Bushra Griffith
Chicken melts are a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. They are also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The chicken is combined with vegetables, sauces, and spices, and then topped with cheese. The entire sandwich is then toasted until the cheese melts. There are several ways to melt cheese on top of chicken, including using an oven, a butane torch, or a non-stick pan.
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What You'll Learn
Use a hot oven or broiler after pan searing
To melt cheese on top of chicken, one method is to use a hot oven or broiler after pan-searing the chicken. This technique ensures that the cheese melts evenly and the chicken remains hot. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Start by choosing an oven-safe pan that can withstand high temperatures. Cast iron or stainless steel pans are ideal for this purpose. Preheat your oven or broiler to a high temperature, typically around 400-500°F (200-260°C). The exact temperature may vary depending on your oven and the type of cheese you are using.
Next, prepare your chicken by seasoning it with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss cheese, ensuring it is at room temperature before starting. Place the chicken in the pan and sear it over medium-high heat until it is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. This step adds flavour and colour to the chicken.
Once the chicken is seared, remove the pan from the heat and top the chicken with your chosen cheese. You can use sliced or shredded cheese, but it is essential to ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed over the chicken.
Now, place the pan in the preheated oven or under the broiler. Keep a close eye on the chicken as the cheese will melt quickly due to the high temperature. The exact time will depend on your oven and the type of cheese, but it usually takes 2-5 minutes for the cheese to melt completely. If using a broiler, ensure that the chicken does not burn by adjusting the rack height or keeping the oven door ajar to monitor closely.
Finally, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a minute. This allows the cheese to set slightly and the chicken to finish cooking to perfection. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious combination of melted cheese and juicy chicken!
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Try a butane torch, held at a distance
If you want to melt cheese on top of chicken, a butane torch is a good option. It is a handy tool to have in your kitchen arsenal, as it can be used for melting cheese and searing meat.
When using a butane torch, it is important to hold it at a distance from the food to avoid overdoing it. Keep the flame at least an inch away from the cheese, and take your time. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and doesn't burn.
Using a butane torch to melt cheese on chicken is a quick and efficient method. It allows you to target the cheese directly, ensuring a gooey, melted topping without overcooking the chicken underneath. It is a precise way to melt cheese, as you can control the intensity and duration of the heat by adjusting the distance and angle of the torch.
The key to success with a butane torch is patience. Take your time and move the torch slowly and steadily across the surface of the cheese, maintaining a consistent distance. This technique is ideal for achieving the perfect melt without burning, ensuring your chicken dish is both tasty and visually appealing.
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Bake in the oven with bread, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise into 4 flat 1⁄2-inch-thick pieces
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- Mayonnaise
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken, 1/2 cup of cheese, onion, green pepper, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, and garlic.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the bread slices.
- Top each slice of bread with a tomato slice.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the slices.
- Place the sandwiches on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bread is toasted and golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
You can also try adding ranch dressing or buffalo sauce to your chicken mixture for a tangier or spicier taste.
Garnish with green onions or chives for a tasty finish!
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Use a propane torch, keeping the flame an inch away
Using a propane torch is an effective way to melt cheese on top of chicken. This method is especially useful if you are looking for a quick solution and don't want to use an oven or pan.
To do this, simply hold the propane torch an inch or more away from the cheese and carefully move it around until the cheese is melted to your desired consistency. This technique allows you to melt the cheese without affecting the cooking of the chicken itself, which is especially useful if you are looking to avoid overcooking the chicken.
It is important to keep the flame at least an inch away from the cheese to avoid burning it. Additionally, taking your time and moving the torch slowly will help ensure even melting and prevent any potential issues.
Using a propane torch is a handy option if you are looking for a quick and targeted method to melt cheese on top of chicken without affecting the rest of the dish.
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Top with cheese, bake, and garnish with green onions
To melt cheese on top of chicken, you can use a few different methods, depending on the type of dish you are preparing. If you are making a chicken melt sandwich, the process is slightly different from melting cheese on top of a whole chicken breast or a chicken fillet.
For a chicken melt sandwich, you can follow these steps:
- Combine cooked chicken with cheese, onion, green pepper, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, and garlic in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture over bread slices and top each with a tomato slice.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and golden brown, and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
If you are melting cheese on top of a chicken breast or fillet, you can try one of the following methods:
- Pan-sear the chicken first, then top with cheese and place it in a hot oven to melt the cheese.
- Use a butane torch to melt the cheese, holding it far away from the food and taking your time.
- Cover the pan and add some water to create steam, which will melt the cheese.
When melting cheese on chicken, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and that the cheese is fully melted before serving. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack, to find your preferred taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to melt cheese on top of chicken. You can bake it in an oven, use a butane torch, or melt the cheese in a pan and pour it on top.
Bake at 350-375°F for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is light brown.
Shredded cheese melts well on chicken, and you can use cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend.
Combine chicken, cheese, onion, green pepper, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, and garlic. Spread the mixture on bread slices and top with a tomato slice and more cheese. Bake until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
