Chicken And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Chicken and cheese is a classic combination, and there are many ways to pair the two. For example, a chicken sandwich with bacon or salami and a mild cheese like Gouda or cheddar, or a chicken cordon bleu with ham and Swiss cheese. Chicken breasts can be stuffed with a mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, or coated in breadcrumbs and a combination of cheddar and Parmesan.

Cheeses for chicken sandwiches

Chicken sandwiches are a versatile dish, with a variety of cheeses that can be used to add flavour and texture. Here are some ideas for cheeses to use in chicken sandwiches, along with some suggested combinations:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for chicken sandwiches as it has a sharp, distinctive flavour that pairs well with chicken. It can be used in a variety of forms, such as shredded, sliced, or melted, and goes well with other ingredients such as bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild and creamy cheese that melts easily, making it perfect for chicken sandwiches. It can be used on its own or combined with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or asiago. Mozzarella works well with a variety of sandwich fillings, including avocado, BBQ chicken, and caramelised onions.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese, also known as Emmental, is a good choice for chicken sandwiches as it has a mild, slightly nutty flavour and a creamy texture. It pairs well with ingredients like chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, and can also be used in chicken cordon bleu sandwiches, where it melts nicely with the ham and chicken.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese, such as stilton, has a strong, pungent flavour that can add a tangy twist to a chicken sandwich. It goes well with sweet ingredients like honey, as well as arugula and caramelised onions.

Provolone

Provolone is a mild, slightly sweet cheese that melts well, making it a good choice for grilled chicken sandwiches. It can also be used in combination with other cheeses like mozzarella.

Feta

Feta cheese is a briny, tangy cheese that can add a nice salty kick to a chicken sandwich. It pairs well with sweet tomatoes and rucola (wild rocket).

When choosing a cheese for your chicken sandwich, consider the other ingredients and flavours you want to include. Some cheeses, like mozzarella and provolone, melt well and are versatile, while others, like blue cheese and feta, have stronger flavours that can be a focal point of the sandwich. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Cheeses for chicken cordon bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a fancy dish with a name that translates from French to "blue ribbon". It is made by rolling up thin slices of deli ham and Swiss cheese inside chicken breasts, then breading and baking or frying the chicken. The cheese is an important component of this dish, as it melts and blends with the ham to create a unique flavour.

The most popular type of cheese used in Chicken Cordon Bleu is Swiss cheese. This is because Swiss cheese has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that pairs well with the chicken and ham. It also has a low melting point, which allows it to melt fully inside the chicken roll without losing its creamy texture. Swiss cheese is also relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it a convenient choice for this dish.

However, you can use other types of cheese in Chicken Cordon Bleu as well. Some popular alternatives include provolone, which is slightly more tangy than Swiss cheese, and cheddar cheese, which has a sharper, more distinct flavour. Gruyere cheese is another option that is commonly used in Chicken Cordon Bleu recipes. It has a strong, nutty flavour that can add extra depth to the dish.

When choosing a cheese for Chicken Cordon Bleu, it is important to consider the flavour profile you want to create. If you prefer a milder, more subtle taste, Swiss cheese or gruyere would be a good choice. For a slightly tangier flavour, provolone is a better option. And if you want a sharper, more pronounced cheese flavour, cheddar is the way to go. Ultimately, the best cheese for Chicken Cordon Bleu is the one that you like the most, as this dish is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of cheese options.

Cheeses for baked chicken breasts

Baked chicken breasts are a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. Here are some ideas and recipes to try:

Cheddar and Parmesan Baked Chicken

A classic combination of cheeses that work well with chicken is cheddar and Parmesan. This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, plain dry breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper, then dipped in the butter mixture before being coated in the cheese and breadcrumb mixture. It is then baked in the oven until cooked through, resulting in a delicious, crunchy dish.

Three-Cheese Chicken

For an indulgent option, try a three-cheese chicken recipe featuring mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta. This recipe starts with chicken breasts cut horizontally to create thinner chops, which are then pounded with a meat tenderizer for even thickness. The cheeses are mixed with garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavourful topping for the chicken. After searing the chicken in a skillet, the cheese mixture is spread on top, and the dish is cooked until the cheese melts. This recipe is simple yet special and pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or grains.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a fancy yet easy-to-prepare dish that features Swiss cheese, although you can use any cheese of your choice. It involves layering slices of ham and cheese on top of chicken breasts, then rolling them up tightly. The chicken bundles are then dipped in melted butter and coated with cornflake crumbs or breadcrumbs before being baked in the oven. This dish is often served with a simple sauce made by mixing mayonnaise and mustard.

Other Cheese Options

Some other cheeses that pair well with chicken include:

• Pepper jack or smoked gouda
• Blue cheese
• Feta
• Gruyère
• Mozzarella
• Provolone
• Monterey Jack
• Raclette
• Brie
• Cream cheese

These cheeses can be used in various recipes, such as sandwiches, melts, or bakes, to add flavour and texture to your chicken dishes.

Cheesy chicken sides

Chicken and cheese is a classic combination, and there are many ways to serve it. Here are some ideas for cheesy chicken sides to elevate your meal:

Baked Cheesy Chicken Breasts

For a delicious and crunchy option, try baked cheesy chicken breasts. This recipe combines cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese with a breadcrumb exterior. It's a simple and family-friendly meal that can be served with a range of sides.

Three-Cheese Chicken

If you're looking for a creamy and flavourful option, try the three-cheese chicken recipe. It features a garlic-infused mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses melted over pan-seared chicken breasts. It's a quick and easy dish that your family will surely love.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that pairs chicken with Swiss cheese and ham. The chicken is rolled up with the ham and cheese, coated in a crunchy crumb coating, and baked to perfection. It's an elegant dish that's sure to impress and can be prepared ahead of time.

Chicken Sandwiches

Get creative with your sandwiches! Try different types of cheese such as Red Leicester, Emmental, Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda, Blue Cheese, Feta, Gruyère, or even cream cheese. Add some bacon, salami, or caramelized onions for extra flavour.

Sides and Accompaniments

To round out your cheesy chicken meal, consider serving it with some of these sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Creamy polenta
• Baked or roasted potatoes
• Side salad
• Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• Wrap or grain bowl

There you have it! Plenty of cheesy chicken sides to choose from to elevate your meal. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the magic of chicken and cheese!

Chicken and cheese casseroles

Ingredients

You will need chicken, of course, and some cheese. You can use any type of cheese that you like, but a good melting cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere will give you that creamy, stretchy texture we all love in a casserole. For the chicken, you can use leftovers, rotisserie chicken, or poached/baked chicken breasts.

Vegetables

Feel free to add some veggies to the mix! Mushrooms, tomatoes, grilled zucchini, or roasted veggies all work well. Just be sure to cook and/or drain your veggies before adding them to the casserole.

Pasta

Any medium pasta will work for this recipe. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can also use rice instead of pasta.

Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens! For a basic sauce, you can use cream of chicken soup or make your own condensed mushroom soup. If you want to get fancy, you can make a cheesy sauce with cream cheese, milk, and cream of chicken soup. You can also add in some flour to thicken the sauce and give it a smoother texture.

Toppings

Now, for the best part - more cheese! You can top your casserole with shredded cheese, panko breadcrumbs, or a combination of both. If you're feeling extra indulgent, add some crispy bacon bits on top as well.

Instructions

Simply boil your pasta al dente, soften your veggies in butter, and mix them with the sauce and cheese. Add in your chicken and pasta, and spread the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with more cheese and any other desired toppings, and bake until hot and bubbly.

There you have it! A delicious, cheesy chicken casserole that's sure to impress. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions