French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is a delightful twist on two beloved classics. Combining the sweetness of French toast with crispy fried chicken, all drizzled with a bourbon sweet chili sauce, this dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner. It’s sure to impress at gatherings and provide comfort on cozy days. The standout flavors and textures make it a must-try for anyone seeking a unique culinary experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet and savory creates an unforgettable taste that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner; this sandwich works for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Whether hosting friends or family, this sandwich is sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Comfort Food Upgrade: Elevate traditional comfort food with this exciting fusion recipe.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooking thermometer
- Frying rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large pot: Essential for frying chicken evenly and maintaining the right temperature.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating chicken and mixing batter without mess.
- Cooking thermometer: Ensures that your oil is at the perfect temperature for frying, leading to crispy chicken.
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 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, combine the chicken, buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours—the longer, the better.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Prepare the 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 each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade. Dip each piece in the flour mixture until well coated. Fry two pieces of chicken 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
In a small pot, combine all sauce ingredients. Simmer for 5-7 minutes then let it cool before serving.
Enjoy your delicious French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich!
How to Serve French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Serving your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich can elevate your meal experience. There are many ways to enhance the flavors and presentation of this delightful dish.
Classic Pairings
- Maple Syrup – Drizzle some warm maple syrup over the sandwich for a sweet contrast.
- Fresh Fruits – Add slices of fresh strawberries or bananas to brighten up the plate.
- Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of sweetness and make it visually appealing.
Unique Twists
- Sriracha Mayo – Spread sriracha mayo on the bread for an extra kick and creaminess.
- Pickles – Add some crunchy pickles for a tangy crunch that complements the fried chicken.
- Avocado Slices – For a creamy texture, layer in some avocado slices that also add healthy fats.
Presentation Ideas
- Serve Open-Faced – Present the sandwich open-faced with toppings arranged beautifully on top.
- Skewers – Cut the sandwich into quarters and serve on skewers for a fun finger food option.
How to Perfect French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
To achieve the best version of your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, follow these tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Chicken – Fresh chicken ensures better flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
- Marinate Longer – Allowing chicken to marinate longer enhances its tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Monitor Oil Temperature – Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350 degrees for perfect frying results.
- Customize Bread Types – Experiment with different types of bread like challah or sourdough for varied flavors.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Pairing side dishes with your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich can create a complete meal. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the sandwich.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory contrast that complements the sandwich well.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and a hint of sweetness alongside your meal.
- Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad serves as a hearty side that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn adds a smoky flavor while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
- Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans provide a comforting addition that works beautifully with this savory sandwich.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken long enough can lead to dry meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better!
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Neglecting the sauce: Forgetting to simmer the sauce properly may result in bland flavors. Take time to let it cook and meld together.
- Using stale bread: Stale or low-quality bread can ruin your sandwich’s texture. Use fresh brioche for a perfect French toast base.
- Ignoring seasoning: Skipping spice measurements may lead to dull flavors. Stick to the ingredient list for balanced taste.
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 and then foil.
- It freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes for crispy results.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes but may result in sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich.
What type of chicken works best?
You can use chicken thighs or breasts, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, gluten-free flour works well as a substitute in this recipe.
How do I customize my French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
Feel free to add toppings like avocado, bacon, or even a fried egg for extra flavor!
What is the best way to serve this sandwich?
Serve with a side of fruit or sweet potato fries for a complete meal!
Final Thoughts
The French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or sauces. Give it a try, and enjoy this comfort food that satisfies cravings any time of day!
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the deliciously unique French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that redefines comfort food. This innovative dish features crispy fried chicken nestled between golden slices of French toast, enhanced with a luscious bourbon sweet chili sauce that adds just the right touch of heat. Perfect for brunch gatherings or as a satisfying dinner option, this sandwich is sure to impress family and friends alike.
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 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
- Prepare the chicken by trimming fat and marinating in buttermilk, salt, and white pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F.
- Mix flour with onion powder, garlic, paprika, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mix and fry until golden brown (about 7 minutes per side). Rest on a rack.
- For the sauce, simmer apricot preserves, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and sriracha for 5-7 minutes.
- Make French toast by whisking eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; dip brioche slices and fry until golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (300g)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
