If you love Chick-Fil-A’s Chicken Minis, you’ll love this easy-to-make copycat version. With tender chicken, soft rolls, and a sweet honey-butter glaze, these little sandwiches are incredibly satisfying and super simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Just Bare chicken breast chunks (or your favorite brand of chicken breast tenders or nuggets – you can also use homemade fried chicken strips)
- Honey (preferably raw or clover honey for a more natural, rich sweetness)
- Butter (unsalted butter works best to control the salt content)
- Sister Schubert’s Yeast Rolls (or any soft dinner rolls of your choice – Hawaiian rolls or other soft, pillowy rolls can also work great)
Directions:
1. Cook the Rolls:
- Start by preheating your oven according to the package instructions for the Sister Schubert’s Yeast Rolls (or your chosen rolls).
- Tip: To keep your rolls soft and fluffy, bake them for about 3 minutes less than the recommended minimum time. This will help prevent them from becoming too firm, as you want them soft and pillowy to hold the chicken in the Chicken Minis.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- While the rolls are baking, cook the Just Bare chicken chunks (or your chicken tenders or nuggets) according to the instructions on the package. Most of these come already seasoned, so you won’t need additional seasoning, but you can always sprinkle some salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning on top for an extra boost of flavor.
- Tip: If you’re using fresh chicken breast, you can pan-fry or bake it until golden and crispy, and then slice it into small, mini sandwich-sized pieces. This will give you control over the texture and seasoning of the chicken.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and crispy on the outside for that satisfying crunch.
3. Slice the Rolls:
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled (you don’t want to burn yourself!), carefully slice each roll down the center, keeping one side attached, like a hotdog bun. This allows you to easily open and fill them with chicken.
- Tip: Don’t slice all the way through—leaving one side of the roll intact keeps the filling inside and makes it easier to eat as a sandwich.
4. Assemble the Chicken Minis:
- After slicing the rolls, insert one piece of cooked chicken into each roll. If you prefer smaller bites, you can cut the chicken chunks into smaller pieces before adding them into the rolls.
- You can stack the chicken and roll for a more substantial sandwich, or use one smaller piece of chicken if you’re aiming for a snack-sized mini.
5. Prepare the Honey-Butter Glaze:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt about 2-3 tablespoons of butter (unsalted butter is best to control the flavor balance).
- Add in 2-3 tablespoons of honey (adjust based on how sweet you want your glaze). Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined sauce.
- Tip: If you like your glaze extra sweet, feel free to add a little more honey, but remember that a little goes a long way.
6. Brush the Honey-Butter Mixture onto the Rolls:
- Use a pastry brush or a spoon to brush the honey-butter mixture onto the top of each roll. Be generous with it! You want the rolls to soak up that sweet, buttery goodness.
- Tip: Brush both the top and the sides of the rolls for maximum flavor, making every bite of your Chicken Mini extra decadent.
7. Warm in the Oven:
- Once the rolls are glazed, place them back into the oven (on an oven-safe tray) to warm them up for about 2 minutes. This gives the honey-butter glaze time to absorb into the rolls and ensures everything is nice and warm.
- Tip: If you want an even more golden, crispy texture, you can place the tray under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it so the rolls don’t burn.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once warmed through, remove the tray from the oven. Place your Chicken Minis on a serving plate, and they’re ready to enjoy.
- Tip: You can garnish them with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of more grated cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Q&A Section:
Q: Can I use other types of rolls?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have Sister Schubert’s Yeast Rolls, you can use Hawaiian rolls for a sweet and soft alternative. Any soft, buttery dinner roll will work. Just make sure the rolls are soft enough to bite into and easy to slice down the middle.
Q: How can I make the chicken crispy like Chick-Fil-A’s?
A: If you’re using chicken breast or tenders from scratch, pan-fry the chicken in a bit of oil until golden and crispy. You can also bread the chicken for extra crunch before frying or baking it. If you’re using store-bought nuggets, be sure to bake or air fry them for the crispiest texture.
Q: Can I make these Chicken Minis ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and honey-butter glaze ahead of time. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving. While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can also store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven or microwave. The bread may get a little firmer over time, but they’ll still taste great.
Q: Can I make a large batch?
A: Absolutely! Just double or triple the recipe as needed. These minis are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or family dinners. Just make sure to adjust the quantities of chicken, rolls, and glaze to match the number of servings you need.
Benefits of Chick-Fil-A Chicken Minis (Homemade Version):
- Budget-Friendly:
- Making these Chicken Minis at home can save you money compared to ordering from Chick-Fil-A. You can make a large batch for a fraction of the cost, and the ingredients are easy to find and reasonably priced.
- Customizable:
- You have complete control over the ingredients! Adjust the sweetness of the honey-butter glaze, choose your preferred type of chicken, and opt for rolls that suit your taste. Want to add pickles or cheese? Go for it!
- Protein-Packed:
- The chicken provides a solid source of protein, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The protein is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Convenient:
- This recipe is quick and easy to make. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a snack. It’s also an easy dish to whip up when you’re craving comfort food.
- Fun for the Whole Family:
- Chicken Minis are fun to eat and perfect for kids and adults alike. You can also make a DIY version where everyone assembles their own Chicken Minis with their favorite ingredients.
- Balanced Meal:
- The combination of chicken (protein) and soft rolls (carbs) offers a well-rounded, filling meal. While they’re definitely on the indulgent side, they provide a nice balance when served in moderation.
This Chick-Fil-A Chicken Minis Copycat Recipe is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and ease of preparation. It’s a great way to satisfy your cravings without leaving the house, and the best part is—you can customize it to your liking! Enjoy! 😊