Bushra Griffith
Chicken melts are a tasty diner-style sandwich that can be made in a skillet. They are a great alternative to beef or tuna melts and can be made with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese. To melt the cheese on chicken in a skillet, first cook the chicken, then add the cheese and let it melt with the residual heat. You can also add butter to the skillet, place the assembled sandwich inside, and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted.
Characteristics and their Values:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Swiss |
| Chicken | Chicken breast, marinated |
| Other Ingredients | Onions, Butter, Bread, Mayonnaise, Bacon, Ham, Sun-dried tomatoes, Wine, Herbs |
| Cooking Method | Skillet, Oven, Grill, Torch |
| Cooking Time | 3-4 minutes per side, 8-10 minutes to reheat |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken melt sandwich preparation
Chicken melt sandwiches are a tasty and versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing delicious chicken melt sandwiches:
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Bread (soft, thick honey wheat bread, Texas toast, or any bread of your choice)
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or any good melting cheese)
- Butter
- Mayonnaise
- Honey mustard
- Celery
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Onion (optional)
- Tomato (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts lengthwise into flat, evenly sized pieces. This helps ensure even cooking and a better fit for the sandwich. You can also marinate the chicken in Italian dressing or season it with salt and pepper, herbs, or spices of your choice.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle to medium heat. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for 5-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Adjust the heat if the chicken is browning too quickly.
- Prepare the bread: While the chicken is cooking, butter one side of each bread slice. You can use unsalted butter to control the salt content. Spread mayonnaise on the non-buttered side, if desired.
- Assemble the sandwich: Place the cooked chicken on the bread. Top with sliced cheese, and additional ingredients of your choice, such as caramelized onions, balsamic onions, or fresh tomatoes. Add another slice of cheese, if desired. Cover with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Grill the sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet or griddle, grilling for 3-4 minutes on each side. Cover the skillet with a lid if using one. Grill until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, cut it in half, and serve it warm. You can also insert a frilly toothpick or cocktail sword near the top of each half for a fun presentation.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, bread, and additional ingredients to create your own unique chicken melt sandwich. Enjoy!
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Cooking the chicken
To make a chicken melt, you'll need to cook the chicken before assembling the sandwich. You can cook the chicken in a skillet or frying pan, on a grill, or in the oven.
For skillet-cooked chicken, heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear. You can also sprinkle the chicken with wine, rosemary, and thyme, salt, and pepper, or marinate the chicken in Italian marinade for 12-48 hours before cooking. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent the chicken from browning too quickly.
If you're using a grill, lightly oil the grill grate and place the chicken on it. Sprinkle with wine, rosemary, and thyme, and cook for about 8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear.
To cook the chicken in the oven, place the desired number of chicken breasts on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until warm.
Once the chicken is cooked, you can assemble your sandwich by placing the chicken on bread or a bun with cheese, vegetables, and sauces of your choice.
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Melting cheese on chicken
Prepare the Ingredients
Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a simple chicken melt, you will need chicken breasts, butter, cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese), and bread. You can also add toppings like onions, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavour.
Cook the Chicken
Place a skillet on medium heat and add butter or oil. Put the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook them until they are cooked through and golden brown. This usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. You can also marinate the chicken or season it with salt and pepper before cooking to add extra flavour.
Melt the Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, place a slice of cheese on top of each breast. You can also try sprinkling shredded cheese over the chicken for a more even melt. Cover the skillet with a lid to help trap the heat and melt the cheese evenly. If you're using a non-stick skillet, you can add a splash of water to create steam and melt the cheese faster.
Assemble the Sandwich
If you're making a chicken melt sandwich, now is the time to assemble it. Spread butter on both slices of bread. Place the cooked chicken with melted cheese on one slice, along with any desired toppings or sauces. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, buttered side up.
Grill the Sandwich
Place the assembled sandwich back into the skillet and grill it until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. This usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes per side. If you're using a panini press or a similar appliance, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the sandwich is grilled to your liking, remove it from the skillet and cut it in half. Serve it immediately while the cheese is still melted and enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation! You can also pair it with sides like fresh fruit, chips, or a salad.
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Recommended bread types
When it comes to bread types for a chicken melt sandwich, there are several options that can be used. The bread should be sliced, not too thick, thin, soft, or too holey, as this can affect the melting of the cheese and the overall structure of the sandwich.
Sourdough bread is recommended for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it provides a superior golden buttery crust. Using freshly grated cheese instead of sliced or pre-shredded cheese is also advised, as store-bought pre-grated cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
For a chicken melt sandwich, sliced bread is typically used, with butter spread on both slices. The bread can be toasted in a pan with butter, creating a golden, buttery crust. This method works well with any sliced bread, such as sandwich or loaf bread.
Dark rye bread is another option, as mentioned by a user who enjoyed a chicken melt sandwich with this type of bread and baby Swiss cheese. Hoggie buns are also an option, especially if you're looking for a simpler sandwich option, as mentioned by a user who used store-bought roasted chicken.
Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on personal preference and the type of cheese being used. Different cheeses melt differently and have varying flavours, so it's essential to consider this when choosing the bread for your chicken melt sandwich.
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Reheating chicken melts
If you're reheating a chicken melt sandwich, wrap it in foil (with a little opening for steam release) and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F. You can also add a bit of water or broth to keep it moist, but this is optional. Heat until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F.
For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick pan over medium to low heat. Add a small amount of butter, oil, broth, or water, and place the chicken melt in the pan. Keep flipping or moving the sandwich to prevent burning.
If using a microwave, place the chicken melt on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 2-minute intervals, checking and flipping the sandwich in between to ensure even heating.
To reheat a chicken melt without the bread, such as a deconstructed sandwich or a chicken and cheese bake, preheat your oven to 380°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cheese, and any desired mix-ins, such as onions, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Fill your sandwich buns or a baking dish with the mixture and wrap or cover with foil. Place in the oven and heat until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Remember, it's best to let your chicken come to room temperature before reheating, and avoid using high heat as it can dry out the meat.
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Frequently asked questions
To melt cheese on chicken in a skillet, you should first cook the chicken. Then, place the chicken in a skillet, add cheese, and cover the skillet with a lid. Grill for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Cheddar is a classic cheese to use for a chicken melt. However, any good melting cheese will work, such as mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
Chicken melts are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Some common ingredients include bread, butter, mayonnaise, honey mustard, celery, parsley, salt, pepper, and onions.
It is best to cover and store the ingredients separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired number of chicken melts on a parchment paper-lined sheet tray and bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until warm.
