If you are craving a sandwich that perfectly balances crispy, sweet, spicy, and utterly delicious elements, the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This dish takes juicy, buttermilk-marinated fried chicken and pairs it with golden, buttery French toast slices instead of traditional bread, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing. Every bite is an experience, combining the comforting richness of French toast with the satisfying crunch of fried chicken, all enhanced by a homemade bourbon sweet chili sauce that ties it all together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet carefully chosen to bring out the best in this extraordinary sandwich. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating that irresistible batter crisp or adding a nuanced sweetness and spice to complement the fried chicken’s savory crunch.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for frying and soaking up the buttermilk marinade.
- Self-Rising Flour: Adds lightness and a crispy coating when frying the chicken.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tang, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brioche Bread: Soft, buttery, and perfect for holding all the flavors as the French toast base.
- Large Eggs: For both the chicken batter and the French toast custard, binding and enriching each component.
- Apricot Preserves: Brings a fruity sweetness to the bourbon chili sauce that balances spice and heat.
- Chili Sauce and Sriracha: For a spicy kick that contrasts the sweet and savory elements.
- Honey: Adds smooth natural sweetness to the sauce for depth and balance.
- Bourbon: Introduces a warm, smoky undertone to the sweet chili sauce, making it truly special.
- Unsalted Butter: Enables golden, crisp French toast with rich flavor.
- Milk, Almond Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: These create the perfectly spiced and aromatic custard for the French toast.
- Onion Powder, Garlic, Paprika, Tony’s Seasoning, White Pepper, Salt: Essential bold spices to elevate the fried chicken’s flavor profile.
How to Make French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Thighs
Start your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe journey by cleaning the chicken thighs and submerging them in buttermilk. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the chicken while infusing a subtle tanginess that will shine through once fried. Let the chicken soak anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, giving it time to absorb those flavors deeply.
Step 2: Heat the Oil for Frying
Next, get a Dutch oven or a deep pot ready by heating oil to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for frying the chicken to a golden-brown crunch without drying it out, locking in all the juiciness inside.
Step 3: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Take your marinated thighs and dredge them thoroughly in the seasoned self-rising flour mixture, which includes your aromatic spices. This seasoned coating creates an irresistible crust that turns crispy the moment it hits the hot oil. Fry the chicken for about 7 minutes on each side until each piece boasts a deep, golden crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Bourbon Sweet Chili Sauce
While your chicken is frying, whisk together apricot preserves, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and a dash of sriracha in a small pot. Simmer this combo gently until it thickens just enough to drizzle, delivering a perfect balance of sweet heat and smoky warmth that will bring your sandwich to life.
Step 5: Make the French Toast
Whisk together eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to create a fragrant custard. Dip the brioche slices in this mixture, then fry them in butter until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step transforms the bread into a soft, slightly sweet cradle for your savory chicken.
Step 6: Assemble Your French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
The exciting moment arrives when you stack the crunchy fried chicken between two slices of warm, buttery French toast. Drizzle your homemade bourbon sweet chili sauce generously over the chicken for that delightful sweet and spicy harmony. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and crunch.
How to Serve French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Add freshness and a splash of color with garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or a handful of arugula. These add a slight peppery note that balances the richness, and a visually appealing touch that elevates your sandwich presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your sandwich with crispy sweet potato fries, a simple side salad, or even pickled vegetables to cut through the indulgence with some acidity. Each side complements the main dish’s layers of flavor and texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe on a wooden board with the bourbon sweet chili sauce in a small ramekin for dipping. Adding a side of pickled jalapeños or a small fruit salad enhances the experience, turning a casual meal into a memorable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the fried chicken and French toast separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their individual textures without sogginess, so each component tastes fresh when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken pieces wrapped tightly in foil or freezer bags for up to a month. Avoid freezing the French toast as it tends to lose its texture, but you can prepare fresh French toast quickly when ready to serve again.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the fried chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F until heated through to preserve the crispiness. Warm the French toast gently in a skillet with a bit of butter to regain its golden, buttery crust before assembling your sandwich again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier, chicken breasts work as well—just be mindful not to overcook since they are leaner and dry out faster.
What can I substitute for bourbon in the sauce?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, apple juice or a splash of maple syrup can add the sweetness and depth without overpowering the sauce.
Is there a non-spicy alternative for the sauce?
Yes! Simply omit the chili sauce and sriracha, and enhance sweetness with a little extra apricot preserves or honey for a milder yet flavorful sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend containing baking powder, and use gluten-free bread for your French toast. The flavors remain just as fantastic.
How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy when assembling the sandwich?
Make sure the French toast is hot and freshly fried before assembling, and drizzle sauce sparingly or serve extra sauce on the side to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you experience the magic of the French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe, it will become a go-to comfort meal you crave again and again. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken with sweet and spiced French toast is simply unforgettable. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this indulgent feast that will brighten your table and delight your friends and family.
Print
French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A decadent French Toast Fried Chicken Sandwich featuring crispy buttermilk-marinated chicken thighs fried to golden perfection, nestled between buttery brioche French toast slices and drizzled with a luscious bourbon sweet chili sauce. This recipe combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 Chicken Thighs
- 2 cups Self-Rising Flour
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Tony’s Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp White Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 Eggs (for dredging after marinating)
French Toast
- 4 slices Brioche Bread
- 4 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 tsp Almond Extract (or vanilla extract)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- Pinch Nutmeg
- Pinch Salt
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for frying)
Bourbon Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 cup Apricot Preserves
- 1 tbsp Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/2 cup Bourbon
- Dash of Sriracha
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Clean the chicken thighs thoroughly and marinate them in 1 cup of buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Heat Oil: Preheat oil in a Dutch oven or deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying the chicken.
- Prepare Coating and Fry Chicken: In a large bowl, mix self-rising flour with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Tony’s seasoning, white pepper, and salt. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade. Beat 2 eggs separately. Dip each chicken thigh first in the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Carefully fry the chicken in the hot oil for about 7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make Bourbon Sweet Chili Sauce: Combine apricot preserves, chili sauce, honey, bourbon, and a dash of sriracha in a small pot. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Prepare French Toast: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, milk, almond extract, cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt. Heat unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each brioche slice into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Fry the bread in the butter until each side is golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove and keep warm.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place a slice of French toast on a plate, top with a crispy fried chicken thigh, and drizzle generously with the bourbon sweet chili sauce. Top with another slice of French toast to complete the sandwich. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) makes it more tender and flavorful.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly fried chicken.
- Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to your preferred spice level.
- For a richer flavor, lightly toast the brioche before dipping into the egg mixture.
- This sandwich is best served hot to enjoy the contrast of crispy chicken and soft French toast.
