French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich

The French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that makes for a perfect meal. Whether you’re hosting brunch or looking to impress at a picnic, this sandwich stands out with its crispy fried chicken and bourbon sweet chili sauce enveloped in fluffy French toast. Ideal for any occasion, this recipe will quickly become a favorite among family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: This sandwich combines the rich taste of fried chicken with sweet and spicy sauce, creating an unforgettable flavor experience.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it fits any meal occasion and satisfies various appetites.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A unique take on traditional sandwiches that is sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious dish with ease.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to tweak the sauce or spice levels to suit your personal taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Each tool serves a purpose in achieving the best results for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Wide mixing bowl
• Cooking thermometer
• Whisk
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Essential for frying chicken evenly while maintaining the correct oil temperature for crispy results.
• Wide mixing bowl: Provides ample space for coating chicken in flour and mixing ingredients without mess.
• Cooking thermometer: Helps you monitor oil temperature, ensuring perfectly fried chicken every time.

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 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 Frying and French Toast Assembly

• 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, trimming off any extra fat. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Add in the cleaned chicken thighs. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours; longer marination 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, combine self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Tony’s seasoning. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.

Step 5: Coat and Fry Chicken

Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade. Dip 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. Once done, rest the cooked chicken on a cooling rack to allow excess oil to drain.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

In a small pot over medium heat, combine all sauce ingredients (apricot preserves, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, sriracha). Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until thickened slightly. Let it cool before using.

Enjoy crafting this mouth-watering French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, which is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

How to Serve French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich

Serving your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative suggestions to make it even more enjoyable.

Classic Pairings

• Maple Syrup – Drizzle pure maple syrup on top for a sweet and sticky finish.
• Hot Sauce – Add a few dashes for those who love a spicy kick with their sweet.
• Pickles – Serve crunchy pickles on the side for a tangy contrast.

Gourmet Twists

• Avocado Slices – Fresh avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, balancing the flavors.
• Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw can enhance crunch and flavor, perfect alongside the sandwich.
• Fried Eggs – Top the sandwich with a sunny-side-up egg for extra richness.

Fun Extras

• Fresh Herbs – Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
• Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing side that complements the sandwich’s sweetness.

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How to Perfect French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich

To achieve the ultimate flavor and texture in your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, follow these essential tips.

• Marinate Longer – For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken for at least two hours, or overnight if possible.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and spices will enhance the taste significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Control Frying Temperature – Ensure your oil is at 350 degrees before frying; this ensures crispy chicken without excess oil.
• Toast Bread Well – Make sure to cook the brioche bread until it’s golden brown for an ideal texture that holds up well against fillings.

Best Side Dishes for French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich

Pairing sides with your sandwich can create a full meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy and slightly sweet, these fries complement the savory flavors of the sandwich beautifully.
2. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn brings a burst of sweetness and adds color to your plate.
3. Macaroni Salad – A creamy macaroni salad offers a cool contrast to the hot sandwich, making every bite enjoyable.
4. Fruit Chutney – Serve a fruity chutney for an extra layer of sweetness that pairs well with fried chicken.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition to your meal.
6. Potato Wedges – Crunchy potato wedges seasoned lightly can be a hearty side that satisfies any appetite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s quality and flavor.

• Over-marinating the chicken: While marinating adds flavor, too much time can make the chicken mushy. Aim for 30 minutes to 2 hours maximum.
• Not heating oil properly: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Always use a thermometer to check that it reaches 350 degrees.
• Skipping seasoning: Under-seasoned chicken can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you coat the chicken well with spices and seasonings before frying.
• Ignoring bread selection: Using low-quality bread can affect texture. Opt for fresh brioche or thick-cut bread for the best French toast experience.
• Frying too many pieces at once: Crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Fry in batches for consistent results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy them within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich

• Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best taste.

Reheating French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a delicious French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich.

How do I make a French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?

To make this dish, you start with marinated fried chicken coated in spices, then prepare sweet and spiced French toast using brioche bread dipped in an egg mixture before frying.

Can I customize my French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?

Absolutely! You can add toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or different sauces to create your perfect flavor profile.

What sides pair well with a French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?

Consider serving this sandwich with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

How spicy is the bourbon sweet chili sauce?

The sauce has a mild kick from the chili sauce and sriracha. You can adjust spice levels by adding more or less according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will impress anyone. Its versatility allows you to customize it easily with various toppings and sauces. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!