There’s something magical about the Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich—crispy, juicy chicken paired with buttery buns and tangy pickles. But whether it’s Sunday, you’re skipping the drive-thru line, or you just want a more budget-friendly option, this copycat recipe using only Aldi ingredients delivers a nearly identical experience.
After testing recipes from TikTok, Reddit, and foodie blogs, I found that recreating this cult-favorite sandwich at home is surprisingly simple. With just three Aldi items, you can build a Chick-fil-A-style sandwich that might even outshine the original.
Ingredients from ALDI
1. Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets (aka Red Bag Chicken)
Located in the freezer section, these fillets are the heart of the sandwich. Each bag costs about $5.99 and contains 5-6 breaded chicken breast filets. Unlike many frozen chicken products, these are thin-sliced real chicken breasts—no fillers or weird textures. Air fry them at 400°F for 8-10 minutes for the crispiest, most Chick-fil-A-like results.
2. Specially Selected Brioche Buns
These soft, sweet, and slightly rich buns are key to getting that signature Chick-fil-A feel. They’re a total steal! For best results, lightly butter the insides and toast them in a pan or toaster oven until golden.
3. Great Gherkins Hamburger Dill Pickle Chips
Tangy, crunchy pickle chips are a must. If your store is out of the exact kind, don’t worry—Kosher Dill Spears sliced thin will still do the trick. Just be sure to use 2-3 slices per sandwich for that signature flavor punch.
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Fillets
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place 1 Kirkwood breaded chicken fillet in the basket and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
Alternative: Bake at 400°F in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes.
Step 2: Toast the Buns
- Lightly butter the inside of each brioche bun half.
- Toast them in a pan or toaster oven until golden and slightly crispy. This adds the signature Chick-fil-A warmth and flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
- Place the cooked chicken fillet on the bottom bun.
- Add 2–3 dill pickle slices directly on top of the chicken.
- Top with the other half of the toasted bun.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Drizzle or dip in Burman’s Chicken Dipping Sauce.
- Add lettuce, tomato, and a slice of cheese if you prefer the Deluxe version.
Why This Copycat Works
Fans across social media have raved about this Aldi hack for years, and after making it myself, I get the hype. The chicken is flavorful with a crunchy crust, the bun is pillowy and rich, and the pickles add that sharp kick to balance it all. While Chick-fil-A’s version might be slightly sweeter and pressure-cooked in peanut oil, the Aldi alternative is eerily close—especially for the price.
A Chick-fil-A sandwich costs around $3.89 each. With Aldi ingredients, you can make four sandwiches for about $12.27 (with leftover chicken and pickles). That’s roughly $3 per sandwich—and you can eat them on Sundays.
Final Say
Is it an exact clone? No. But is it satisfying, affordable, and customizable? Absolutely. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting, or just craving comfort food, this Aldi Chick-fil-A dupe hits all the right notes. It’s so good, it’s become a weekly tradition in my house—and I’m not mad about it.
