French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is a delightful twist on your classic breakfast and lunch favorites. Combining crispy fried chicken with the sweet warmth of French toast, this dish is perfect for brunch gatherings or a hearty family dinner. The bourbon sweet chili sauce adds an irresistible kick, making this sandwich a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet and spicy flavors from the bourbon sweet chili sauce perfectly complements the savory fried chicken.
- Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy this sandwich for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—it’s suitable any time of day!
- Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish at gatherings to impress your guests with its stunning look and delicious taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this sandwich with ease.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or toppings according to your preference, making it a personal favorite.
Tools and Preparation
To make the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Cooking rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for frying chicken evenly while maintaining temperature.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly when making sauces or mixtures.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing batter without mess.
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 Bourbon 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 chicken using 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, combine chicken thighs, buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying
Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Prepare Coating
In a wide bowl, mix together self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic, paprika, and Tony’s seasoning. Set aside.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Remove marinated chicken from buttermilk. 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. Once done, rest on a cooling rack.
Step 6: Make the Bourbon Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a small pot. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until thickened slightly. Let it cool before using.
Enjoy crafting this unique French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich that is sure to be a hit!
How to Serve French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Serving your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is all about enhancing the experience with delightful accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious sandwich that will impress your family and friends.
With a Side of Maple Syrup
- Drizzle pure maple syrup over the sandwich for a sweet contrast to the savory fried chicken.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside seasonal fruits like berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing touch that balances flavors.
Add a Spicy Slaw
- A zesty coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing adds crunch and flavor, complementing the richness of the sandwich.
Include Crispy Potato Wedges
- Oven-baked or fried potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with the sandwich.
Offer Pickles on the Side
- Tangy pickles provide a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the French toast, enhancing each bite of your sandwich.
How to Perfect French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
To truly master the art of making a French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, consider these essential tips.
- Marinate longer: Allowing chicken to marinate overnight in buttermilk enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spices and herbs elevate the taste of your dish significantly.
- Control oil temperature: Ensure the oil is at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect frying; too hot can burn, while too cool can make it greasy.
- Let it rest: Allow fried chicken to rest on a rack rather than paper towels. This keeps it crispy.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
To create a well-rounded meal, consider serving your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich with these fantastic side dishes.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, they are an excellent complement to savory flavors.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings freshness with its crunchy romaine and creamy dressing.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds texture and tanginess that pairs perfectly with fried foods.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans add depth and heartiness to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn provides a sweet burst of flavor alongside your sandwich.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer color and nutrition, rounding out your plate nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Marinade Time: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but letting it sit for a few hours enhances taste.
- Using the Wrong Oil Temperature: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Ensure it reaches 350 degrees before frying.
- Overcrowding the Frying Pan: Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature and results in uneven cooking. Fry two pieces at a time for optimal results.
- Neglecting to Rest the Chicken: Skipping the resting step after frying can make your chicken soggy. Place it on a rack to cool, allowing excess oil to drain off.
- Not Prepping the Sauce Ahead of Time: Making sauce while frying can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Prepare your sauce first so it’s ready when you need it.
- Forgetting About Seasoning: A lack of seasoning in either the chicken or the batter will dull your sandwich’s flavor. Don’t skimp on spices in both components.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place sandwiches on a baking sheet until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but be aware this may make bread slightly soggy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich that might help you out.
Can I use other types of bread for the sandwich?
Yes, while brioche is ideal for its sweetness and texture, any thick bread like challah or Texas toast works well too.
What sides pair well with French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
Consider serving it with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a delightful contrast.
How can I customize my French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
You can add toppings like avocado, pickles, or even cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just store components separately until you’re ready to assemble and enjoy your sandwich fresh.
Final Thoughts
The French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or sauces to suit your taste. It’s perfect for brunch or a comforting weeknight dinner. Give this unique sandwich a try—you won’t be disappointed!
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, where breakfast meets comfort food in a deliciously unique way. This delightful creation features crispy fried chicken nestled between two slices of sweet brioche French toast, generously drizzled with a flavorful bourbon sweet chili sauce for that perfect sweet and spicy kick. Ideal for brunch gatherings or a hearty weekday dinner, this sandwich is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll whip up this mouthwatering dish in no time!
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 thighs in buttermilk with salt and white pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F.
- Coat marinated chicken in a mixture of self-rising flour and seasonings; fry until golden brown (7 mins per side).
- For the bourbon sauce, simmer apricot, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and sriracha until thickened (5-7 mins).
- Whisk eggs with milk, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; soak brioche slices before frying until golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (250g)
- Calories: 745
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
