Craving the deliciousness of Chick-Fil-A’s Chicken Minis? This copycat recipe lets you recreate those perfectly golden, soft, and sweet little sandwiches right at home! They’re simple, full of flavor, and sure to be a hit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Save yourself the drive-thru line and try this easy recipe that will leave you wondering why you didn’t make them sooner.
Ingredients:
- Southern Style Chicken Bites (or any brand of crispy chicken bites or nuggets you prefer. Walmart’s version works well for this recipe.)
- Honey (Adds that perfect sweetness that makes Chicken Minis irresistible.)
- Butter (For a rich, savory base that complements the sweetness of the honey.)
- Texas Roadhouse Mini Rolls (These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for this recipe, but any soft mini roll or slider bun will work.)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mini Rolls
- Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on your Texas Roadhouse Mini Rolls package. Generally, this is about 375°F.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake according to the package directions, but here’s a key tip: bake for about 3 minutes less than the recommended time. This will keep the rolls softer, which is ideal for the Chicken Minis and helps them stay pillowy, just like the real thing.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- While the rolls are baking, it’s time to cook your Southern Style Chicken Bites (or whichever brand you choose). Follow the package instructions for baking or frying, ensuring the chicken pieces are fully cooked and crispy on the outside.
- Tip: If you want extra crispy chicken, you can briefly pan-fry the pieces after baking for an added crunch.
Step 3: Slice the Rolls
- Once your mini rolls are done baking and slightly cooled, carefully slice each one in half horizontally—but don’t cut all the way through. Leave one side of each roll intact so they stay connected like a little sandwich « pocket » (just like Chick-Fil-A’s minis).
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Minis
- Take one piece of cooked chicken and place it into each mini roll. You can break up any larger pieces of chicken to make them fit snugly inside the roll.
- Tip: If the rolls are a bit large for your chicken, cut the chicken into smaller pieces so they fit perfectly inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey-Butter Glaze
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt about 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for 30-40 seconds until fully melted.
- To the melted butter, add 2-3 tablespoons of honey (you can adjust this to your desired sweetness). Stir well to combine the honey and butter into a smooth, golden glaze.
Step 6: Glaze the Rolls
- Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the tops of the mini rolls with the honey-butter mixture. You want each roll to be coated with the glaze so that it sinks into the soft bread and adds flavor.
- Tip: For a little extra flavor, you can also drizzle some of the honey-butter inside the roll with the chicken for added sweetness.
Step 7: Warm the Chicken Minis in the Oven
- After glazing the rolls, place the assembled Chicken Minis on a baking tray (you can even use the same tray you baked the rolls on).
- Put them back in the oven for about 2-3 minutes. This will warm the honey-butter glaze, melt into the rolls, and allow the chicken to heat through. It also makes the rolls slightly crisp around the edges, adding a nice texture.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove the Chicken Minis from the oven and let them sit for a minute to cool down slightly. Then, you can serve them warm!
- Tip: These are perfect as-is, but if you want to get even closer to the Chick-Fil-A experience, add sliced pickles to the chicken before closing the rolls.
Additional Tips & Variations:
- Add Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a slice of cheddar or American cheese on top of the chicken before closing the roll. The melted cheese adds a creamy contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, drizzle sriracha or hot sauce inside the roll before adding the chicken, or mix a little hot sauce into the honey-butter glaze.
- Pickle Lovers: Add a few slices of dill pickles inside the rolls for a tangy crunch. This adds a classic touch and really makes these taste like the real Chick-Fil-A Chicken Minis.
- Fresh Herbs: If you’re looking for a fresh twist, sprinkle a little chopped parsley or thyme on top of the rolls before glazing them. It adds color and a fragrant herbal note.
Storage & Reheating:
- If you have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap the Chicken Minis tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place them on a baking tray and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to keep the rolls soft and the chicken crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Budget-Friendly: Skip the drive-thru and make these at home for a fraction of the price.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal ingredients and steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Customizable: Make them your own by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the sweetness of the glaze.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether for a quick dinner, a fun weekend breakfast, or a party snack, these Chicken Minis are always a hit.
This Chick-Fil-A Chicken Minis copycat recipe is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a fast-food favorite at home. With crispy chicken, sweet honey butter, and soft, warm mini rolls, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one! 🍯🍗