Step 1: Prepare the chicken: If chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them or pound them to about a 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking. Place chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour pickle juice over the chicken, ensuring it's fully submerged. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This is key for a tender and flavorful Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit.
Step 2: Set up breading stations: In one shallow dish, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, pour the ¾ cup buttermilk.
Step 3: Bread the chicken: Remove chicken from pickle brine, discarding brine. Pat chicken very dry with paper towels. Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into buttermilk, then dredge a second time in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to create a thick, craggy coating. This double-dredging technique helps achieve the signature crispy texture for your Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit.
Step 4: Fry the chicken: Heat 2-3 inches of peanut oil (or vegetable oil) in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower 1-2 chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt while hot. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F/93°C) while making biscuits.
Step 5: Make the biscuits: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 6: In a large bowl, whisk together self-rising flour and granulated sugar. Add cold, cubed butter to the flour. Cut the butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. The colder the butter, the flakier the Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit.
Step 7: Make a well in the center and pour in the ¾ cup very cold buttermilk. Mix gently with a fork or your hands until just combined. The dough will be shaggy and a bit sticky. Do not overmix!
Step 8: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Fold the dough in half, then gently pat it down again. Repeat this folding and patting process 3-4 times. This creates beautiful, flaky layers.
Step 9: Pat the dough to a final thickness of about 3/4 to 1 inch. Using a 2.5 to 3-inch round biscuit cutter (press straight down, do not twist!), cut out biscuits. Place biscuits about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 10: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top and bottom. Once out of the oven, immediately brush the tops of the warm biscuits with melted butter. This adds a rich, shiny finish to your Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit.
Step 11: Assemble and serve: Slice each warm biscuit in half horizontally. Place a crispy fried chicken breast on the bottom half of each biscuit. Top with the other half of the biscuit. Serve your homemade Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit immediately and enjoy!