It all started on a rainy Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was new to the area, navigating side streets and searching for something comforting when the smell of crispy golden chicken stopped me. The sign read “Chicken King”—humble and unassuming, but something about it felt like home.

I ordered a Chicken Fillet Sandwich with a side of slaw, and from the first bite, I was hooked. Juicy, seasoned to perfection, and tucked into a buttery bun—it wasn’t just fast food but soul food. That memory sparked my obsession with the Chicken King menu, and today, I’m thrilled to walk you through every flavorful detail.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love trying this Chicken Orzo Bake for a delicious variation in comfort food form.

Grilled chicken baguette sandwich with arugula and tomatoes — A fresh grilled chicken baguette sandwich layered with tomatoes, arugula, and lettuce

Why the Chicken King Menu Stands Out

There’s a reason the Chicken King menu has built a cult following. It’s not just about fried chicken it’s about consistency, variety, and heart. Their sandwiches offer crunch, spice, and savoury goodness in every bite. Whether you’re craving a classic Chicken Philly, a Buffalo Chicken Pita, or a burger, Chicken King has something for everyone.

Rooted in Southern food traditions, Chicken King has expanded its fanbase beyond Charlotte, drawing customers nationwide. The menu is flexible enough to please picky eaters yet bold enough to satisfy culinary adventurers.

Looking for something similar but lighter? Check out this Naked Chicken recipe for a juicy, no-breading twist.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to recreate a Chicken King-style Chicken Fillet Sandwich at home:

Main Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice as a substitute)
1 tsp hot sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)
2 brioche buns
Pickles
Mayonnaise (or signature sauce)

Sourcing Tips:

Use organic, free-range chicken for the juiciest bite.
Choose high-quality brioche buns for richer flavour and make your own mayo or aioli.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Chicken Fillet Sandwich recipe infographic with Chicken King menu ingredients — Step-by-step visual recipe for a Chicken Fillet Sandwich, using ingredients inspired by the Chicken King menu

1. Marinate the Chicken

Chicken marinating in buttermilk for Chicken King menu sandwich — Chicken breasts soaking in a seasoned buttermilk marinade, essential for juicy flavor

Pound the chicken breasts until they are even in thickness.
Mix buttermilk and hot sauce, then soak the chicken for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavour).

Pro Tip: Marinating overnight yields ultra-juicy chicken.

2. Prepare the Dredge

Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Remove chicken from marinade and coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour.

Pro Tip: Double-dip the chicken (back into buttermilk, then into flour) for extra crispiness.

3. Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Assemble Your Sandwich

Frying chicken for Chicken King menu sandwich — Chicken frying to golden perfection, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside

Toast your buns lightly.
Spread mayo on both sides.
Add pickles, then the fried chicken fillet.
Serve hot.

Assembling Chicken King menu chicken fillet sandwich — Building the Chicken Fillet Sandwich with crispy chicken, pickles, and mayo

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tips:

Use a thermometer to ensure your oil stays at the right temperature.
Rest your fried chicken on a wire rack—not paper towels—to preserve crispiness.

Common Mistakes:

Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy chicken.
Skipping the marinade: You’ll lose flavour and tenderness.

Variations & Customizations

Make It Your Way:

Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu or seitan and use plant-based milk.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blends and certified GF buns.
Keto-Friendly: Swap out the bun for lettuce wraps and use almond flour for breading.

Flavor Twists:

Toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce for extra heat.
Add slaw or spicy aioli for a flavour-packed upgrade.

How to Serve & Store

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with crispy fries, coleslaw, or fried okra.
For drinks, a cold soda or iced tea works wonders.

Storing & Reheating:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to retain crispiness.
This dish works well with Porcupine Soup, making it a perfect addition to your comfort food menu.

Gourmet chicken sandwich variety with pickles, lettuce, and creamy sauces — A selection of gourmet chicken sandwiches featuring crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy sauces, and soft brioche buns

FAQs

What time does Burger King’s breakfast menu end?

Burger King’s breakfast typically ends at 10:30 AM. However, this can vary by location.

What is Chicken King’s history and origin?

Chicken King originated in Charlotte, North Carolina. It has grown into a local staple known for its homestyle fried chicken and diverse menu.

How many calories are in a chicken king?

A typical Chicken King Chicken Fillet Sandwich contains 500-700 calories depending on toppings and sides.

How many calories are in Burger King’s spicy chicken king?

The Burger King Spicy Ch’King Sandwich contains approximately 1,400 calories, including bun, sauce, and toppings.

Conclusion: Your Turn to Try It

Now that you know everything there is to love about the Chicken King menu, it’s time to bring the magic into your own kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with your own twist, one thing’s for sure—you’re in for a treat.

Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please comment, share it on Pinterest, or tag @SavorDelish on Instagram. Let’s keep the crispy goodness going!