Cracker Barrel Chicken And French Toast Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Chicken And French Toast Recipe is a sweet and savory brunch masterpiece—the exact meal I crave when I can’t decide between a hearty breakfast and a satisfying lunch. Ideally the sourdough bread should be soaked in the custard just long enough to absorb the flavors without becoming soggy, ensuring a crisp, golden exterior on the griddle.

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Cracker Barrel Chicken And French Toast Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the French Toast:

• 4 thick slices of sourdough bread
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for the griddle)

For Serving:

• Warm maple syrup (100% pure is best)
• Fresh strawberries (optional)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken And French Toast Recipe

1. Bread the Chicken: In a shallow dish, pour the buttermilk. In a separate dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk, shake off the excess, and then dredge firmly in the seasoned flour to coat.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350 degrees F. Fry the chicken tenders for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to keep crisp while you make the toast.
3. Make the Custard: In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is uniform and the spices are well-distributed.
4. Dip the Bread: Place a slice of sourdough bread into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 10 seconds on each side. You want it saturated but not falling apart.
5. Griddle the Toast: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot surface. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the bread is browned and the egg is fully cooked.
6. Assemble: Plate two slices of French toast alongside (or underneath) the crispy chicken tenders.
7. Serve: Drizzle warm maple syrup over both the chicken and the toast for that signature sweet-savory combination.

Recipe Tips

• Sourdough is Essential: The tangy flavor and dense crumb of sourdough bread are what define Cracker Barrel’s French toast. Standard white bread will be too soft and won’t provide the right texture contrast to the chicken.
• Keep the Chicken Warm: If you are cooking for a crowd, place the fried chicken tenders on a baking sheet in a 200 degree F oven while you cook the French toast batches.
• Custard Consistency: Make sure to whisk the eggs thoroughly. If the egg whites aren’t fully broken down, you will end up with cooked pieces of egg white on your toast rather than a smooth, golden coating.
• Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer for the oil. If it drops below 350 degrees F, the breading will absorb the oil and become greasy, which ruins the balance with the buttery French toast.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Chicken And French Toast

Brunch accompaniments are indulgent additions frequently served to round out this sweet and salty platter. Ideally the hashbrown casserole should be baked until the edges are crispy to provide a cheesy, savory counterpoint to the maple syrup.

• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Fresh fruit salad or sliced cantaloupe
• A side of crispy bacon (if you want extra meat)
• Hot coffee or fresh orange juice

How To Store Cracker Barrel Chicken And French Toast

• Refrigerate: Store the chicken and French toast in separate containers for up to 3 days. The moisture from the toast can make the chicken soggy if stored together.
• Reheat: Reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375 degrees F to re-crisp. Reheat the French toast in a toaster or a dry skillet.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders and the French toast separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Cracker Barrel Chicken And French Toast Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 780 kcal (per serving)
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving including syrup.

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