Let’s face it, not every day can be a Chick-Fil-A day (despite our heart’s deepest desires), and there are those among us who, for reasons ranging from geographic challenges to simply enjoying the thrill of DIY cooking, yearn to bring the magic of these gluten-free buns into our kitchens. Together, we’ll look at the ins and outs of creating a Chick-fil-A gluten-free bun.
How to make Chick-Fil-A Gluten-Free bun
Chick-fil-A’s Gluten-Free Bun is an option for customers who need or prefer to avoid gluten. It’s made with a blend of gluten-free flour, such as rice flour and pea flour, to provide a similar texture and taste to their regular buns. The bun is typically available as an option for their chicken sandwiches.
Ingredients:
1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 packet active dry yeast (approximately 2 ¼ tsp)
2 cups gluten-free flour blend (Make sure it’s a blend designed for bread, which will typically contain xanthan gum. If not, you’ll need to add 1 tsp of xanthan gum to your dry ingredients.)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 large eggs at room temperature
Sesame seeds (optional for topping)
Instructions:
Yeast Activation: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, stirring until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy. This proves that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and salt (and xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it).
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and eggs. Whisk until well combined.
Combine All: Add the yeast mixture and the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer with dough hooks, mix on medium speed until the dough is thoroughly combined and smooth. The gluten-free dough will typically be stickier than its gluten-containing counterpart.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and set it in a warm, draft-free place. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shape the Buns: Grease your hands with a bit of olive oil and gently shape the dough into rounds. This recipe should make about 4-6 buns, depending on your preferred size. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, sufficiently spaced apart. Gently press down on the buns to slightly flatten.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped buns with a light cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. They won’t double in size this time but will puff up slightly.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). You can brush the tops of the buns with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the buns sound hollow when tapped.
Cooling: Let the buns cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Buns:
Flour Selection: The right flour blend is crucial. Look for blends that are specifically made for baking bread.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to ensure they mix evenly into the dough.
Humidity and Rising: Gluten-free doughs are sensitive to environmental conditions. If your kitchen is dry, you might need to lightly mist the buns before the second rise to prevent them from drying out.
What to serve with
Complementing your homemade Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free Bun with the right sides and fillings can turn it into a delightful meal. Here are various options, ranging from the classic Chick-fil-A experience to more creative and healthy alternatives.
Classic Chick-fil-A Experience Pairings
Grilled Chicken Fillets: Marinate chicken breasts in pickle juice, coat them in your favorite gluten-free seasoned flour or breadcrumbs, and pan-fry or bake them. Place these juicy fillets on your gluten-free bun with pickles for an authentic Chick-fil-A sandwich.
Waffle Fries: Serve alongside oven-baked or air-fried waffle fries seasoned with sea salt. For a healthier alternative, consider using sweet potatoes.
Cole Slaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw makes a refreshing side that complements the savory flavors of the sandwich. Use a simple dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper tossed with shredded cabbage and carrots.
Healthy and Light Options
Avocado and Tomato Salad: A light salad with fresh avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice can balance the meal with freshness and a hint of acidity.
Fruit Salad: A side of mixed berries, melon, and pineapple offers a sweet and healthy option that pairs delightfully with the savory sandwich.
Vegetable Chips: Homemade vegetable chips made from kale, beets, or sweet potatoes provide a crunchy, nutritious side.
Comfort Food Additions
Mac and Cheese: A creamy, homemade, gluten-free macaroni and cheese can be a comforting side that everyone loves.
Soup: A bowl of homemade tomato soup or a creamy chicken and vegetable soup can be a warm and comforting addition to your meal, especially during colder months.
Breakfast Twist
Egg and Bacon: Turn the bun into a breakfast sandwich with a fried or scrambled egg and crispy bacon or a sausage patty. Add cheese and a smear of avocado for extra flavor and nutrients.
Fruit and Nut Butter Spread: For a sweeter breakfast option, toast the bun lightly and spread with almond butter, top with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Chick-fil-A style Gluten-Free Bun at home requires some alternative ingredients to replace the traditional wheat flour typically used in buns. Gluten-free baking often involves a blend of flours and starches to mimic the texture and flavor of gluten-containing counterparts.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Most gluten-free all-purpose flours are a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and sometimes xanthan gum. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur, and Cup4Cup offer blends that can be used directly instead of wheat flour.
Homemade Flour Blend:
If you prefer to make your own gluten-free flour blend, a standard mixture includes:
6 parts white rice flour
2 parts potato starch
1 part tapioca starch
Mix these together with a small amount (about 1 teaspoon per cup of flour) of xanthan gum to help give the dough elasticity.
Binding Agents
Since gluten-free dough lacks the gluten that helps bind the ingredients, additional binding agents are needed:
Xanthan Gum: Helps bind the ingredients together, providing the stretchy consistency of gluten.
Psyllium Husk Powder: An alternative to xanthan gum, it adds fiber and helps retain moisture, giving the bun a better structure.
Leavening Agents
To ensure your buns are fluffy and not dense, proper leavening agents are crucial:
Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast can be used. Ensure that it’s fresh to achieve the best rise.
Baking Powder: Some recipes also include baking powder to help the dough rise.
Liquids
Milk or Milk Alternative: To add moisture and richness, use milk or a non-dairy substitute like almond milk, rice milk, or soy milk.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps in activating the baking soda/powder for a better rise, and adds a slight tangy flavor which can mimic the buttermilk flavor in traditional recipes.
Sugars
Sugar or Honey: A small amount of sugar or honey sweetens the buns and feeds the yeast, aiding in fermentation and rise.
Fats
Butter or Oil: Incorporating a fat like butter or a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) helps to tenderize the crumb and improve the mouthfeel. Coconut oil can be a flavorful dairy-free option.
Eggs
Eggs: Help in binding and provide structure and moisture. If you need to avoid eggs:
Egg Replacer: Products like “Ener-G Egg Replacer” or flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, left to sit until gelatinous).
Final Thoughts
When serving your Chick-fil-A gluten-free Bun, the key is balance. Pairing with both hearty and light sides can cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs, ensuring a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Yeast Activation: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, stirring until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 10 minutes or until it becomes frothy. This proves that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and salt (and xanthan gum if your blend doesn't already include it).
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and eggs. Whisk until well combined.
Combine All: Add the yeast mixture and the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer with dough hooks, mix on medium speed until the dough is thoroughly combined and smooth. The gluten-free dough will typically be stickier than its gluten-containing counterpart.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and set it in a warm, draft-free place. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shape the Buns: Grease your hands with a bit of olive oil and gently shape the dough into rounds. This recipe should make about 4-6 buns, depending on your preferred size. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, sufficiently spaced apart. Gently press down on the buns to slightly flatten.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped buns with a light cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. They won't double in size this time but will puff up slightly.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). You can brush the tops of the buns with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the buns sound hollow when tapped.
Cooling: Let the buns cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
