Chicken And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas For You

what cheese goes with chicken

Chicken and cheese is a classic combination, and there are several types of cheese that go well with chicken. For example, Swiss cheese is a popular choice for chicken cordon bleu, and mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are used in a quick three-cheese chicken recipe. Chicken breasts with cheddar and Parmesan cheese are also a tasty option. In addition, different types of sandwiches use a variety of cheeses such as blue cheese, feta, gruyère, emmental, provolone, and pepper jack.

Cheeses that go with chicken

Characteristics Values
Cheese for chicken sandwiches Pepper jack, smoked gouda, blue cheese, feta, gruyère, emmental, mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, raclette, brie, cream cheese
Cheese for chicken burgers Mozzarella, gouda, cheddar
Cheese for chicken cordon bleu Swiss cheese
Other chicken and cheese recipes Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, gouda, provolone, asiago, cheddar

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Cheeses for chicken sandwiches

Chicken sandwiches are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses. Here are some ideas and suggestions for cheeses that pair well with chicken sandwiches:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for chicken sandwiches. It has a sharp and distinctive flavour that complements the chicken well. When using cheddar, consider adding some crunch to your sandwich with ingredients like bacon or lettuce. You can also try using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese for a more complex flavour profile.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that works well with chicken sandwiches. It has a mild flavour and melts easily, making it a good choice for a stringy, cheesy sandwich. For an extra indulgent option, try using fresh mozzarella (also known as "low-moisture mozzarella"). You can also mix mozzarella with a milder cheese like cheddar or gouda for a more balanced flavour.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese, also known as Emmental, is a good choice if you're looking for a less salty option. It has a mild flavour and pairs well with chicken, especially in a chicken bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich.

Blue Cheese

If you're feeling adventurous, try using blue cheese in your chicken sandwich. Its strong, distinctive flavour can take your sandwich to the next level. Crumble some blue cheese over shredded rotisserie chicken, and add some arugula and caramelized onions for a delicious combination.

Provolone

Provolone is another cheese that melts beautifully on chicken. It has a mild flavour and is a good option if you want the cheese to complement rather than overpower the other ingredients.

Feta Cheese

Feta is an underrated cheese that can add a nice salty kick to your chicken sandwich. Pair it with some sweet tomatoes and rucola for a refreshing and flavourful bite.

Other Options

There are also several other cheeses that can work well with chicken sandwiches, depending on your taste preferences. These include pepper jack, smoked gouda, raclette, brie, and cream cheese. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find your perfect pairing!

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Cheeses for baked chicken breasts

Baked chicken breasts are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheddar and Parmesan Baked Chicken

This classic combination of cheeses is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, plain dry breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simply coat the chicken in the butter mixture, then dip it in the cheese and breadcrumb mixture before baking in the oven. This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Three-Cheese Chicken

For something a little more indulgent, try this three-cheese chicken recipe. It uses a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses to create a creamy, garlic-infused topping for your baked chicken breasts. The key to this recipe is pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking, which ensures even cooking and a faster cook time. Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or grains for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is an elegant dish that is perfect for impressing guests. It is made by rolling up layers of ham and Swiss cheese inside a chicken breast, then coating it in a crunchy layer of cornflakes or breadcrumbs. The key to this recipe is to pound the chicken breasts thin and allow the stuffed chicken bundles to chill in the refrigerator before baking. This helps the chicken stay moist and juicy during cooking. Serve this dish with a simple sauce of mayonnaise and mustard for a true crowd-pleaser.

Other Cheese Options

If you're looking to experiment, there are plenty of other cheeses that pair well with chicken. Some options include:

  • Pepper jack or smoked gouda
  • Blue cheese or stilton
  • Gruyère or emmental
  • Provolone
  • Monterey Jack
  • Feta
  • Mozzarella
  • Cream cheese

So, get creative and experiment with different cheeses to find your favourite combination!

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Chicken Cordon Bleu cheeses

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that is perfect for those who love fancy dinners that are easy to prepare. The dish consists of rolled-up layers of chicken breasts, with a slice of ham and a handful of shredded cheese, rolled up tightly and then coated with cornflakes or breadcrumbs before being baked.

The most popular type of cheese used in Chicken Cordon Bleu is Swiss cheese, which pairs well with the ham and chicken. However, you can also use other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Provolone, or Harvarti. These cheeses can add a different flavour profile to the dish while still being delicious.

For those who want to avoid the use of toothpicks to hold the chicken rolls together, a clever alternative is to cut a pocket into the chicken breast and stuff the ham and cheese inside. This method ensures that the cheese stays put and does not leak out during baking.

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a versatile dish that can be made ahead of time and frozen for future use. It is a great option for a fancy dinner that is sure to impress!

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Chicken and cheese casseroles

Ingredients

For a basic chicken and cheese casserole, you will need:

  • Pasta
  • Chicken
  • Peppers
  • Onions
  • Cheese

Variations

There are many variations you can make to this basic recipe. You can swap out the chicken for turkey or ham, and use any medium pasta shape. You can also add different vegetables, such as mushrooms, diced tomatoes, grilled zucchini, or roasted veggies.

For the sauce, you can use cream of mushroom or celery soup instead of cream of chicken soup. You can also make a homemade condensed mushroom soup.

Directions

To make a chicken and cheese casserole:

  • Boil pasta al dente.
  • Soften onion and peppers in butter.
  • Mix the sauce ingredients and cheese.
  • Stir in chicken and pasta.
  • Top with cheese and bake until bubbly.

Serving

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

For a more indulgent option, try a Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. This recipe includes bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce made with cream cheese, milk, and cream of chicken soup.

To make Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole, you will need:

  • Bacon
  • Chicken
  • Bell pepper
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Paprika
  • Butter
  • Flour
  • Milk
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Panko breadcrumbs

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Boil the pasta al dente and set aside.
  • Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
  • Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until golden. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Cook the onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the skillet until tender, then add to the bowl with the chicken.
  • Make the sauce by melting butter in the skillet, stirring in flour, and slowly adding milk.
  • Add the ranch seasoning, condensed cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese to the sauce.
  • Stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
  • Combine the cooked pasta, sauce, and chicken and veggies in a large bowl.
  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with cheese, bacon, and panko breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is hot and bubbly.

Serving

Let the Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. It can be served with grilled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, or a cucumber and tomato salad.

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Chicken and cheese sides

Chicken and cheese is a versatile combination that can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create delicious and satisfying meals. Here are some ideas for sides that will complement and enhance your chicken and cheese dish:

Mashed potatoes

Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are an excellent side dish for chicken and cheese. They provide a soft and fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the chicken and can be seasoned with herbs and spices to add extra flavour.

Rice

Rice is a versatile side dish that can be paired with chicken and cheese in a variety of ways. For a simple option, steamed rice or creamy polenta can be a great base for your chicken and cheese. If you're looking for something more flavourful, try Spanakorizo, a Greek rice dish with a blend of spices and herbs that will complement your chicken and cheese.

Vegetables

Adding some vegetables to your meal will provide a nutritious and colourful side dish. Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are great options that can be easily prepared and cooked. You can also include a variety of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers, to add more flavour and texture to your meal.

Salads

A fresh and crisp salad can be a great way to balance out the richness of chicken and cheese. Opt for a simple side salad with leafy greens and vegetables, or get creative with ingredients like quinoa, barley, buckwheat, or lentils for a heartier option.

Breads

To round out your meal, consider serving some bread on the side. Baked or roasted potatoes are a great option, or you could try crusty bread or rolls to soak up any delicious sauces or cheeses.

Other options

For a more indulgent side, try mac and cheese, or go for a lighter option with a wrap or grain bowl. You can fill the wrap with your chicken and cheese, adding in some fresh vegetables and a drizzle of sauce or dressing.

Remember, when choosing sides, consider the specific flavours and textures of your chicken and cheese dish to create a well-rounded and tasty meal.

Frequently asked questions

Feta, Gruyère, Emmental, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Provolone, Blue Cheese, Brie, and Cream Cheese are all good options.

Cheddar, Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Ricotta are all cheeses that work well in baked chicken recipes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu typically uses Swiss cheese, but you can substitute it with any other cheese of your choice.

Mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, barley, buckwheat, or lentils are all good options to serve alongside cheesy chicken.

A simple recipe for Three-Cheese Chicken includes chicken breasts topped with a mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese, cooked in a skillet for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.

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