Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chick-N-Minis Recipe

Name: Copy Cat ChicNMinis (Chicken Minis Recipe)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 1 packet Sister Schubert’s Parker House Style Yeast Rolls, 11oz, thawed; 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter; 2.5 tbsp honey; 1 cup AP flour; 1 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp season salt or all purpose seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black or white pepper; 8 chicken tenders; 3-4 cups peanut oil; ½ cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup pickle juice (the secret ingredient); 1 tbsp all purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp onion powder; 1 ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt

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Chick-fil-A's Chicken Minis have become a staple in the fast-food world, captivating taste buds with their irresistible combination of tender chicken and sweet buttery goodness. These mini sandwiches have gained a cult-like following, attracting fans from all walks of life.

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The popularity of Chick-fil-A's Chicken Minis is undeniable. These bite-sized treats are known for their perfectly seasoned, breaded chicken pieces tucked between soft, buttered rolls, creating a delightful harmony of flavor and texture.

Chick-Fil-A is hands down one of my favorite fast food places of all time – breakfast, lunch or dinner. The chicken sandwich, chicken biscuit, and crispy nuggets are my favs. And Whether it's breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack, Chicken Minis never fail to satisfy cravings and leave you wanting more. They simply have the best fast food fried chicken!

If you find the craving strikes for Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis outside their operating hours (why are they closed on Sunday morning gahhhh), or simply want to enjoy them from the comfort of your own kitchen, no fear! I have the solution.

In this blog post, we will guide you through a delightful copycat recipe, allowing you to recreate these delicious treats at home. Prepare to impress your friends and family with your homemade version of Chick-fil-A's Chicken Minis and indulge in their crave-worthy taste anytime you desire.

Ingredients For Copycat ChickNMini’s

chicken tenders
buttermilk
peanut oil (alternatively, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil)
dill pickle juice
all-purpose flour
onion powder
garlic powder
black pepper
salt
powdered sugar
season salt or all-purpose seasoning
salt
pepper
Yeast Rolls
unsalted butter
honey

When it comes to recreating the Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis, using quality simple ingredients can make a noticeable difference in the final result. Here are some specific brands or variations that work well:

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Look for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts.

Organic or free-range chicken: If you prefer a more sustainable or ethically sourced option, consider choosing organic or free-range chicken.

Breading

All-purpose flour: Use a good quality all-purpose flour for the breading mixture.

Seasoned salt: Look for a seasoned salt blend that includes a combination of salt, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

Buns or Biscuits

Sweet rolls or slider buns: Opt for soft, slightly sweet rolls or slider buns. Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns work well for an authentic touch.

Buttermilk biscuits: If you prefer a biscuit version of the Chicken Minis, choose flaky buttermilk biscuits for a delicious twist.

Honey Butter Glaze

Honey: Choose a good quality honey for the glaze, as it adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the glaze.

Substitutions For Dietary Restrictions Or Preferences

If you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some optional ingredient substitutions you can consider:

Gluten-free option

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or a combination of almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the breading.

Vegetarian or vegan option

Substitute the chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or tofu strips coated in a flavorful marinade and breading.

Dairy-free option

Use dairy-free butter or margarine as a substitute for butter in the honey butter glaze.

Spicy option

Add some heat to your Chicken Minis by incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the breading mixture or glaze.

Remember, these substitutions may alter the taste and texture slightly, so adjust accordingly to achieve your desired outcome.

How To Prepare Chicken Mini’s

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepping The Chicken

Cut the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces. Cut each tender into three equal pieces.

Tip: Using a cutting mat or cutting board is best for easily cutting the chicken

In a large bowl, combine a tablespoon of flour, along with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix, allowing the flavors to meld together and coat each piece of chicken with the seasoning mixture.

Pour in the buttermilk and pickle juice. Mix it all together until each piece of chicken is fully incorporated with the marinade.

Allow the chicken to marinate. Let it bathe in the flavors for at least 45 minutes, though an overnight soak will result in an even more irresistible taste.

While the chicken is marinating, heat your oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat, preparing to give your chicken the perfect golden exterior.

The Rolls

Place the tray of Sister Schubert's Parker House Style Yeast Dinner Rolls into the preheated oven and let them cook for 15 minutes, creating a warm and pillowy foundation for your chicken minis.

Cooking The Chicken

As the rolls transform, whisk together the dredge ingredients to create a coating that will make your chicken nuggets irresistibly crispy.

Remove the nuggets individually from the marinade and drop them into the dredge (flour mixture) as this prevents clumping. Ensure they are coated evenly.

Then, carefully place them into the hot oil, where they will sizzle and transform into golden-brown nuggets of delicious goodness.

Discard the marinade milk mixture after use.

Once the rolls have had their time in the oven, it's time to baste them with the melted honey butter spread, giving them a glossy finish that will make your taste buds tingle with anticipation. Return the rolls to the oven for just a few more minutes, allowing that sweet and buttery glaze to become one with the biscuits.

Meanwhile, keep an eye on your chicken nuggets, cooking them until they achieve that desired golden brown perfection. Removing them with a larg slotted spoon and draining them on a paper towel lined baking sheet.

When they're done, grab those precut rolls, and add a nugget to each one.

And there you have it! Your homemade copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis are now ready to be served and savored.

FAQs about Chicken Mini's

Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis have a few distinct qualities that set them apart. Firstly, the combination of perfectly seasoned and breaded chicken with soft, buttered rolls creates a crave-worthy taste experience.

The use of buttermilk in the marinade and the addition of pickle juice contribute to their unique flavor profile.

Lastly, the honey butter glaze adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the overall taste, making them truly unique.

While Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis are best enjoyed fresh, you can make them in advance and reheat them if needed.

After assembling the Chicken Minis, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When ready to serve, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that reheating may affect the texture slightly, but they will still be delicious.

It is recommended to use fresh chicken for the best results, as frozen chicken may result in a different texture and could affect the overall taste.

However, if you have frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.

Thawing in the refrigerator ensures safe and even thawing without compromising the quality of the chicken.

Absolutely! The beauty of using an air fryer is that it can yield deliciously crispy results while requiring less oil than traditional frying methods. So, if you prefer a healthier alternative or simply love the convenience of an air fryer, you can definitely prepare the chicken for your Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis in it.

To prepare the chicken in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or as per your air fryer's instructions).

After marinating the chicken as instructed in the recipe, remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess marinade to drip off.

Lightly coat the chicken pieces with a thin layer of cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This will help promote a crispy texture.

Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap or touch too closely. You may need to cook them in multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the chicken in the air fryer for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they cook evenly and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring they are cooked through.
Once the chicken is golden brown and cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.

Chicken Minis are best enjoyed when fresh. After cooking, they should be consumed within 2 to 3 days if stored properly in the refrigerator.

To maintain freshness, store the cooked Chicken Minis in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Proper storage helps preserve their flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the chicken minis for later?

Yes, you can freeze the Chicken Minis for later enjoyment.

After assembling and cooking them, allow them to cool completely. Individually wrap each Chicken Mini tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Copy Cat ChicNMinis (Chicken Minis Recipe)

Yield: 24 minis

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes