If you’ve ever found yourself torn between sweet and savory, this French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich is here to settle the debate deliciously. Picture this: your first bite reveals the tender crunch of perfectly fried chicken, golden and flavorful, nestled snugly between two slices of buttery brioche French toast. Just when you think you’ve reached flavor nirvana, a drizzle of bourbon sweet chili sauce adds a tantalizing kick that dances on your taste buds. I first whipped this up one lazy Sunday morning, and it turned out to be the ultimate comfort food that we now crave for brunch gatherings and cozy weekends alike. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of all that is comforting and indulgent, bringing a gourmet twist to your breakfast table that will leave everyone wanting more. So, grab your apron and let’s make this enchanting fusion that will surely impress family and friends!
Why will you love this French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
Indulgent Comfort: This creation brings together beloved breakfast classics in a deliciously unique way.
Flavor Explosion: The sweet and spicy bourbon sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken, creating a mouthwatering balance.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all levels.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for brunch gatherings, it will impress your family and friends, making every meal memorable.
Versatile Options: You can easily substitute grilled chicken or use different breads, ensuring everyone enjoys their customization.
Embrace this delightful fusion of flavors and elevate your breakfast game!
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless Chicken – Choose tender pieces for easy handling and frying.
- Buttermilk – This marinade keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful; a milk and vinegar mix works too!
- Self-Rising Flour – Ensures a crispy coating when fried.
- Onion Powder – Adds savory depth to the flour mixture.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the flavor profile of the chicken.
- Paprika – For a touch of smoky flavor.
- Tony’s Seasoning – A blend that brings a kick to the dish.
For the French Toast
- Eggs – Essential for binding and enriching the French toast mixture.
- Brioche Bread – Its sweet flavor and soft texture make it perfect for this sandwich; other thick breads can substitute.
- Unsalted Butter – Use for frying to achieve that perfect golden crust.
For the Sauce
- Apricot Sauce – Provides the base sweetness for the bourbon sweet chili sauce.
- Chili Sauce – Adds a spicy kick that balances beautifully with the sweetness.
- Honey – For added sweetness and glossy texture.
- Bourbon – A key ingredient that enhances the sauce’s depth; you can omit it for a family-friendly version.
- Sriracha – Infuses heat into the sauce; adjust to your spice preference.
Get ready to create a culinary experience that transforms your brunch with this French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich—deliciously satisfying!
How to Make French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
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Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the boneless chicken, buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Let it soak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
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Prepare Oil for Frying: In a Dutch oven, heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. This ensures that your chicken will fry to a beautiful golden brown without absorbing too much oil.
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Coat Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Tony’s seasoning. Take the chicken out of the marinade and coat each piece thoroughly with the flour mixture, ensuring every bit is covered.
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Fry Chicken: Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 7 minutes on each side until they are crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain that lovely crunch.
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Make Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine apricot sauce, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and Sriracha. Simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well blended and slightly thickened.
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Prepare French Toast: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Briefly soak the brioche slices in the egg mixture, then cook in a skillet with unsalted butter, frying until both sides are golden brown.
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Assemble Sandwich: Layer the perfectly fried chicken between two slices of your golden French toast. Drizzle generously with the bourbon sweet chili sauce for that sweet and spicy finish.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Optimal Frying Temperature: Keep your oil at 350°F for perfectly crispy fried chicken. Use a thermometer to avoid under or over frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent temperature drops and ensure evenly cooked, crispy pieces.
- Rest for Crispiness: Allow fried chicken to rest on a rack after frying. This step prevents sogginess and maintains that perfect crunch.
- Short Soak Time: When soaking brioche for French toast, a quick dip is best to avoid overly soggy bread—just a few seconds will do!
- Sauce Adjustments: Feel free to tailor the bourbon sweet chili sauce to your taste; add more honey for sweetness or more Sriracha for added heat to elevate your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich.
What to Serve with French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
Bring your brunch table alive with delightful complements that enhance your indulgent sandwich experience.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These fries add a hint of sweetness and crunch that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of your sandwich.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits introduces a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the fried chicken and French toast.
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Classic Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tang of coleslaw cuts through the richness, adding a bright, vibrant flavor to your meal.
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Maple Bacon: The salty, savory notes from the crispy bacon harmonize beautifully with the sweet and spicy elements of the bourbon sauce.
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Herbed Potato Wedges: Roasted with rosemary and olive oil, these crispy wedges provide a hearty texture that complements the softness of your sandwich.
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Iced Cinnamon Coffee: A chilled beverage with warm cinnamon undertones enriches the flavor narrative of your brunch, rounding out a cozy meal.
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Savory Spinach Salad: Packed with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette, this salad offers a refreshing palate cleanse after each indulgent bite.
Elevate your brunch with these delightful sides, ensuring a memorable dining experience filled with harmony and flavor!
Storage Tips for French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure the sandwich is cool before sealing to prevent sogginess.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month, though best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating: To restore the crispy texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy, rather than using the microwave.
- Sauce Storage: The bourbon sweet chili sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week. Simply warm it up gently before drizzling on your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich.
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Variations
Ready to make this delicious dish even more your own? Let your creativity shine through these delightful twists!
- Grilled Chicken: Swap fried chicken for juicy grilled chicken for a lighter sandwich that’s bursting with flavor. This keeps things fresh and adds a smoky depth to each bite.
- Sourdough Bread: Use thick slices of sourdough for a tangy twist! Its chewy texture pairs wonderfully with the sweet sauce and creates a delightful contrast.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Replace the bourbon chili sauce with a creamy honey mustard sauce for a zesty flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy. This variation is especially fun for those who love a good kick!
- Spicy Sriracha Chicken: Sprinkle extra Sriracha on the chicken or marinate it in a spicy sauce before frying for a fiery finish. This adds a whole new level of heat and depth.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh and use almond milk instead of buttermilk for a plant-based version that everyone can enjoy.
- French Toast Variations: Experiment with flavored French toast by adding vanilla, orange zest, or even pumpkin spice to the egg mixture for an aromatic experience that brightens the sandwich.
- Bourbon-Infused Sauce: For a richer coating, reduce the bourbon sweet chili sauce to a glaze consistency and drizzle over the sandwich. The boosted bourbon flavor elevates the overall taste.
- Fruit Toppings: Add fresh sliced bananas or berries on top of your fried chicken for a fruity freshness that balances the richness beautifully. This little touch makes each bite a burst of joy!
Make Ahead Options
These French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who want to enjoy a gourmet breakfast with minimal effort! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk for up to 24 hours in advance to enhance its flavor and tenderness. The bread can also be soaked in the egg mixture and stored in the refrigerator (up to 12 hours) to save time on busy mornings. When you’re ready to cook, simply fry the chicken and make the sauce—it’ll still be just as delicious! Assemble the sandwiches right before serving to maintain that delightful crunch and flavor contrast, making your brunch gathering effortless and enjoyable.
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich?
Choosing boneless chicken pieces is essential for this sandwich, as they are easier to handle and fry. Opt for thighs or breasts depending on your preference for juiciness versus leanness.
How can I ensure my fried chicken stays crispy after cooking?
After frying, it’s vital to let the chicken rest on a wire rack rather than paper towels. This method prevents steam buildup that can make your chicken soggy. Also, ensure you’re frying at the correct oil temperature of 350°F to achieve that delightful crunch!
Can I freeze the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich for later?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until crispy again.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best flavor and texture, consume them within this timeframe and reheat on the stovetop to maintain that fantastic crunch.
What can I use instead of bourbon in the sauce?
If you prefer a family-friendly version or want to omit alcohol, simply replace the bourbon with an equal amount of water or chicken broth. This substitution won’t compromise the sauce’s balance of flavors and still results in a delightful sweet and spicy kick!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
If you’re serving this French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich to someone with allergies, make sure to check for common allergens in the ingredients such as gluten in the bread and flour. You can also customize the sandwich for dietary needs by using gluten-free bread, and you can leave out the spicy elements if you have anyone sensitive to heat.
Epic French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich with Sweet Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix together the boneless chicken, buttermilk, salt, and white pepper. Let it soak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- In a Dutch oven, heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil to 350°F.
- In a separate bowl, combine self-rising flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Tony's seasoning. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly with the flour mixture.
- Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for about 7 minutes on each side until they are crispy and golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, combine apricot sauce, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and Sriracha. Simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Soak the brioche slices briefly in the egg mixture, then cook in a skillet with unsalted butter.
- Layer the fried chicken between two slices of your French toast. Drizzle generously with the bourbon sweet chili sauce.