Pin it The first time I made this was on a rainy Tuesday when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a serious grilled cheese craving. I stirred some chili crisp into the honey glaze mostly on a whim, and the way those spicy crunch bits settled into the melted cheese made my entire kitchen smell incredible. My roommate walked in asking what I was making and ended up staying for dinner.
I served these at a small dinner party last month and watched two friends who claimed they werent hungry go back for seconds. The way the honey caramelizes slightly against the bread while the chili crisp seeds get toasty is something special.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, or poach and shred your own breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey: Use a mild honey so it doesnt overpower the chili crisp
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp: The crunchy seeds and oil are both essential, dont drain it
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds just enough salt to balance the honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness and brightens the chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference
- 8 slices sourdough or sturdy sandwich bread: Sourdough holds up better than soft white bread
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that perfect melty pull
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness cuts through the sweet chicken
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Spreadable butter coats every inch of the bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: The secret restaurant trick for the crispest exterior
Instructions
- Coat the chicken:
- Mix shredded chicken with honey, chili crisp, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and pepper until every piece is glossy and red. Let it sit while you prep everything else so the flavors soak in.
- Blend the cheeses:
- Combine mozzarella and cheddar in a bowl so every bite gets both cheeses instead of uneven layers.
- Prep the bread:
- Butter one side of each bread slice generously, then spread mayonnaise on the other side if you want next level crispiness.
- Build the sandwiches:
- Layer cheese on the unbuttered side, top with sauced chicken, then more cheese so both sides of the chicken have cheese glue.
- Grill to golden:
- Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side, pressing gently so the bread makes contact and the cheese melts evenly.
- Rest and serve:
- Let the sandwiches cool for 2 minutes before slicing so the cheese sets slightly and doesnt ooze out completely.
Pin it These sandwiches have become my go to when friends come over for casual dinners. Theres something about cutting into a grilled cheese thats been elevated with spicy, sweet chicken that makes people feel taken care of.
Make It Your Own
Swap in pepper jack for extra kick or use gruyere if you want something more sophisticated. The formula works as long as you have a melty cheese and something creamy to bind the chicken.
Sides That Work
A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Tomato soup is classic but try it with a splash of rice vinegar to echo the flavors in the sandwich.
Meal Prep Strategy
You can mix and refrigerate the chicken mixture up to 3 days ahead. The flavors actually get better as they sit, and it speeds up weeknight sandwiches dramatically.
- Toast the bread slightly before assembling if the chicken mixture is cold
- Keep extra chili crisp on the table for people who want more crunch
- Use a panini press if you have one for even melting
Pin it Hope these become a regular in your sandwich rotation like they have in mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the perfect crispy bread?
Butter the bread generously on the outside and cook on medium heat, pressing gently to ensure even browning and a crisp crust.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, try Monterey Jack or a smoky cheese to vary the flavor profile without losing meltiness.
- → Is there a way to add extra heat?
Adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture boosts the spice level effectively.
- → What bread works best for this sandwich?
Sourdough or any sturdy sandwich bread holds up well to the moist filling and achieves a great crisp texture.
- → How can I make the filling more flavorful?
Marinate the shredded chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chili crisp to infuse balanced sweetness and heat.
- → Can this sandwich be prepared ahead?
Yes, prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before cooking to maintain crispness and cheese melt.