Chick-fil-A (but better!) Protein Breakfast Sandwich

If you’ve ever wished you could have a Chick-fil-A style breakfast sandwich without leaving the house, this is it. The pickle juice marinade brings a familiar tangy, seasoned flavor to the chicken, and grilling is simpler and easier than frying.

Egg whites are toasted in one pan, which is the easiest way to create neat portions for multiple sandwiches. Once everything is cooked, you’re basically setting up breakfast like a little sandwich shop, and you’ll be rewarded for it in the future (especially on busy mornings!).

This is also one of those recipes that is easy to scale. Make four sandwiches a week, or double them, and pop them in the freezer when you need an automatic breakfast in the morning.

before starting

Before you start cooking, there are a few things worth knowing so that everything goes smoothly.

• Gluten-free swaps: Use gluten-free English muffins, and double-check your pickle juice and seasonings to make sure everything is gluten-free.
• Chicken thickness: Cut the chicken into even pieces and pound lightly so it sears evenly and remains juicy.
• Marinade time: Plan to soak in pickle brine for about 8 hours. This is the key to cottage flavor and tender chicken.
• Cheese options: Cheddar is classic, but American cheddar melts the smoothest, and pepper jack is great if you want a little kick.

How to Make an Egg White Breakfast Sandwich

Here’s a quick step-by-step overview of how to put this recipe together.

1. Marinate chicken

Cut the chicken breast into 4 horizontal pieces and mash until even. Mix the pickle juice, milk, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt and chili powder, then add the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for about 8 hours.

2. Roast chicken

Remove chicken and let excess marinade drip off. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through, then pull to the right when it reaches 165 degrees to retain juiciness.

• Pro tip: If your chicken is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly and let it finish cooking slowly so it doesn’t dry out.

3. Roasted egg whites

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk the egg whites with salt and pepper, pour into a sprayed 8×8 baking pan, and bake until set, about 18 to 22 minutes. Cool slightly and cut into 4 portions.

4. Toast and assemble

Toast English muffins, then layer with egg whites, grilled chicken (trim if desired) and a slice of cheese. If you want your cheese to be even more melty, place the top muffin half in the oven to warm!

How to air fry chicken

If you don’t want to grill, an air fryer is a great option and will still give you juicy, flavorful chicken that’s lightly browned around the edges!

• Warm up: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees.
• chef: Remove chicken from marinade, drain off excess water, and place in basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken reaches 165 degrees.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are the best tips and pro tips to help this recipe come out perfect every time.

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Pull it once it reaches 165 degrees so it stays soft but not chewy.
• Cleaner egg white cuts: Let the egg whites cool for a few minutes before slicing so they don’t tear or crumble.
• If you want, you can do a tour: Use a cookie cutter or wide-mouth jar lid to cut the egg whites into muffin-shaped rounds.
• Spice level: Pepper jack adds heat without changing anything else, or you can add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade if you want it spicier.
• Extra melted cheese: Place the assembled sandwich in the oven for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt into the chicken and egg whites.
• Make it more enthusiastic: Serve with tomato slices or arugula, or if you need more staying power, serve with fruit and yogurt.
• Batch friendly: Double the egg whites in a 9×13 dish and cook the extra chicken so you can freeze the complete collection.

Service concept

Here are some easy and delicious ways to serve this recipe.

• Next to the fruit: Berries, grapes or orange slices make this feel like a complete breakfast.
• Cafe plate: If you’re eating it later in the morning, add a handful of baby carrots or cucumber slices.
• Hot sauce options: A little hot sauce or salsa can quickly wake things up (especially pepper jack!).
• Brunch Spread: Pair it with a simple fruit salad and a big pot of coffee for an easy weekend breakfast.
• Breakfast Dinner: Add a quick side salad for when you overcook it.

Store and reheat

Here’s how to store, reheat, and enjoy leftovers.

• Storage: Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper, then wrap in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• refrigerator: Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Remove from refrigerator and microwave for 60 to 75 seconds or reheat in oven or wrapped in foil at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Leftovers: Slice leftover chicken and egg whites for a quick breakfast bowl, stuff them into wraps, or chop and sauté them with veggies for a quick skillet meal.