The French Toast Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate sweet and savory breakfast sandwich. It features crispy fried chicken layered between two slices of golden, cinnamon-spiced French toast, drizzled with maple syrup or hot honey for a rich, indulgent bite.
Perfect for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a twist!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet or griddle
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (optional, for keeping cooked items warm)
Ingredients Overview
- Chicken: Crispy fried chicken gives the sandwich a satisfying crunch.
- French toast: Thick-cut bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture makes the perfect base.
- Maple syrup/hot honey: Adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut in half)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the French Toast
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or Texas toast recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
For Serving
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or hot honey
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)
- 2 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
Prepare the Fried Chicken
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Prepare the French Toast
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Place a slice of French toast on a plate.
- Add the fried chicken, then drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey.
- (Optional) Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese for extra richness.
- Top with another slice of French toast.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
Prep Time
15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Nutrition (per sandwich, ~2 servings)
- Calories: ~600
- Fat: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~55g
- Protein: ~35g
Expert Tips
- For Extra Crispiness: Double dredge the chicken by dipping it back in the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
- Cheese Variation: Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick, while cheddar provides a sharp, rich taste.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make the French toast and fried chicken ahead of time, then reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
Can I use store-bought frozen French toast?
Absolutely! Heat according to package instructions for a quicker meal.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store fried chicken and French toast separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and French toast separately for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and flour.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or drizzle with sriracha honey.
- Savory Version: Swap maple syrup for hot sauce or spicy mayo.
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French Toast Chicken Sandwich
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet or griddle
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- - Baking sheet (optional, for keeping cooked items warm)
Ingredients
- #### **For the Fried Chicken**
- - 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut in half)
- - 1 cup buttermilk
- - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- - 1 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup cornstarch
- - 1 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- - Vegetable oil for frying
- #### **For the French Toast**
- - 4 slices thick-cut bread brioche or Texas toast recommended
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1/2 cup whole milk
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- - 1 tablespoon butter for cooking
- #### **For Serving**
- - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or hot honey
- - 1 tablespoon powdered sugar optional
- - 2 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese optional, for extra flavor
Instructions
- #### **Prepare the Fried Chicken**
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- #### **Prepare the French Toast**
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- #### **Assemble the Sandwich**
- Place a slice of French toast on a plate.
- Add the fried chicken, then drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey.
- (Optional) Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese for extra richness.
- Top with another slice of French toast.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
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