustard or a splash of lemon juice to the dressing.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Opt for sweet potato fries for a sweeter take on the classic side. Their natural sweetness and rich color bring a delightful contrast to the savory chicken sandwich. Toss them with some cornstarch and your favorite seasonings—paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cinnamon work wonderfully—before baking or frying.
• Mozzarella sticks can be a cheesy, gooey delight to serve alongside your chicken sandwich if you’re in the mood for extra indulgence. Coat string cheese or sliced mozzarella blocks in a breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, then deep fry until golden. Serve with a marinara dipping sauce for an Italian twist.
• Garden Salad: For a lighter side, a fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of additional veggies can provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy, hearty sandwich. Dress with a light vinaigrette or lemon and olive oil to keep it fresh and vibrant.
• Pickles: Don’t underestimate the power of pickles as a side! Their tangy crunch can be the perfect palate cleanser between sandwich bites. Serve a variety of pickles, such as dill, bread and butter, or even spicy versions, to add an extra dimension of flavor to your meal.
• Homemade Potato Chips: Thinly slice potatoes and fry or bake them for a crispy, homemade version of potato chips. Season with sea salt or get creative with your seasonings for a customized side that is as addictive as the sandwich itself.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade rendition of the classic Burger King Chicken Sandwich allows for personalization, especially when substituting ingredients to suit taste preferences dietary restrictions, or simply to use what’s already in the pantry.

The Chicken Breast

Original Ingredient: Breaded and fried chicken breast

Substitutes:

• For a Healthier Option: Opt for grilled chicken breast seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. It captures the savory aspect with a fraction of the calories.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: A grilled portobello mushroom cap or a store-bought vegan chicken patty can be excellent substitutes. Season similarly to the chicken for a close flavor profile.
• For a Gluten-free Option: Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, use crushed gluten-free cereal, almond flour, or cornmeal mixed with your favorite seasonings for the breading.

The Breading

Original Ingredient: All-purpose flour and breadcrumbs

Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free: A combination of almond flour and crushed pork rinds can offer a gluten-free alternative that provides a crispy exterior after frying.
• Low-Carb: Parmesan cheese mixed with almond flour makes for a low-carb breading that crisps nicely when fried or baked.

The Bun

Original Ingredient: Soft sesame seed bun

Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free Option: You can buy a gluten-free bun at your local grocery store or use large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free wrap.
• Whole Grain: If you’re looking for a fiber boost, opt for a whole-grain or whole-wheat bun.

The Mayo

Original Ingredient: Mayonnaise

Substitutes:

• Healthier Option: Greek yogurt or avocado blended with lemon juice and salt can serve as a lower-fat, healthier alternative to mayo.
• Vegan Option: Vegan mayo is readily available in most stores and makes a direct substitute for traditional mayonnaise.

The Lettuce

Original Ingredient: Shredded iceberg lettuce

Substitutes:

• For More Nutrients: Swap iceberg for darker greens like baby spinach or arugula for a nutritional upgrade.
• For Crunch: Romaine or green leaf lettuce can provide a similarly satisfying crunch with a bit more flavor and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a homemade Burger King Chicken Sandwich that not only satisfies your fast-food cravings but also gives you a sense of accomplishment that only DIY cooking projects can.

More Burger King Recipes:

• Burger King Cheese Melt Beef Recipe
• Homemade Burger King Donut Burger Recipe
• Homemade Burger King Bacon Melt Recipe
• Copycat Burger King Mushroom Swiss Melt Recipe
• Copycat Burger King Stacker Sauce Recipe