Get ready to discover your new favorite meal. This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is the ultimate culinary mashup, perfectly blending sweet, savory, and spicy flavors into one unforgettable bite. Imagine crispy, juicy fried chicken sandwiched between two thick slices of fluffy, cinnamon-kissed French toast, all drizzled with a warm, spicy maple syrup. It’s the kind of show-stopping dish that’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a decadent lunch, or even a fun, surprising dinner. This recipe proves that you don’t need a restaurant to experience gourmet-level comfort food. It’s surprisingly simple to make right in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
If you’re a fan of the classic chicken and waffles, this sandwich will blow you away. It takes that beloved sweet and savory concept to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweetness of the French toast and maple syrup perfectly complements the savory, seasoned fried chicken. A touch of cayenne in the chicken and the drizzle adds a gentle heat that ties it all together.
- Incredible Textures: You get the satisfying crunch from the perfectly fried chicken crust, paired with the soft, custardy interior of the brioche French toast. It’s a texture lover’s dream!
- Restaurant-Worthy, Made at Home: While it looks and tastes like a high-end brunch item, the steps are straightforward and achievable for home cooks of any skill level.
- Versatile Meal: Don’t box this in as just a breakfast food! It’s a fantastic option for an impressive lunch or a unique weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. For another great sandwich idea, check out our shredded chicken sandwiches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its complex flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Crispy Fried Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: Two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets.
- Buttermilk: The key to a tender and juicy interior.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of our crispy coating.
- Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for an extra-crispy, light coating.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
For the Fluffy French Toast:
- Brioche Bread: Thick-cut brioche is the best choice for its rich, buttery flavor and sturdy texture that holds up to the egg custard. If you have time, try making our Amish White Bread for an amazing alternative.
- Eggs: The foundation of the custard.
- Milk or Cream: Adds richness to the custard.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warm spices for that authentic French toast flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and aroma.
- Butter: For pan-frying the French toast to a golden-brown perfection.
For the Spicy Maple Drizzle:
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Your favorite brand of hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Cholula) to add that kick.
- Butter: A small amount to create a smooth, glossy glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to build the most incredible sandwich you’ve ever had.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Place them in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge). In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and all the chicken seasonings. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure every part of the chicken is coated.
Step 2: Make the French Toast
While the chicken marinates, prepare the French toast. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Dip each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side without becoming overly saturated. Melt butter in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Cook the French toast slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Keep them warm in a low oven while you cook the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken cutlets into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain.
Step 4: Assemble Your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Now for the fun part! Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on top of one slice of French toast. Drizzle generously with the warm spicy maple syrup (whisk the syrup, hot sauce, and melted butter together in a small bowl). Top with the second slice of French toast. You can dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Slice in half and serve immediately!
Tips for the Perfect Sandwich
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is crucial for tender, juicy results.
- Use Thick-Cut Bread: Sturdy, thick-sliced bread like brioche or challah prevents the sandwich from getting soggy.
- Monitor Your Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at a consistent 350°F is key to getting chicken that’s crispy on the outside without being greasy or undercooked on the inside.
- Serve Immediately: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh to get the full experience of the hot, crispy chicken and warm, soft French toast. If you’re looking for another brunch idea, try our savory breakfast casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
This sandwich is best served immediately for optimal texture. However, you can prepare the components in advance. The chicken can be fried, cooled, and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy. The French toast can also be made ahead and reheated in a toaster or skillet.
There are two ways to increase the heat. First, add more cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for the chicken. Second, increase the amount of hot sauce in the maple drizzle to your preferred level of spiciness.
The secret to extra crispy chicken is a double-dredge and the addition of cornstarch to the flour. For a guaranteed crunch, you can also let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere to the chicken and dry out slightly, which results in a crispier finish.
Since the sandwich is quite rich, a simple side dish works best. A light green salad with a vinaigrette, a side of crispy home fries, or a fresh fruit salad would all be excellent choices to balance the meal.
Thick-cut brioche is the best choice. Its rich, buttery flavor and sturdy structure hold up well to the egg custard and the weight of the fried chicken without becoming soggy. Challah or a thick-cut Texas toast are also great alternatives.
The Ultimate French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich (The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pound the chicken cutlets to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Place them in a bowl, cover with buttermilk, and marinate for at least 30 minutes. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Dip each slice of brioche into the mixture for 20-30 seconds per side. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Keep warm.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Drain on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, hot sauce, and melted butter for the drizzle. Place a piece of fried chicken on a slice of French toast, drizzle with the spicy maple syrup, and top with the second slice of French toast. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce in the maple drizzle to match your preferred level of spiciness.
Tip 3: Add a slice of sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of the hot chicken for a delicious, melty addition.
Did You Make This Recipe?
We’d love to hear how your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich turned out! Leave a comment below and let us know any fun variations you tried. Don’t forget to share your creation and save the recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
