French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any meal. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or family gatherings, this dish combines the comfort of fried chicken with the indulgence of French toast. The unique bourbon sweet chili sauce adds a special touch, making this sandwich a standout choice for those looking to impress their guests or indulge themselves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fried chicken and sweet French toast creates an explosion of flavors.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—this sandwich fits any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious meal without fuss.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guests and family alike will rave about this unique twist on classic favorites.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to modify the sauces or spices to fit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools ready. This will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Frying rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large pot: Essential for frying chicken evenly and maintaining temperature.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating chicken and mixing batter without mess.
- Frying rack: Helps keep the fried chicken crispy by allowing excess oil to drain off.
Ingredients
This is the best Sweet and Hot French Toast Chicken Sandwich you will ever have! It’s essentially a French Toast sandwich with fried chicken covered in a bourbon sweet chili sauce.
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 Chicken Thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Coating
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Tony’s seasoning
For Frying
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup apricot
- 1 tbsp chili sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- Dash sriracha
For the French Toast
- 4 slices brioche bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp almond extract (or vanilla)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch nutmeg
- Pinch salt
How to Make French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Wash and clean the chicken with lemon and vinegar. Trim off any extra fat and pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium-sized bowl, add chicken thighs, buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for better flavor).
Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying
Heat 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Prepare Coating Mixture
In a wide bowl, combine self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic, paprika, and Tony’s seasoning. Set aside.
Step 5: Coat and Fry Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade. Dip each piece into the flour mixture until well coated. Fry two pieces at a time until golden brown and cooked through—about 7 minutes per side. Rest cooked chicken on a rack to cool.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a small pot. Simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes then let cool before serving. Enjoy your delicious French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich!
How to Serve French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Serving the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments. Here are some tasty suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Add a Fresh Salad
- A light green salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sandwich.
Pair with Sweet Potato Fries
- Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that complements the spicy chicken.
Include a Fruit Compote
- A warm fruit compote, like apple or berry, adds a touch of sweetness and freshness.
Serve with Pickles
- Tangy pickles provide a crunchy texture and cut through the sandwich’s richness.
Offer Hot Sauce on the Side
- For those who love extra heat, a side of hot sauce allows for customizable spice levels.
Drink Suggestions
- Consider serving with iced tea or lemonade to refresh your palate between bites.
How to Perfect French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
To achieve the best French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, follow these helpful tips for flawless results every time.
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Marinate Longer – Letting the chicken marinate for closer to two hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
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Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh spices and ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste.
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Adjust Frying Temperature – Ensure oil is at 350 degrees to cook the chicken evenly without burning.
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Let Chicken Rest – Allow fried chicken to rest on a rack to maintain its crispy texture before assembling the sandwich.
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Customize Your Bread – Try different types of bread like challah or sourdough for unique flavors.
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Experiment with Toppings – Add cheese, avocado, or even jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Pairing side dishes with your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich enhances your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds refreshing texture and balances the meal’s richness.
- Crispy Onion Rings – Golden onion rings provide extra crunch and delicious flavor that pairs well with fried chicken.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic complement the savory elements of the sandwich.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn offers sweetness and pairs wonderfully with fried chicken.
- Roasted Veggies – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Potato Salad – A classic side that’s cool and creamy, enhancing your overall dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to less flavorful meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is ideal.
- Not using self-rising flour: Using regular flour instead of self-rising flour can affect the texture of the coating. Make sure to use self-rising flour for a perfect crunch.
- Frying at incorrect temperature: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will be greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain a steady temperature of 350 degrees.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Fry just two pieces at a time.
- Neglecting sauce preparation: Skipping or rushing the sauce can result in bland flavor. Take your time to simmer and blend all ingredients for maximum taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Separate the fried chicken and French toast if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Wrap sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently. The bread may get soggy.
- Stovetop: Place sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Can I use different types of bread for this sandwich?
Absolutely! While brioche is delicious, you can experiment with challah or even sourdough for different flavors.
How do I make this sandwich gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute regular self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your bread is also gluten-free.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can marinate and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your sandwich.
What toppings go well with this French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
Consider adding crispy bacon, avocado slices, or even pickles for extra flavor and texture.
How spicy is the bourbon sweet chili sauce?
The sauce has a mild heat level due to the chili sauce and sriracha. Adjust these ingredients based on your spice preference!
Final Thoughts
The French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is an exciting combination of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings or sauces based on your preference. Don’t hesitate to try this unique dish; it’s sure to impress!
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory with this French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich. This unique dish pairs crispy, flavorful fried chicken with rich, buttery French toast, all drizzled with a delightful bourbon sweet chili sauce. Perfect for brunches or family gatherings, this sandwich is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the irresistible flavors will leave everyone wanting more. With easy preparation steps and customizable options, this gourmet treat will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Tony’s seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
- 1 cup apricot
- 1 tbsp chili sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- Dash sriracha
- 4 slices brioche bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp almond extract (or vanilla)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch nutmeg
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, salt, and white pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F.
- Coat marinated chicken in seasoned flour and fry until golden brown (about 7 minutes per side).
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Dip brioche slices into the mixture.
- Cook dipped brioche on a skillet until golden brown on both sides.
- Assemble the sandwich: add fried chicken between two slices of French toast and drizzle with bourbon sweet chili sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (200g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
