Chick-Fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich (Copycat Recipe!)
This copycat Chick-Fil-A cauliflower sandwich delivers that iconic chicken sandwich flavor while keeping things 100% vegetarian. It's crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned (oh... and it's super quick and easy to make at home!).
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Ingredients
Marinade
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp MSG
Breading
- 1 cups flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp MSG
- ½ tsp baking soda
Everything Else
- 2 large heads cauliflower
- 1 quart peanut oil
- To serve: Chick-fil-a sauce, pickles, burger buns
Instructions
- Cut Cauliflower: Remove the leaves from the cauliflower, leaving most of the stem on (it holds everything together). Cut each cauliflower into 1-inch-wide steaks. The middle sections will be the most held together, and the ends will fall apart (which is why we're using 2 heads - you will have leftover florets). Aim to get 6 slabs of cauliflower total.
- Marinate Cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Gently add the cauliflower slabs, ensuring each piece is covered. Let soak while you prep everything else.
- Prep Breading and Oil: In a large bowl, stir together the breading ingredients. In a large pan or shallow pot, heat the oil until it reaches 365°F (185°C). Next to your stove, set out a cookie rack lined with a few layers of paper towels.
- Bread Cauliflower: Working in batches, shake excess buttermilk off each cauliflower slab and transfer it to the breading. Firmly press both sides into the breading, then transfer to a plate until ready to fry.
- Fry: Working in batches, use metal tongs to lower the cauliflower into the hot oil carefully. Cook, flipping once during cooking until both sides are golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes. Regularly check the oil temperature to ensure it doesn't get too hot or cold. Transfer the finished cauliflower to your prepared cookie rack.
- Serve: Serve hot on burger buns, topped with Chick-fil-a sauce and pickles.
Video
Notes
Adding MSG is optional, and you can omit it if you prefer. It enhances the savory umami taste, but the sandwich will still be delicious without it.
You can bake or air fry the cauliflower for a healthier alternative. Preheat the oven to 425°F (or air fryer to 400°F) and place the breaded cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake or air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch in the breading.
Can I use a different oil for frying? Peanut oil is ideal for frying as it has a high smoke point and imparts a mild flavor. However, you can use other oils with high smoke points (like canola or vegetable oil).
Leftovers: The cauliflower tenders are best reheated in the air fryer to get them crispy again!
Make Ahead: You can make each component of this recipe ahead of time, and cauliflower can be marinated up to a day before cooking. Once breaded and fried, cauliflower is best enjoyed immediately.
