Copycat Carl’s Jr. BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Recreate the delicious Carl’s Jr. BBQ Chicken Sandwich at home with this easy copycat recipe. Featuring juicy chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and fresh toppings on a toasted bun, it’s the perfect homemade meal!

The Carl’s Jr. Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying choice for those seeking a lighter yet delicious meal. Featuring a tender, charbroiled chicken breast marinated to perfection, it’s topped with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and a dollop of mayonnaise, all nestled between a toasted honey wheat bun.

This sandwich offers a perfect balance of juicy, smoky chicken and refreshing toppings, making it a go-to option for a wholesome and tasty dining experience. Whether you’re on the go or enjoying a meal at home, this sandwich delivers a fresh and savory bite every time.

If you are looking for some other great and easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN WRAPPED IN BACON, AIR FRYER BUFFALO CHICKEN KEBABS, FROZEN CHICKEN BREAST IN THE AIR FRYER, and AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST (LEMON GARLIC).

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Authentic Flavor: This recipe replicates the bold and smoky flavors of the original Carl’s Jr. BBQ Chicken Sandwich right at home.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can adjust the toppings and sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.
• Healthier Option: By making it yourself, you control the quality of ingredients for a fresher and healthier meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the drive-thru and save money by creating this delicious sandwich in your own kitchen.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch, it’s simple to make and satisfying to eat.
• Impressive Taste: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to delight family and friends at any gathering.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Breasts: Provides a juicy and tender protein base when grilled to perfection.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy flavor that’s signature to this sandwich.
• Hamburger Buns: Hold all the delicious ingredients together.
• Lettuce: Adds a fresh and crisp layer to balance the rich flavors.
• Tomato Slices: Juicy tomato slices provide a burst of freshness and acidity.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy spread that complements the BBQ sauce.
• Oil or Cooking Spray: Used to lightly grease the grill or pan for even cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken breast.

How To Make Carl Jr’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Step One: Season boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light coat of your favorite barbecue sauce. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes for extra flavor.

Step Two: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step Three: Remove the chicken and lightly toast the hamburger buns in the air fryer at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of the bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, the grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, and crispy onion rings. Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce and top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately while warm for a fresh, restaurant-style sandwich.

Copycat Carl’s Jr. BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe Tips

• Marinate the Chicken: For a deeper flavor, let the boneless chicken breasts marinate in the barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with more smoky goodness.
• Use High-Quality Barbecue Sauce: Choose a barbecue sauce you really love, as it will be the base flavor of the sandwich. You can even experiment with different types like sweet, tangy, or spicy.
• Toast the Buns Lightly: Lightly toasting the buns gives them a nice crunch and helps them hold up against the moist chicken and sauce, ensuring a mess-free sandwich.
• Add Crunch: For an extra texture boost, try adding crispy onion rings to the sandwich just like Carl’s Jr. does. They add a perfect crunch and elevate the flavors.
• Customize with Toppings: Feel free to customize the sandwich with additional toppings like pickles, bacon, or jalapeños for an added twist on the classic.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.

Storing

• Storing: If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken and sandwich components separately in airtight containers. Keep the grilled chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the toasted buns and toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion rings) should also be stored separately to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: You can freeze the grilled chicken separately. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to 3 months. When freezing the chicken, omit any sauces or toppings that could make the sandwich soggy upon reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat the chicken and recreate that crispy texture, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes or until heated through. You can also toast the buns in the air fryer at the same time for 1-2 minutes. Reassemble the sandwich with fresh toppings and drizzle with more barbecue sauce for a fresh, delicious meal.

What to Serve With Copycat Carl’s Jr. Charlbroiled Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Pair your Copycat Carl’s Jr. Charbroiled Chicken Sandwich with a variety of sides to create a satisfying meal. For a classic touch, serve it with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries, which are perfect for dipping in extra barbecue sauce. You can also add a side of coleslaw for a tangy crunch that complements the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken. If you’re looking for something lighter, a refreshing side salad with a zesty dressing pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the sandwich. For a more indulgent option, opt for onion rings or potato wedges for an extra crunch that completes the meal.

Copycat Carl’s Jr. Charlbroiled Chicken Sandwich Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful sandwich. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly for thicker cuts.

Can I make the sandwich spicy? Absolutely! You can add spicy barbecue sauce, jalapeños, or a spicy mayo to elevate the heat and make the sandwich spicy.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free? Yes, to make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free buns and ensure that the barbecue sauce and other condiments are gluten-free as well.

How can I make the chicken extra tender? Marinating the chicken breasts for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking will help keep the chicken tender and juicy. You can also tenderize the chicken with a meat mallet before seasoning.

Can I prepare the sandwich in advance? You can cook the chicken and prepare the sandwich components ahead of time. Assemble the sandwich just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I cook this sandwich on the grill? Yes, you can grill the chicken breasts instead of using the air fryer. Just be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How can I make this recipe more flavorful? Adding extra toppings like pickles, onions, or a slice of melted cheese can enhance the flavor of your sandwich. You can also experiment with different barbecue sauces to find the one you love best.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER POTATO WEDGES
• AIR FRYER EASY POUTINE FRENCH FRIES
• EASY AIR FRYER GARLIC BUTTER HASSELBACK POTATOES
• AIR FRYER OVEN GOLD RANCH POTATOES
• AIR FRYER SYRACUSE SALTED POTATOES

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