French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that you won’t want to miss! Perfect for brunches, game days, or any special occasion, this unique sandwich features crispy fried chicken nestled between two slices of delicious French toast. With a bourbon-infused sweet chili sauce drizzled on top, it’s a standout dish that combines comfort food with gourmet flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet and hot flavors makes each bite an exciting experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this dish.
- Versatile Serving Options: Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner gatherings.
- Impressive Presentation: This sandwich not only tastes great but looks stunning on the plate.
- Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for sharing with friends and family at any celebration.
Tools and Preparation
To create your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, you’ll need some essential tools. Proper equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Frying rack
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large pot: Essential for frying the chicken evenly while maintaining the right oil temperature.
- Mixing bowls: Perfect for marinating chicken and mixing batter without spills.
- Frying rack: Allows excess oil to drain off the cooked chicken, keeping it crispy.
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
- 4 Chicken Thighs
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Tony’s seasoning
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (add in after marinated when ready to fry)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup apricot
- 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 using lemon juice and vinegar. Trim off any extra fat and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken, buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the better the flavor will be!
Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying
Heat about 1 ½ inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Prepare Flour Mixture
In a wide bowl, mix together self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic, paprika, and Tony’s seasoning. Set aside for coating the chicken.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the 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 (apricot, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, sriracha) in a small pot. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until well blended. Let it cool before serving.
Enjoy your homemade French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich topped with this delicious sauce!
How to Serve French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Serving your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich can elevate the dining experience. Pair it with delightful sides and beverages for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Creative Serving Suggestions
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A sweet touch to complement the savory chicken.
- Spicy Aioli: Add a kick with this creamy sauce for dipping.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy side that balances the rich flavors of the sandwich.
- Pickles: The acidity from pickles cuts through the richness, enhancing each bite.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing side that adds a burst of color and flavor.
How to Perfect French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
To make your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich truly exceptional, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality bread for the best flavor.
- Marinate Longer: For juicier chicken, marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
- Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350 degrees) to achieve crispy chicken without excess greasiness.
- Customize Your Sauce: Experiment with different chili sauces or honey levels to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs well with milk and spices to create a fluffy French toast coating.
- Serve Immediately: For optimal texture, serve sandwiches right after cooking while everything is warm and crispy.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Pairing delicious sides with your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These are perfectly seasoned and add a sweet crunch.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the sandwich well, making it comforting.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots balance the savory elements of your sandwich.
- Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens dressed in vinaigrette provide a light contrast.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and crunch to your meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A cheesy side that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the marinade: Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step; aim for at least 30 minutes.
- Not using enough oil: If you don’t have enough oil in the pot, the chicken won’t fry properly. Make sure there’s at least 1½ inches of oil to achieve a crispy texture.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many chicken pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
- Ignoring bread quality: Using low-quality bread can result in a soggy sandwich. Opt for thick, fresh brioche or challah for the best texture and flavor.
- Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned chicken can lead to blandness. Use a mix of spices in both the marinade and coating for better taste.
- Rushing the sauce: Taking your time with the bourbon sweet chili sauce enhances its flavors. Allow it to simmer properly for at least 5-7 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake sandwiches on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but be aware that this may make the bread soggy.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich.
What makes a French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich unique?
The combination of sweet and savory elements creates a delightful contrast. The brioche soaked in egg mixture pairs perfectly with crispy fried chicken.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I customize my French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
You can add toppings like avocado, pickles, or different sauces to enhance flavor. Experiment with spices in your fried chicken coating as well!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Consider using whole grain bread and baking instead of frying the chicken. You could also reduce sugar in the sauce or use less honey.
Final Thoughts
The French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy any craving. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings and sauces, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Give it a try and explore your own twists!
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich. This unique dish combines the sweetness of French toast with crispy, savory fried chicken, all topped with a luscious bourbon-infused sweet chili sauce. Perfect for brunch, game days, or any special occasion, this sandwich offers a delightful balance of flavors that will impress your friends and family. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Thighs
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Tony’s seasoning
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (add in after marinated when ready to fry)
- 1 cup apricot
- 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
- Clean and pat dry chicken thighs. Marinate them in buttermilk, salt, and white pepper for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix self-rising flour with spices for coating.
- Remove chicken from marinade, coat with flour mixture, and fry until golden brown (about 7 minutes per side). Drain on a rack.
- In a saucepan, simmer apricot preserves, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and sriracha for 5-7 minutes until blended.
- Prepare French toast by whisking eggs with milk and spices; soak brioche slices and fry in butter until golden.
- Assemble the sandwich: place fried chicken between two slices of French toast and drizzle with sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
