Description
Take your classic grilled cheese to the next level with this Grilled Cheese Chicken Sandwich! Packed with juicy, seasoned chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crispy, buttery bread, this sandwich is pure comfort food perfection. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Customize it with your favorite toppings like bacon, tomatoes, or a drizzle of barbecue sauce for an irresistible meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced tomatoes
- Baby spinach or lettuce
- Crispy bacon strips
- Honey mustard or barbecue sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
2. Prepare the Bread:
- Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. For extra crispiness, you can also spread a light layer of mayonnaise over the buttered side (optional).
- On the unbuttered side, place a slice of cheese on each piece of bread.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
- Add sliced chicken to the cheese-covered side of two bread slices.
- Add any optional toppings, such as tomato slices, spinach, or crispy bacon.
- Top with another slice of cheese, then place the remaining bread slices on top (buttered side facing outward).
4. Cook the Sandwich:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.
Notes
- Customize Your Sandwich: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, bread, and sauces to suit your taste preferences.
- Make It Healthier: Use whole-grain bread, reduced-fat cheese, or grilled chicken to lighten up the recipe.
- Reheating Tip: To keep the bread crispy, reheat leftovers in a skillet or toaster oven instead of a microwave.
- Freezing: Assemble the sandwich without cooking it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serving Idea: Pair the sandwich with a side of tomato soup, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American