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.
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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
- Pound boneless chicken breast until even thickness.
- Dip in flour, then egg wash, followed by breadcrumbs.
- 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
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook frozen hash browns until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon
- 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.
- Once cooked, set aside on paper towels to soak up excess grease.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
- Toast your croissants lightly in a pan or oven for added crispness.
- 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
- Heat the assembled sandwich in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes (just enough to melt the cheese).
- 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
Ingredients
- 2 croissants, sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 crispy fried chicken fillets
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked to crispy perfection
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 medium hash browns, cooked golden brown and crispy
- Optional sauces: Garlic aioli, ranch dressing
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
Pound chicken breast to even thickness. Dip in flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs. Fry at 350°F (175°C) or bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and cooked through.
Cook the hash browns:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook frozen hash browns until golden and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
Crisp the bacon:
Fry bacon in a pan or bake at 400°F (200°C) on a rack for 12–15 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the sandwich:
Lightly toast croissants. Spread sauce inside if desired. Layer chicken fillet, hash brown, Swiss cheese, and bacon on the bottom half. Top with the other half and press gently.
Melt and serve:
Warm the sandwich in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve hot.
