Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich
There are certain fast food memories that stick with you, whether you want them to or not. For me, the Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich is one of those. I remember being a kid, sitting in the back seat while my dad drove, the smell of fries filling the car, and that long oblong chicken sandwich wrapped in paper resting on my lap like a treasure. It was simple. Crispy chicken, soft bun, shredded lettuce, mayo. Nothing fancy. Nothing pretending to be something it was not. Just comfort.
Now that I am the dad, standing in my own kitchen, I find myself chasing those same flavors but wanting to do them a little better. Fresher ingredients. A little more care. Something I can serve to my family and feel good about. That is exactly what this Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich is all about.
This is the kind of recipe you make on a weekend afternoon when the house is buzzing but not rushed. Maybe the kids are watching a movie. Maybe it is game day. Maybe you just want something fun for dinner that makes everyone smile. There is something deeply satisfying about recreating a fast food classic at home, especially when it comes out of the skillet golden and crispy and smells like nostalgia.
I love this recipe because it feels familiar but also personal. You shape the patties with your own hands. You season them just right. You take the extra step to freeze them so they fry up perfectly. And when you finally sit down to eat, it tastes like the sandwich you remember, only better. Juicier. Crispier. Made with care.
What Is a Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich?
This Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich is a homemade version of the classic fast food favorite. It uses lean ground chicken breast seasoned simply, shaped into the signature oblong patty, breaded, and fried until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The sandwich is finished with creamy mayonnaise and cool shredded lettuce on a toasted sesame seed bun for that unmistakable flavor and texture everyone knows.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic flavor: This sandwich tastes just like the drive thru classic you grew up loving, bringing back all those familiar flavors in every bite.
- Crispy and juicy: Freezing the patties before frying helps them stay tender inside while developing a perfectly crunchy coating.
- Simple ingredients: Everything in this recipe is easy to find and pantry friendly with no mystery components.
- Family friendly: Kids love it, adults love it, and it is a dinner that disappears fast every time.
- Better at home: You control the seasoning, the oil, and the quality, making it fresher and more satisfying than fast food.
When to Serve This Recipe
- Weeknight dinner: It feels like a treat but is simple enough to make on a busy evening.
- Game day: These sandwiches are hearty, handheld, and perfect for watching football or basketball.
- Weekend comfort food: Ideal for Saturdays when you want something fun without going out.
- Family movie night: Pair it with fries and everyone is happy.
- Casual gatherings: Serve with sides and let people build their own sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground lean chicken breast – Lean but still juicy, and perfect for shaping into patties
- 2 teaspoons salt – Brings out all the savory flavor in the chicken
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Adds that familiar fast food style seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – Subtle but important for depth
- 1.5 cups flour – First layer of dredging to help everything stick
- 2 eggs – Creates the binding layer for the breading
- 2 tablespoons water – Loosens the egg wash for even coating
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs – Panko works best for extra crunch
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper – Adds gentle heat
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Gives warmth and color
- 1 tablespoon butter – For toasting the buns to golden perfection
- 4 sesame seed buns – Soft with just the right texture
- Mayonnaise – Creamy and classic, just like the original
- Shredded lettuce – Cool and crisp to balance the fried chicken
How to Make Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use clean hands to gently mix until everything is evenly combined. Do not overwork it or the patties can become dense.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into oblong patties. This shape is key if you want that authentic look and bite. Place the patties on a parchment lined tray.
Step 3: Freeze for Structure
Place the tray in the freezer for at least one hour. This step helps the patties hold their shape during breading and frying and keeps them juicy.
Step 4: Set Up the Dredging Station
Place the flour in one shallow dish. In another dish whisk together the eggs and water. In a third dish mix the breadcrumbs, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large deep skillet, heat about one inch of oil over medium high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Around 350°F is ideal.
Step 6: Bread the Patties
Remove the patties from the freezer. Dredge each one in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 7: Fry Until Golden
Working two patties at a time, carefully place them into the hot oil. Fry for about two to three minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Step 8: Drain and Rest
Transfer the cooked patties to a wire rack to drain. This keeps the coating crispy instead of soggy.
Step 9: Toast the Buns
In a clean skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Place the buns cut side down and toast until lightly golden.
Step 10: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread mayonnaise on the buns, add a crispy chicken patty, and top with shredded lettuce. Close the bun and serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Chicken: Ground turkey or ground chicken thighs can be used for a slightly richer flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, though panko gives the best crunch.
- Buns: Brioche or soft sandwich rolls are great alternatives.
- Seasonings: Add cayenne or extra paprika for more heat.
- Mayonnaise: Light mayo or flavored mayo works beautifully.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add hot sauce to the egg wash or cayenne to the breadcrumbs.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add a slice of American, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese.
- Chicken Parmesan style: Swap mayo and lettuce for marinara and mozzarella.
- Mini sliders: Make smaller patties and serve on slider buns.
Tips and Tricks
- Shape matters: Oblong patties give the most authentic look and bite.
- Freeze before frying: This keeps the patties intact and juicy.
- Oil temperature: Too hot burns, too cool makes them greasy.
- Drain properly: Use a wire rack to keep the coating crisp.
- Toast the buns: This small step makes a big difference.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, but frying gives the most authentic texture and flavor.
Can I make them ahead of time?
You can prep and freeze the patties ahead, then bread and fry when ready.
Do these reheat well?
They are best fresh but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer.
Serving Ideas
- With fries: Classic and always a hit.
- With coleslaw: Adds crunch and freshness.
- With potato wedges: Hearty and comforting.
- With a simple salad: Balances the richness.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties for up to two months.
- Reheating: Use an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- Make ahead: Shape and freeze patties in advance for easy dinners.
Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground lean chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 cups flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 sesame seed buns
- Mayonnaise
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the Chicken – In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use clean hands to gently mix until everything is evenly combined. Do not overwork it or the patties can become dense.
- Step 2: Shape the Patties – Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into oblong patties. This shape is key if you want that authentic look and bite. Place the patties on a parchment lined tray.
- Step 3: Freeze for Structure – Place the tray in the freezer for at least one hour. This step helps the patties hold their shape during breading and frying and keeps them juicy.
- Step 4: Set Up the Dredging Station – Place the flour in one shallow dish. In another dish whisk together the eggs and water. In a third dish mix the breadcrumbs, black pepper, and paprika.
- Step 5: Heat the Oil – In a large deep skillet, heat about one inch of oil over medium high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Around 350°F is ideal.
- Step 6: Bread the Patties – Remove the patties from the freezer. Dredge each one in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 7: Fry Until Golden – Working two patties at a time, carefully place them into the hot oil. Fry for about two to three minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Step 8: Drain and Rest – Transfer the cooked patties to a wire rack to drain. This keeps the coating crispy instead of soggy.
- Step 9: Toast the Buns – In a clean skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Place the buns cut side down and toast until lightly golden.
- Step 10: Assemble the Sandwiches – Spread mayonnaise on the buns, add a crispy chicken patty, and top with shredded lettuce. Close the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutions
- Chicken: Ground turkey or ground chicken thighs can be used for a slightly richer flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, though panko gives the best crunch.
- Buns: Brioche or soft sandwich rolls are great alternatives.
- Seasonings: Add cayenne or extra paprika for more heat.
- Mayonnaise: Light mayo or flavored mayo works beautifully.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add hot sauce to the egg wash or cayenne to the breadcrumbs.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add a slice of American, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese.
- Chicken Parmesan style: Swap mayo and lettuce for marinara and mozzarella.
- Mini sliders: Make smaller patties and serve on slider buns.
Tips and Tricks
- Shape matters: Oblong patties give the most authentic look and bite.
- Freeze before frying: This keeps the patties intact and juicy.
- Oil temperature: Too hot burns, too cool makes them greasy.
- Drain properly: Use a wire rack to keep the coating crisp.
- Toast the buns: This small step makes a big difference.
Serving Ideas
- With fries: Classic and always a hit.
- With coleslaw: Adds crunch and freshness.
- With potato wedges: Hearty and comforting.
- With a simple salad: Balances the richness.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties for up to two months.
- Reheating: Use an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- Make ahead: Shape and freeze patties in advance for easy dinners.
Private Notes
Final Thoughts
There is something really special about taking a fast food favorite and making it your own. This Copycat Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich is not just about the taste. It is about the memories, the smiles at the table, and the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself.
If you grew up loving this sandwich, I hope this recipe brings a little bit of that joy back into your kitchen. And if this is your first time trying it, welcome to a classic that never goes out of style. Cook it with care, share it with people you love, and enjoy every crispy bite.
