1Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound gently with a meat mallet until uniformly flattened to ¼-inch thickness throughout.
2Transfer flattened chicken to a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour pickle juice over chicken, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor penetration and tenderness.
3Combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a wide, shallow bowl. Whisk thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
4Remove chicken from pickle juice brine and pat completely dry using paper towels. This crucial step ensures maximum coating adhesion and crispiness.
5Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an even coating on all surfaces. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a clean plate.
6Pour peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
7Carefully lower breaded chicken into hot oil using tongs. Fry without moving for 6-7 minutes, then flip carefully. Continue frying until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 6-8 minutes more. Total frying time should be 12-15 minutes.
8Remove fried chicken to a wire rack set over paper towels. Allow to rest for 2 minutes while preparing buns.
9Melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Place buns cut-side down and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
10Assemble sandwiches by placing fried chicken on bottom bun. Top with 2-4 dill pickle chips. Crown with top bun, pressing gently.
11Serve immediately while chicken is hot and crispy for authentic Chick-fil-A experience.