Chicken And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Your Palate

Chicken and cheese is a classic combination, but with so many varieties of both, it can be tricky to know which ones work well together. The good news is that chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with almost any cheese. The key is to find the right balance between flavour and texture. For example, a fried chicken sandwich is best served with melty, strong cheeses like cheddar, while grilled chicken is better suited to smoky mozzarella or tangy parmesan. Deli chicken sandwiches are great with Colby Jack or mild Havarti cheese, and if you're making a chicken salad sandwich, cottage cheese is a healthier and tastier alternative to mayonnaise.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are a tasty trio for chicken breasts

Mozzarella is a traditional Italian cheese with a milky sweetness that complements the natural flavour of chicken. When melted, it adds a creamy and gooey texture to the dish, making it an irresistible option for chicken breasts. Its mild flavour doesn't compete with the chicken, making it a perfect choice for those who want the chicken's flavour to shine through.

Parmesan, on the other hand, brings an intense burst of flavour to the dish. It is a hard cheese with a strong, salty taste that adds depth and complexity to chicken recipes. Parmesan can be grated or shredded, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. It is often used to enhance the flavour of breaded or baked chicken dishes.

Ricotta is a mild, creamy cheese with a smooth texture. Its low salt content and light flavour make it incredibly versatile, as it can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. When paired with chicken, ricotta adds a rich and indulgent mouthfeel. It can be combined with herbs and garlic to create a delicious filling or topping for grilled chicken.

Together, these three cheeses create a symphony of flavours and textures that elevate chicken breasts to new heights. The stretchy, gooey mozzarella, the salty kick of Parmesan, and the creamy smoothness of ricotta work in harmony to create a truly mouthwatering experience.

If you're looking for a simple yet impressive weeknight dinner, try a recipe that incorporates these three cheeses. For example, you could make a chicken breast stuffed with a mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, seasoned with garlic and paprika. This dish is sure to impress your family and guests and will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

So, the next time you're wondering what cheese to pair with chicken, remember that mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are a dynamic trio that will take your chicken breasts from ordinary to extraordinary.

Swiss cheese is a good choice for chicken cordon bleu

When it comes to chicken, there are many cheeses that pair well with this versatile meat. From mild and creamy cheeses to those with a sharper flavour, there are numerous options to choose from.

Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese that originated in Switzerland. It has a distinctive, assertive flavour that can be either sweet or savoury, depending on the type. Swiss cheese is a good choice for chicken cordon bleu for several reasons. Firstly, it melts well, which is ideal for this dish as it needs to be rolled up inside the chicken. Secondly, it has a strong flavour that pairs well with the chicken and ham, without being too overwhelming.

Chicken cordon bleu is a dish where chicken breasts are cut horizontally and pounded thin. They are then topped with a slice of ham and shredded cheese, before being rolled up tightly and refrigerated. After this, the chicken is coated in butter and cornflake crumbs (or breadcrumbs) and baked in the oven. A simple sauce of mayonnaise and mustard is the perfect accompaniment to this dish.

Swiss cheese is the most popular type of cheese to use in chicken cordon bleu, and its flavour combines well with the other ingredients. However, other cheeses can be substituted, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese. These cheeses are also good options to fill or top chicken breasts, as they are mild and creamy and will not compete with the flavour of the chicken.

Cheddar is a classic for fried chicken sandwiches

The taste of cheddar varies depending on its aging process. The older the cheese, the stronger the flavour, and vice versa. So, if you're going for a tangy taste, choose aged cheddar. In combination with buttermilk deep-fried chicken, you'll get all the layers of flavour.

Make sure to grate the cheddar in advance or use American pre-packed slices. However, a high-quality block of cheese will have a richer flavour than washed-out slices, but these are more convenient. Don't forget to sprinkle the cheese generously on fresh-from-the-pan chicken, so it can melt nicely.

It goes well with Dijon mustard and pickles for even more tanginess. Succulent on the inside and crunchy on the outside, with a soft, gooey layer of cheese on top, you'll have a restaurant-worthy fried chicken sandwich. In combination with some refreshing salad leaves to balance out the tang, this will become your go-to chicken sandwich.

Cheddar cheese is a natural cheese that is moderately firm, off-white (or orange if colourings like annatto are added), and sometimes sharp-tasting. This form of cheese originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset and is now manufactured worldwide. Cheddar cheese, which is creamy, firm, and savoury, can be matched with chicken in various ways, including sliced sandwiches, grated as a garnish for baked chicken meals, cut into curls to top a chicken casserole, or melted and used as a chicken dip. In any case, it’s a winning combo that will leave you wanting more.

Monterey Jack is a mild-flavoured cheese that goes well with almost anything

Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavour and a little tang. It's a great choice for chicken sandwiches as it won't overpower the other ingredients. It works particularly well with crispy fried chicken, bringing out its natural moistness.

Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different dishes. It pairs well with barbecue sauce and a few grape tomatoes, as the natural sweetness of the tomatoes will complement the cheese's sugary notes. For a simple option, add a slice of Monterey Jack to a crispy fried chicken sandwich.

If you want to get a little more creative, try a spicy sauce like sriracha or honey Dijon mustard, and add some red onion and tomatoes. You could also add some ham or prosciutto to enrich the flavour.

Monterey Jack is a great choice for those who like a mild, sweet cheese with a bitter base note. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different chicken dishes and pairs well with almost anything.

Havarti is a mild-flavoured cheese that pairs well with deli chicken

Havarti melts into a silky, slightly stretchy texture, making it delicious when toasted. For charcuterie board lovers, adding fresh pear or fig to a Havarti and deli chicken sandwich will elevate all the flavours.

When compared with Havarti, Tilsit is a slightly saltier and fuller-flavoured cheese. It has a tender, buttery texture and a light aroma. It is simple but can be turned into a delicacy by adding herbs and sauces like sriracha. Ciabatta and baguette are the best bread options, and it is recommended to never skip the salad to balance the taste with freshness.

Deli chicken is usually eaten cold, so cheeses that work well in cold sandwiches or can be melted if you choose to toast them are ideal. Other cheeses that pair well with deli chicken include Colby Jack, mild cheddar, sliced English, provolone, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, Pepper Jack, and cottage cheese.

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