Cheese And Chicken: Perfect Pairing For Palate Pleasures

Chicken and cheese is a classic combination, but what is the best cheese to use? There are so many options to choose from, and it can be a challenge to find the right balance of flavour and texture. The cheese should complement the chicken without being too overpowering. Some popular options include cheddar, provolone, Swiss cheese, and mozzarella. These cheeses have strong flavours that work well with chicken and can add a nice, salty contrast to the dish. For those who prefer a milder taste, Havarti, Fontina, and Mozzarella are excellent choices that melt well and have a soft texture. Ultimately, the best cheese for chicken depends on personal preference, and experimenting with different cheeses and combinations is the key to finding the perfect pairing.

Chicken sandwiches: cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese

When it comes to chicken sandwiches, there are several types of cheese that pair well with the flavour of chicken, including cheddar, provolone, and Swiss cheese. Each of these cheeses offers a distinct taste experience and can be combined with other ingredients to create a delicious sandwich.

Cheddar Chicken Sandwich

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for chicken sandwiches due to its sharp and familiar taste. A classic cheddar chicken sandwich can be made with sliced multi-grain or rye bread, deli-sliced chicken breast, ripe tomatoes, and alfalfa sprouts. The addition of stone-ground mustard and mayonnaise helps to enhance the flavour and moisture of the sandwich. Sargento® Sliced Sharp Cheddar Cheese is a common choice for this sandwich.

Provolone Chicken Sandwich

Provolone cheese offers a mild and slightly nutty flavour that pairs well with chicken. A provolone chicken sandwich can be made with sourdough bread, grilled chicken breast, onions, pesto aioli, and tomatoes. The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper and grilled until browned, while the onions are sautéed until soft and translucent. The sandwich is then assembled, with the provolone cheese melted in the oven for a gooey texture.

Swiss Cheese and Chicken Sandwich

Swiss cheese, known for its creamy and mild flavour, is an excellent choice for grilled chicken sandwiches. This sandwich can be made with rye bread, boneless and skinless chicken breast, mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickles, and red onions. The chicken is sautéed and shredded, then combined with the other ingredients to create a savoury sandwich. Grilling the assembled sandwich gives it a golden brown crust, and it is often garnished with additional pickles.

Each of these sandwiches offers a unique taste experience, showcasing the versatility of chicken when paired with different types of cheese. The choice between cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile.

Chicken burgers: Monterey Jack

Chicken burgers are a versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. One popular option is to incorporate Monterey Jack cheese, adding a creamy and savoury element to the burger. Here's a guide to creating delicious chicken burgers with Monterey Jack cheese:

Chicken Burger Patties

Start by preparing the chicken patties, which will serve as the foundation of your burger. You can use ground chicken or, alternatively, opt for a combination of ground beef and shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a heartier texture and flavour. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice, such as cumin or garlic powder. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect blend. Form the mixture into patties, and consider adding some chopped onions for extra flavour and moisture.

Grilling the Chicken Burgers

Grill the chicken patties on a barbecue grill or in a skillet over medium heat. Aim for a cooking time of around 5 to 6 minutes per side, adjusting as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness. For a juicy and flavourful burger, it's important not to overcook the chicken. If you're using ground beef, the internal temperature should reach 160°F to ensure it's cooked through.

Preparing the Buns

While the chicken burgers are cooking, prepare the buns by lightly toasting them on a grill or in a toaster. Brush the insides of the buns with butter and place them cut-side down on the grill for a subtle char. You can use plain hamburger buns or opt for those with sesame seeds for an extra crunch.

Adding the Monterey Jack Cheese

Now, it's time for the star ingredient—the Monterey Jack cheese. Place a slice of cheese on top of each chicken burger patty about a minute before they finish cooking. This will allow the cheese to melt slightly and form a delicious, creamy coating. If you prefer your cheese extra gooey, you can leave the burgers on the grill a little longer, but keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Toppings and Sides

The beauty of a chicken burger is that you can customise it with various toppings and sides to suit your taste. Consider grilled red onions, which provide a sweet caramelised flavour that pairs well with the cheese. You can also offer a selection of classic toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or even sautéed mushrooms. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken burgers on the warm, toasted buns, and let your guests add their desired toppings. For an extra indulgent touch, you can also spread some mayonnaise or a special sauce on the buns. Pair your burgers with crispy fries, onion rings, or a refreshing side salad.

Chicken salads: feta

Feta chicken salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal that can be prepared in less than 20 minutes. It's a great source of protein and is perfect for lunches, especially during the week. The salty feta cheese pairs perfectly with the crisp veggies and fresh herbs in the salad.

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken (either homemade or store-bought)
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Feta cheese (preferably a block of feta crumbled yourself for better flavour and consistency)
• Celery
• Red bell pepper (green bell peppers tend to be bitter, so red or yellow peppers are preferred for their sweetness)
• Pepperoncini
• Red onion
• Garlic
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed is recommended)
• Fresh dill
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Prepare the chicken by cooking and shredding it, then add to a large bowl.
• Finely dice the bell pepper, celery, pepperoncini, and red onion, and add them to the bowl with the chicken.
• Add the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper to the bowl and mix until fully combined.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Serve immediately with pita chips or use it as a sandwich filling. Alternatively, you can chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Variations and Tips

• For a creamier salad, add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt.
• If desired, add a diced garlic clove to enhance the flavour.
• Try using tomato-basil feta for added flavour.
• This salad is very versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, such as in a wrap, on a bed of mixed greens, or with crackers.

Chicken with avocado: cheddar

Chicken and avocado is a delicious combination, and there are several ways to incorporate cheddar into this pairing. Here are some mouth-watering ideas and recipes:

Chicken, Avocado, and Cheddar Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a fantastic option for a quick, tasty, and filling meal. For a chicken, avocado, and cheddar quesadilla, you can fill a flour tortilla with cooked chicken, avocado, and cheddar cheese. You can also add other ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes cooked in fajita spices for a flavourful kick. To assemble, simply spread sour cream on a tortilla, top with cheese, avocado, and the chicken mixture, and squeeze some lime and sprinkle cilantro for added freshness. Fold the tortilla over and pan-sear until crispy and golden.

Grilled Chicken, Avocado, and Cheddar Sandwich

This sandwich is a delightful option for breakfast, lunch, or a quick meal on the go. To make it, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, and chipotle chilli powder. Grill the chicken and add a slice of cheddar cheese to melt on top. Assemble the sandwich by placing the chicken with melted cheese, sliced avocado, and lettuce on a toasted bun. You can also add mayonnaise to enhance the creaminess of the sandwich.

Chicken, Avocado, and Cheddar Wrap

For a chicken, avocado, and cheddar wrap, you can follow a similar recipe to the grilled sandwich. Season chicken breasts with salt, paprika, garlic granules, and cayenne chilli peppers. Grill the chicken and place it on a wrap with mashed avocado, spreading the avocado like a sauce. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese and grill the wrap until the cheese is melted.

Chicken, Avocado, and Cheddar Salad

For a refreshing twist, you can also incorporate chicken, avocado, and cheddar into a salad. Combine grilled or shredded chicken with sliced avocado, and top it off with cheddar cheese shavings or cubes. You can add other vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, and a vinaigrette or your favourite salad dressing.

Chicken, Avocado, and Cheddar Burger

A chicken burger with avocado and cheddar is a delicious variation to the traditional beef burger. Season and grill a chicken patty and place it on a toasted bun with sliced avocado, melted cheddar cheese, and your choice of toppings and sauces, such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayonnaise, or barbecue sauce.

There are endless possibilities when combining chicken, avocado, and cheddar, and these recipes are just a few suggestions. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods to find your favourite way to enjoy this tasty trio!

Chicken and bacon: Swiss cheese

Chicken and bacon with Swiss cheese is a flavourful and easy-to-make meal. Swiss cheese adds a nutty taste to the dish, while bacon, with its strong flavour, enhances the rather bland chicken breast.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breast
• Swiss cheese
• Bacon
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Steak seasoning
• Hamburger buns
• Lettuce
• Tomato

Method

Start by mixing mayonnaise, mustard and honey in a small bowl. Pound the chicken with a meat mallet to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Sprinkle the chicken with steak seasoning. Grill the chicken over medium heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which should take around 4-6 minutes on each side. Top the chicken with Swiss cheese during the last minute of cooking.

Grill the hamburger buns over medium heat for 30-60 seconds until toasted. Assemble the sandwich by placing the chicken on the buns, and adding bacon and the mayonnaise mixture. You can also add lettuce and tomato if desired.

Variations

You can also make a creamy Swiss chicken bake by adding sliced Swiss cheese on top of chicken breasts placed in a greased baking dish. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a bowl, and spread this over the chicken. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and bake for about an hour. This dish can be served alone or over rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions