French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is an incredible blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Perfect for brunch or a hearty lunch, this sandwich combines fluffy French toast with crispy fried chicken and a delightful bourbon sweet chili sauce. It’s a unique twist that elevates your typical sandwich experience and is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Blend: The combination of sweet French toast and savory fried chicken creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile Meal Option: Ideal for brunch, lunch, or even dinner, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up this sandwich without any fuss.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings; everyone will love the unique twist on classic flavors.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or condiments to make it your own.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary tools to ensure a seamless cooking process. Having everything in place will help you focus on making the perfect French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Medium-sized bowl
- Wide mixing bowl
- Cooking rack
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large pot: This tool allows you to fry the chicken evenly while maintaining the right temperature.
- Wide mixing bowl: A wide bowl makes coating the chicken with flour easier, ensuring an even layer.
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 Frying the Chicken
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Tony’s seasoning
For the Sauce
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 tbsp chili sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- Dash sriracha
For the French Toast
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
- 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 excess fat and pat dry with paper towels. In a medium-sized bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours; longer marination enhances flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In a wide bowl, mix together self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Tony’s seasoning. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade and dip each piece into the flour mixture until well coated.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Fry two pieces of chicken at a time until golden brown and cooked through; this should take about 7 minutes per side. Once done, rest cooked chicken on a rack to cool.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small pot, combine apricot preserves, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and sriracha. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until well combined. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwich
Prepare your French toast by whisking together eggs, milk, almond extract (or vanilla), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Dip brioche slices in this mixture before frying them in butter until golden brown on both sides. Layer fried chicken between two slices of French toast and drizzle with bourbon sweet chili sauce. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
The French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Add a Fresh Salad
- A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sandwich.
Pair with Sweet Potato Fries
- Sweet potato fries add a sweet crunch that complements the flavors of the fried chicken perfectly.
Serve with Coleslaw
- A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast and adds extra texture to your meal.
Drizzle with Extra Sauce
- Consider drizzling some bourbon sweet chili sauce over the top for an added kick of flavor.
Top with Pickles
- Crispy pickles or pickle chips can enhance the taste and add a delightful crunch.
Offer Sliced Avocado
- Creamy avocado slices provide richness while also adding healthy fats to your meal.
How to Perfect French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
To ensure your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is perfect every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh chicken and high-quality bread for the best flavor.
- Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for up to two hours.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350 degrees during frying for crispy chicken without excess grease.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry only two pieces of chicken at a time to ensure even cooking.
- Let it Rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest on a rack after frying. This helps maintain its crispy texture.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different sauces or toppings to find your perfect combination!
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Pairing side dishes with your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options:
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked until golden brown make for an irresistible side.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort and richness.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and provide a burst of sweetness.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob, grilled or boiled, adds a seasonal touch to your meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A cheesy mac is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with fried chicken.
- Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts with spices adds depth and flavor that complements the sandwich beautifully.
- Baked Beans: Savory baked beans offer a hearty addition that works well as a side dish.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables can cut through the richness of the sandwich nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes, but longer is better.
- Overcooking or undercooking the chicken: Cooking chicken incorrectly can ruin your sandwich. Always ensure it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Not letting the fried chicken rest: Placing hot chicken directly on bread can make it soggy. Allow it to rest on a rack for a few minutes before assembling your sandwich.
- Using stale bread: Fresh brioche is key for this sandwich. Stale bread won’t absorb the custard mixture properly, leading to a less enjoyable texture.
- Ignoring seasoning in the batter: A bland coating can make your dish taste flat. Don’t skip the spices; they add depth and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the fried chicken separate from the assembled sandwich to maintain texture.
Freezing French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to prevent sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich.
What is a French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
A French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich combines crispy fried chicken between slices of sweet, custardy brioche bread, often with sauce for added flavor.
Can I customize my French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like avocado, bacon, or different sauces to make it your own.
What types of bread work best?
While brioche is ideal due to its sweetness and texture, other types like challah or Texas toast also work well.
How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?
Let the fried chicken rest before assembling and avoid adding wet ingredients until you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
The French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is truly an enticing dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a delightful brunch option or a satisfying dinner, this sandwich delivers comfort and joy with every bite!
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich! This creative dish masterfully combines the sweetness of fluffy brioche French toast with crispy, savory fried chicken, all brought together by a delightful bourbon sweet chili sauce. Perfect for brunch or lunch, this sandwich not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses your family and friends. With its unique flavors and easy preparation, it’s destined to become a favorite in your home. Elevate your meal experience by pairing it with fresh salads or sweet potato fries for a truly delicious feast.
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 Powder
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Tony’s Seasoning
- 1 cup Apricot Preserves
- 1 tbsp Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/2 cup Bourbon
- Dash Sriracha
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for frying)
- 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, salt, and white pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F.
- Coat marinated chicken in seasoned flour mixture and fry until golden brown (about 7 minutes per side).
- Prepare French toast by whisking eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; dip brioche slices and fry until golden.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing 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 (250g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1280mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
