French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is a mouthwatering twist on the classic. Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish combines crispy fried chicken with sweet and savory French toast. Topped with a bourbon sweet chili sauce, it offers a blend of flavors that will impress everyone at the table. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet brioche bread and savory fried chicken creates a symphony of flavors.
- Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this sandwich fits any occasion.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your guests with a unique take on a classic dish that everyone will enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential items you’ll need to make your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooking thermometer
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for frying chicken evenly while maintaining temperature control.
- Whisk: Helps in achieving a smooth batter and ensures even mixing of ingredients.
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 powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Tony’s seasoning
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (add after marinated when ready to fry)
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 chicken with lemon and vinegar. Trim off any extra fat and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium-sized bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours; longer marinating enhances flavor.
Step 3: Heat Oil for Frying
Heat 1 ½ 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, mix together self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Tony’s seasoning. Set aside.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade. Dip each piece into 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
Combine all sauce ingredients in a small pot. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened slightly. Let cool before serving over your sandwich.
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 the meal experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious dish.
Classic Accompaniments
- Maple Syrup – Drizzle over the sandwich for a classic sweet touch.
- Hot Sauce – Add a kick with your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor.
Fresh Ingredients
- Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the sweetness.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy side of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the sandwich’s texture.
Unique Pairings
- Pickles – Tangy pickles provide a refreshing bite that complements the fried chicken.
- Fried Eggs – Top with a fried egg for added protein and richness.
Creative Serving Styles
- Slider Size – Cut the sandwich into smaller pieces for easy sharing at parties.
- Open-Faced Style – Serve without the top slice of bread, allowing all layers to shine.
How to Perfect French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
To make your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate Longer – The longer you marinate your chicken in buttermilk, the juicier and more flavorful it will be.
- Use Fresh Spices – Fresh spices enhance flavor; consider grinding whole spices if available.
- Control Oil Temperature – Ensure your oil is at 350 degrees to achieve that perfect golden crust without undercooking the chicken.
- Let Chicken Rest – Allowing cooked chicken to rest on a rack helps keep it crispy by preventing steam buildup.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
Pairing sides with your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich enhances the meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Crispy Fries – Classic fries add a satisfying crunch; try seasoning them with paprika for extra flavor.
- Sweet Potato Wedges – Baked or fried, these wedges bring sweetness that complements the sandwich.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the savory flavors.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese offers comfort and pairs well with fried chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn adds sweetness and is perfect for summer gatherings.
- Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad balances the meal’s flavors while adding heartiness.
- Green Salad – A simple green salad dressed lightly can refresh your palate amidst all the rich flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Over-marinating the chicken: Marinating for too long can make the chicken mushy. Aim for 30 minutes to 2 hours for best results.
- Skipping the cooling step: Not letting the fried chicken rest can lead to sogginess. Allow it to cool on a rack to maintain crispiness.
- Incorrect oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before cooking through. Use a thermometer to keep it around 350 degrees.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to properly season your flour mix can result in bland chicken. Ensure every layer is flavored for maximum taste.
- Making soggy French toast: Soaking brioche bread for too long can lead to sogginess. Dip quickly and allow excess batter to drip off.
- Not balancing flavors in sauce: A bland sauce can dull your sandwich’s appeal. Taste as you go and adjust sweetness and spice levels accordingly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, but be cautious of sogginess.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich:
What is a French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
A French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich combines crispy fried chicken with sweet, fluffy French toast, typically topped with a flavorful sauce.
Can I customize the sauce for my sandwich?
Absolutely! You can adjust sweetness or add more heat by modifying ingredients like honey or chili sauce according to your taste.
How do I make my fried chicken extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, ensure your oil temperature is correct and double-coat the chicken in flour before frying.
What sides pair well with this sandwich?
Consider serving it with fries, a fresh salad, or coleslaw that complements the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Final Thoughts
This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich offers an exciting twist on traditional flavors. With its crunchy chicken and sweet brioche, it’s perfect for breakfast or lunch. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or sauces!
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, a perfect fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate your brunch or dinner experience. This unique twist on a classic combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy brioche French toast, all topped with a rich bourbon sweet chili sauce. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve it at gatherings or enjoy it as a comforting meal at home—either way, it’s bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Tony’s seasoning
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (add 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
- Clean and trim chicken thighs; marinate in buttermilk, salt, and white pepper for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F.
- Create the coating by mixing self-rising flour with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and seasoning.
- Remove chicken from marinade, coat in flour mixture, and fry until golden brown (about 7 minutes per side). Rest on a cooling rack.
- For the sauce, simmer apricot preserves, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and sriracha in a pot for about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare French toast by whisking eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg; soak brioche slices briefly before frying in butter until golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (320g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
