Homemade Chick N Tater Melt Recipe

From the buttery croissant to the crispy chicken, savory bacon, gooey Swiss cheese, and golden hash browns, each bite of the Chick N Tater Melt delivers a symphony of flavors. It’s a sandwich built for comfort, especially when you want something a little extra.

How to make Chick N Tater Melt

The Chick‑N‑Tater Melt is a (typically late‑night) indulgent sandwich offered by Jack in the Box.

Ingredients

• 2 croissants, sliced in half lengthwise (a buttery, flaky croissant is best!)
• 2 crispy fried chicken fillets (store-bought or homemade breaded chicken—see tips for options)
• 4 strips of bacon, cooked to crispy perfection
• 2 slices of Swiss cheese (or a similar type of melty cheese like Havarti)
• 2 medium hash browns, cooked golden brown and crispy
• Optional sauces: Garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or chipotle mayo for added flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound boneless chicken breast until even thickness.
2. Dip in flour, then egg wash, followed by breadcrumbs.
3. Deep fry at 350°F (175°C) or bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Hash Browns

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook frozen hash browns until golden and crispy on both sides.
2. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon

1. Fry your bacon in a pan or bake it at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes for even crispiness.
2. Once cooked, set aside on paper towels to soak up excess grease.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Toast your croissants lightly in a pan or oven for added crispness.
2. Spread your choice of sauce (optional) on the inside of both croissant halves.

Layer the bottom half of the croissant with:

• Fried chicken fillet
• Hash brown
• Swiss cheese slice
• Crispy bacon strips
• Place the top half of the croissant on top and press slightly to bond the ingredients together.

Step 5: Melt and Serve

1. Heat the assembled sandwich in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes (just enough to melt the cheese).
2. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Tips for the Best Chick-N-Tater Melt:

• Customize Your Protein: If you’re not into fried chicken, switch it up with grilled chicken, turkey patties, or even a plant-based chicken alternative.
• Perfect Hash Browns: For extra crispy hash browns, press out as much moisture as possible before frying. You can also use shredded potatoes formed into patties for homemade hash browns.
• Experiment with Sauces: The original recipe doesn’t include sauce, but adding a touch of garlic aioli, ranch, or chipotle mayo can elevate the flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
• Homemade Croissants Optional: While store-bought croissants are easier, adventurous bakers may want to make buttery, flaky croissants from scratch to take the sandwich to the next level.
• Make It Healthier: For a lighter version, use whole wheat croissants, bake the chicken and hash browns, and swap bacon for turkey bacon.

What to serve with

The Chick N Tater Melt is a hearty, indulgent sandwich packed with crispy textures, savory flavors, and a gooey cheese layer. To truly elevate your meal experience, pair it with complementary sides and drinks that balance its richness.

a. French Fries

Why: French fries are the classic go-to side for sandwiches, especially fast food-inspired creations like the Chick N Tater Melt. Their crispiness pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and flaky croissant.

How to Prepare:

• Cut Russet potatoes into thin sticks, soak them in water to remove excess starch, and pat dry.
• Fry them in batches at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
• Sprinkle with sea salt or add flavored seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Cajun spice.

b. Sweet Potato Fries

Why: A slightly healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness that contrasts the savory sandwich flavors.

Pro Tip: Serve with a side of honey mustard or cinnamon-spiced dipping sauce for an extra kick.

c. Onion Rings

Why: Onion rings offer crunch and a mildly sweet flavor. Their golden-battered coating complements the crispy chicken in the sandwich.

How to Prepare: Batter thick-cut onion slices in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Deep-fry until golden brown and serve hot.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Chick N Tater Melt is a delicious and satisfying sandwich, but you might need to substitute certain ingredients based on dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preference.

1. Grilled Chicken

Vegetarian Alternative:

• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: Their meaty texture and umami flavor can serve as an excellent vegetarian substitute.
• Tofu or Tempeh: Marinated and grilled, these offer a protein-packed alternative.

Vegan Alternative:

• Vegan Chicken: Many brands offer plant-based chicken that can be grilled.

Other Meat Alternatives:

• Turkey Breast: A leaner protein option.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient and flavorful without the need for grilling.

2. Hash Browns

Healthier Option:

• Sweet Potato Hash Browns: Add a slightly sweet flavor and are rich in nutrients.
• Cauliflower Hash Browns: Lower in carbs and a great way to sneak in more veggies.

Convenience Option:

• Frozen Hash Browns: Saves time; just bake or fry according to package instructions.

3. Cheese Sauce

Healthier Homemade Alternative:

• Greek Yogurt Cheese Sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, a bit of mustard, and some grated garlic for a healthier, creamy alternative.

Non-Dairy Alternative:

• Cashew Cheese Sauce: Blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Store-bought Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce: Convenient and comes in a variety of flavors.

4. Cheddar Cheese

Lower-Fat Alternative:

Reduced-Fat Cheddar: Offers the same taste with less fat content.

Non-Dairy Alternative:

Vegan Cheddar: Many brands offer great tasting dairy-free cheddar alternatives.

5. Bacon

Vegetarian/Vegan Alternatives:

• Tempeh Bacon: Thinly sliced and flavored tempeh.
• Mushroom Bacon: Crispy, roasted mushrooms with a smoky flavor.
• Coconut Bacon: Seasoned coconut flakes that mimic the crunch and taste of bacon.

Lower-Fat Alternatives:

• Turkey Bacon: Lower in fat and calories than traditional pork bacon.
• Chicken Bacon: Another leaner option, often with a similar taste to pork bacon.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Chick N Tater Melt is the perfect blend of decadence and comfort, packed with savory layers that hit all the right notes.

More Meat Recipes:

• Copycat Popeyes Chicken Wraps Recipe
• Homemade Wingstop Atomic Wings Recipe
• Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Fries Recipe
• Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Wrap Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Recipe