French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich

By Tyla | Last modified on Feb 10, 2026

Featured in: Lunch

Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich. This mouthwatering dish layers crispy, golden fried chicken between delicately fluffy brioche French toast slices, enhanced with a tangy apple juice sweet chili sauce that adds a subtle kick to every bite.

Perfect for brunch, a relaxed picnic, or a cozy family dinner, this sandwich is a delightful twist on comfort food classics. Its balance of textures and flavors promises a culinary adventure that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The unique combination of crispy fried chicken and sweet brioche French toast creates an irresistible flavor contrast.
The tangy apricot and sweet chili sauce adds a vibrant, unexpected twist that elevates the dish.
It’s versatile and perfect for various occasions, from brunch gatherings to casual dinners.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: Four juicy, boneless thighs ensure tender, flavorful fried chicken with perfect crispiness.
Self-Rising Flour: Two cups provide a light, airy coating combined with spices for a crunchy crust.
Buttermilk: One cup for marinating the chicken, tenderizing and enriching flavor deeply.
Onion Powder: One tablespoon adds a subtle savory depth to the flour mixture.
Garlic Powder: One tablespoon enhances the savory profile with warm, aromatic notes.
Paprika: One tablespoon infuses a smoky, mild heat into the breading blend.
Brioche Bread: Four thick slices of soft, buttery brioche create the perfect French toast base.
Large Eggs: Four eggs beaten for the French toast batter ensure rich, fluffy coating.
Milk: Half a cup to blend with eggs, producing light and tender French toast slices.
Apricot Preserves: One cup provides natural sweetness and a fruity tang for the sauce.
Honey: A quarter cup adds smooth sweetness balancing the sauce’s spicy notes.
Sriracha: A dash for an exciting kick that complements the sweet and savory layers perfectly.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken Thighs: First, clean the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels for better breading adherence. Then, soak the thighs in buttermilk mixed with salt and white pepper for at least 30 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor deeply, ensuring the chicken remains juicy after frying.
Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour with onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. This seasoned flour base creates a flavorful crust with a perfect crispy texture when fried.
Coat and Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F to ensure even frying temperatures. Dredge the marinated chicken thoroughly in the spiced flour mixture, pressing lightly for best coverage. Fry the chicken thighs about 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, maintaining a crispy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside.
Make the Apple Juice Sweet Chili Sauce: Combine apricot preserves, honey, and a dash of sriracha in a small saucepan. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. This balance of fruity sweetness and spicy heat adds an unexpected zing that brilliantly complements the sandwich.
Prepare Brioche French Toast: Whisk together eggs, milk, and a pinch of spices to create a rich batter. Soak each slice of brioche briefly to absorb the mixture without becoming soggy. Fry slices on medium heat until golden and slightly crisp on both sides, providing the perfect soft yet sturdy bread to hold the sandwich components.
Assemble the Sandwich: Layer the crispy fried chicken between two brioche French toast slices. Drizzle generously with the tangy apricot chili sauce. The combination offers perfect harmony between crunchy, tender, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite.

You Must Know

Make sure the oil maintains 350°F for optimal frying to achieve a crispy crust without oily sogginess.
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or longer for even juicier results.
Adjust sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.

Storage Tips

Store leftover fried chicken and French toast separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness—avoid microwaving to keep texture intact.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sandwich with a side of fresh greens or crispy potato fries for a complete meal. Pair it with a light, citrusy beverage to cut through the richness.

Professional Tips

Use room temperature buttermilk for better marination and consistent coating.
Double-dredge the chicken for extra crunch, dipping back into the buttermilk before the second flour coat.
Use a thermometer to monitor frying temperature for uniform cooking and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes, but thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor. If using breasts, adjust frying time to avoid drying.
What is the best bread for this sandwich?: Brioche is ideal because of its rich, buttery texture which holds the French toast well without falling apart.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?: Absolutely, the apricot sweet chili sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to one week and can be gently reheated before use.
Is there a gluten-free option?: Yes, substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your brioche is gluten-free or use a suitable alternative.
How do I reheat leftover sandwiches?: For best texture, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at medium heat to crisp up the fried chicken and French toast without drying.