Have you ever had two classic comfort foods together in one incredible sandwich? You need to try French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, a mind-blowing combo that’s crispy, juicy, sweet, savory, and downright irresistible. This isn’t your average fried chicken or your regular French toast—this is where brunch meets dinner, where sweet meets spicy, and where everyone who takes a bite instantly becomes a fan for life. Whether you’re whipping this up for an easy weekend breakfast, a weeknight dinner, or showing off your cooking skills at the next family gathering, this sandwich is guaranteed to satisfy any craving.
Why Make the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
Who doesnt love french toast and fried chicken? If you’re a fan of crispy fried chicken and buttery, perfectly cooked French toast, then you already know what’s about to go down. But when you put them together and throw in a homemade Bourbon Chili Sauce for that sweet heat, it’s a flavor explosion that’ll have you going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
This dish is perfect for any occasion and all year round—whether you’re trying to impress guests, treat the family to something special, or you’re just craving something truly unique. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and I guarantee this sandwich will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, meaning you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Want it spicy? Go for it. More on the sweet side? No problem. The versatility alone is reason enough to give it a try.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before we get into the magic of putting this sandwich together, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it happen. We’re breaking it down into three parts: the fried chicken, the sauce, and the French toast.
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (boneless)
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon Creole Kick
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs (add when ready to fry)
For the Bourbon Chili Sauce:
- 1 cup preserve of choice
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup bourbon
- Dash of Sriracha (or more, depending on how spicy you like it)
For the Classic French Toast:
- 4 slices of brioche bread (thick slices work best)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich:
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s walk through how to put this bad boy together. Each step is simple, but the final result? Pure magic.
Prepping the Chicken
- Start by washing the chicken thighs in lemon and vinegar to get them squeaky clean. Pat them dry with paper towels, and trim off any extra fat.
- In a bowl, mix together your buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Add the chicken to this mixture and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours (or overnight) is even better if you have the time. The buttermilk will tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
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Frying the Chicken
- Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot. You want the oil to reach 350°F before you start frying.
- In a wide bowl, mix the self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Tony’s seasoning.
- Crack two eggs into the buttermilk marinade, stir them in, and then remove the chicken. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off the excess flour.
- Fry the chicken in the hot oil, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pot. Each piece should cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the outside is golden brown.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the rest.
Making the Bourbon Chili Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the preserve, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and a dash of Sriracha.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Let it cool while you prepare the French toast.
Cooking the French Toast
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, almond (or vanilla) extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, dip each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated.
- Cook the bread in the buttered skillet until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter as needed.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Time to bring it all together! Take a slice of your freshly made French toast, place a crispy fried chicken thigh on top, and drizzle generously with the Bourbon Chili Sauce. Top it off with another slice of French toast to create your sandwich.
- Serve hot and enjoy every glorious bite.
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Use brioche bread: This bread is light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up the egg mixture. It gives your French toast that buttery richness.
- Don’t skip the buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk makes a world of difference in both flavor and texture. It tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour coating stick.
- Keep the oil at 350°F: If the oil gets too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s fully cooked inside. If it’s not hot enough, your chicken will get soggy and greasy.
- Double-fry for extra crispiness: If you like your fried chicken extra crispy, fry it once, let it rest for a minute, and then fry it again for about 2-3 minutes. The second fry helps lock in that crunch.
- Customize the sauce: If bourbon isn’t your thing, you can leave it out or substitute it with apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist. And if you like more heat, just add more Sriracha or even a chopped jalapeño.
Variations on the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich:
- Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich: Add cayenne pepper to your flour mixture and increase the Sriracha in the sauce for a sandwich that packs heat.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: Swap the Bourbon Apricot Chili Sauce with pure maple syrup for a more traditional breakfast vibe.
- Cheddar Cheese: Add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top of the fried chicken before assembling the sandwich for an extra savory element.
- Bacon French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich: Add a few slices of crispy bacon in the sandwich for a savory, smoky twist.
- Honey Butter Glaze: Instead of the Bourbon Apricot Chili Sauce, melt some honey and butter together and drizzle that over your fried chicken.
- Fried Chicken and Waffles Sandwich: Replace the French toast with waffles for a Southern-style twist on this dish.
- Hot Honey Chicken: Drizzle hot honey over the fried chicken instead of the bourbon sauce for a spicy-sweet flavor.
- Buffalo French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich: Coat your fried chicken in buffalo sauce for a fiery, tangy bite.
- Applewood Smoked Bacon and Avocado: Layer avocado slices and smoked bacon in the sandwich for a fresh and rich upgrade.
- Southern Buttermilk Gravy: Serve the sandwich with a side of creamy buttermilk gravy for dipping.
- Herbed Butter French Toast: Mix fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary into the French toast egg mixture for a savory twist.
- Jalapeño French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich: Add pickled jalapeños for some heat and acidity.
- Cinnamon Sugar French Toast: Sprinkle your French toast with cinnamon sugar after frying for a sweet and crunchy finish.
- Pimento Cheese Spread: Spread pimento cheese on the French toast for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
- Pineapple Salsa Topping: Add a bright and tangy pineapple salsa for a tropical twist on this sandwich.
What to Serve with the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich:
- Sweet Potato Fries: The perfect sidekick to your sandwich, offering a balance of sweet and savory.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy slaw adds crunch and freshness to the meal.
- Mac and Cheese: Rich and cheesy mac pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy, seasoned potato wedges make for a hearty side.
- Grilled Vegetables: A lighter option to balance out the richness of the sandwich.
- Pickles: Add a tangy, crunchy bite to cut through the richness of the fried chicken.
- Cornbread: For a true Southern meal, serve this sandwich with a side of sweet, buttery cornbread.
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: A classic comfort food duo that complements the savory elements of the sandwich.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh and light option to contrast the heaviness of the fried chicken.
- Onion Rings: Crispy and golden, onion rings are always a hit.
- Hash Browns: If you’re making this for brunch, hash browns are a natural fit.
- Pasta Salad: A cool and creamy pasta salad adds a refreshing note.
- Green Beans: Sautéed or roasted green beans offer a simple and healthy side.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is a sweet and juicy side that pairs well with the sandwich.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted or fried Brussels sprouts add a delicious, earthy crunch.
Storage Tips:
- Fridge: If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be real, is unlikely), you can store the fried chicken and French toast separately in airtight containers. The fried chicken will last for up to 3 days, and the French toast can stay fresh for about 2 days.
- Reheat: To reheat the chicken, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s heated through and crispy again. For the French toast, just warm it up in a skillet with a little butter, or microwave it for 30 seconds.
- Freezing: The fried chicken freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it’ll last for up to 3 months. Just reheat it in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispiness.
How Much French Toast Fried Chicken Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
For a family gathering of 6-8 people, I recommend making at least 8-10 sandwiches. Trust me, folks will be going back for seconds, so having extra on hand is always a good idea. If you’re feeding a crowd of 10-12, aim for about 12-14 sandwiches. You can fry the chicken ahead of time and keep it warm in the oven while you prepare the French toast, ensuring everything stays hot and crispy.
How Far in Advance Can I Make the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
You can make the fried chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven to get it crispy again before assembling the sandwiches. The French toast is best made fresh, but you can prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge to save time.
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup!
For the Fried Chicken:
For the Bourbon Chili Sauce:
For the Classic French Toast:
Instructions
- Start by washing the chicken thighs in lemon and vinegar to get them squeaky clean. Pat them dry with paper towels, and trim off any extra fat.
In a bowl, mix together your buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Add the chicken to this mixture and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours (or overnight) is even better if you have the time. The buttermilk will tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. - Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot. You want the oil to reach 350°F before you start frying.
In a wide bowl, mix the self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Tony’s seasoning.
Crack two eggs into the buttermilk marinade, stir them in, and then remove the chicken. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off the excess flour.
Fry the chicken in the hot oil, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pot. Each piece should cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the outside is golden brown.
Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the rest. - In a small saucepan, combine the preserve, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and a dash of Sriracha.
Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Let it cool while you prepare the French toast. - In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, almond (or vanilla) extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, dip each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated.
Cook the bread in the buttered skillet until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter as needed. - Time to bring it all together! Take a slice of your freshly made French toast, place a crispy fried chicken thigh on top, and drizzle generously with the Bourbon Apricot Chili Sauce. Top it off with another slice of French toast to create your sandwich.
Serve hot and enjoy every glorious bite.
