Cheese And Chicken: Perfect Pairing For Your Palate

Grilled chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to create a range of flavour profiles. From creamy Havarti to sharp provolone, and even the humble American cheese slice, there are many options to choose from. The type of cheese that goes well with grilled chicken depends on personal preference and the specific flavours you want to highlight. For a BBQ chicken sandwich, a creamy cheese like Havarti or a mild cheddar can complement the smokiness of the meat. If you're looking for a more adventurous combination, consider using a spicy habanero or blue cheese. Provolone is also a popular choice, as it melts well and has a mild flavour that won't overpower the chicken. For a simple, kid-friendly option, American cheese slices can be a great choice. Ultimately, the best cheese for grilled chicken is the one that suits your taste preferences and desired level of complexity.

Provolone, Mozzarella or Havarti

Provolone, mozzarella, and Havarti are all excellent choices for grilled cheese sandwiches, and they can also complement grilled chicken very well.

Provolone is a popular choice for chicken sandwiches, as it melts nicely and has a rich, sharp flavor. It is often preferred over mozzarella for chicken parm, as the latter can be a bit bland. Provolone also works well in lasagna, adding a touch of richness to the dish.

Mozzarella, on the other hand, is mild and creamy, making it a good option for those who don't want the cheese to overpower the other flavors. It melts beautifully and can add a nice stretch to your grilled chicken sandwich.

Havarti is a favorite among those who enjoy a plain grilled cheese sandwich. Its creamy texture at room temperature is hard to beat, and it pairs exceptionally well with a hearty white sliced bread or sourdough. For a unique twist, try Havarti with BBQ chicken and garlic butter on sourdough for a savory, crispy, and flavorful sandwich.

When it comes to grilled chicken sandwiches, you can't go wrong with any of these three cheeses. Provolone, mozzarella, and Havarti will all melt nicely and contribute their distinct flavors to the dish. So, feel free to experiment and find your favorite!

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 12 slices Havarti cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
• 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

Optional

• BBQ sauce
• Potato chips
• Coleslaw
• Ketchup
• Barbecue sauce
• Spicy buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing

Instructions

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cook onions until soft, about 2 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the shredded chicken, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce (if using). Stir to combine and cook until everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add butter, garlic, and minced parsley in a medium bowl. Microwave until melted.
• Lay 12 slices of bread on a work surface. Spread the melted butter mixture over each piece.
• Turn each piece over and add 6 of the bread slices with 6 of the cheese slices and the BBQ chicken mixture, dividing evenly.
• Add the remaining cheese over the chicken and top with the remaining 6 slices of bread (both the bottom and the top should have the buttered side exposed).
• Set the buttered sandwiches in a large non-stick skillet. Place over medium heat and cook until the bottoms of the sandwiches are browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Turn sandwiches over, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the bottom is browned and the cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes longer.

Tips

• For an extra kick, add some sliced red onion.
• For a more classic grilled cheese, swap out the BBQ chicken for plain shredded chicken.
• For a more indulgent sandwich, toast the bread in bacon grease.

Chicken Grilled Cheese

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is always a delight, but adding chicken takes it to another level! This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you're short on time and don't know what to cook for dinner. You can use leftover chicken or quickly cook some chicken breasts in a slow cooker. This sandwich is also highly customisable, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins.

Ingredients

• Butter, softened
• White rustic-style bread, sliced
• Chicken, cooked and shredded
• Cream cheese, softened
• Mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Monterey Jack cheese, sliced
• Parsley, fresh and diced
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Salt
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Optional Ingredients

• BBQ sauce
• Spicy buffalo sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Ketchup

Instructions

• Heat a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.
• Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
• Place the bread slices butter-side down and spread cream cheese on the other side.
• Top 4 slices of the cream cheese-covered bread with shredded chicken.
• Add parsley and a single layer of mozzarella cheese slices.
• Top with a single layer of Monterey Jack cheese slices.
• Cover with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the cream cheese side is in and the butter side is out.
• Place the sandwiches into the heated pan one at a time.
• Cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown. Cover the pan during the last minute to help the cheese melt.
• Transfer the sandwich to a plate and serve with your choice of sides, such as potato chips or steak fries.

Tips

• For extra flavour, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• If you're not a fan of butter, you can use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for a twist on the classic.
• To make it even more flavourful, try grilling or toasting the bread before assembling the sandwich.
• For a true comfort food experience, serve your chicken grilled cheese with a bowl of soup.
• Get creative with your cheese choices! While mild cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella go well with BBQ chicken, you can also experiment with more adventurous options like spicy habanero or blue cheese.

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
• Butter
• Brioche buns
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Cabbage
• Carrot
• Gorgonzola cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Lime juice
• Avocado oil
• Optional: Celery leaves, cilantro

Method:

• Preheat your grill to a high setting.
• Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin slices.
• Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
• In a saucepan, mix hot sauce and butter over medium heat until butter melts.
• Place chicken on the grill. Grill for 4 minutes, then flip and grill for 3 minutes.
• Brush the chicken with buffalo sauce, flip, and grill for another minute. Repeat once or twice more until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove chicken from the grill and brush with more buffalo sauce.
• Prepare the gorgonzola slaw by mixing shredded cabbage and carrot ribbons with gorgonzola, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Assemble the sandwiches by adding a drizzle of blue cheese dressing or ranch to the brioche bun, followed by the chicken breast and a generous topping of slaw.

Tips:

• For extra flavour, grill the brioche buns for 1-2 minutes.
• If desired, add some blue cheese or ranch dressing to the bun before topping with the chicken.
• For a lighter option, serve the grilled buffalo chicken over the slaw without the bun.
• To make it even cheesier, add a slice of pepper jack or white cheddar to the chicken in the last few minutes of grilling.

Best Cheeses for Grilled Cheese

There are many different cheeses that can be used to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich, especially when paired with grilled chicken. Here are some of the best cheeses to use:

Provolone

Provolone is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it melts well and has a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken and other sandwich ingredients such as bacon, grilled red onions, and arugula.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is another excellent option for grilled cheese due to its stretchy, melty texture. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients in your sandwich. It also works well with other cheeses, such as provolone or havarti.

Havarti

Havarti is a creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully, making it a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It pairs well with BBQ chicken and garlicky buttered bread. Its subtle flavour won't overwhelm the other ingredients in your sandwich.

Colby Jack

Colby jack is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, resulting in a mild, slightly tangy flavour. It melts well and is a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with chicken and green olives.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It melts beautifully, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. It can also be combined with other cheeses, such as Colby, to add a tangy twist to your sandwich.

In addition to these cheeses, there are a few other options worth considering:

• Swiss cheese, which melts well and is a good choice for those who prefer a more neutral flavour.
• Pepper jack or smoked gouda, for those who like a little spice.
• Blue cheese, which has a strong, tangy flavour and pairs well with certain ingredients, such as caramelised onions and arugula.
• Cream cheese, which adds a creamy texture and a mild, tangy flavour to your sandwich.

Frequently asked questions