Chicken And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing

Chicken and cheese is a classic combination, but with so many varieties of both, it can be tricky to know which cheeses go best with chicken. The answer depends on how the chicken is cooked and what type of dish you're making. For example, fried chicken sandwiches are delicious with melty, strong cheeses like cheddar, while grilled chicken is best paired with 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.

Chicken grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced cooked chicken
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (colby jack is recommended, but you can use your favourite)
• ¾ cup roughly chopped green olives (black olives would also work)
• 8 slices of bread (sourdough is recommended, but any sturdy bread will do)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2-4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Optional extras

• Spinach
• Mustard
• Chipotle mayo
• Ranch dressing
• Bacon
• Tomatoes
• Caramelized onions
• Hot sauce
• Bell peppers

Method

• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine the chicken, shredded cheese, and olives in a medium bowl. Set aside.
• Butter one side of each of the 8 slices of bread.
• Sprinkle 4 of the bread slices on the buttered side with some parmesan cheese, and place them butter side down on a baking sheet.
• Distribute the filling across the 4 slices.
• Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on the buttered side of the last 4 slices of bread, and place them on top of the filling, buttered side up.
• Bake for 6-8 minutes, then flip the sandwiches and bake for about 6 minutes more, until the sandwiches are golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can grill them on a stovetop on a griddle or in a skillet.

Tips

• If you want your butter to be easier to spread, let it sit at room temperature for a bit, or use a whipped butter or a buttery spread.
• Cook your chicken ahead of time to streamline prep, or buy pre-cooked, pre-diced frozen chicken. If you go for the frozen option, be sure to thaw it a bit in the microwave before using it.
• You can store leftover sandwiches in the fridge for up to a week. Wrap them in plastic or use an airtight container.
• To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them, but they may come out a little soggy or soft.

Chicken and cheese sandwich

A chicken and cheese sandwich is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're a foodie looking for a new flavour combination or a parent seeking a quick and easy meal, this sandwich is a great option. Here's a guide to help you create delicious chicken and cheese sandwiches that will satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds!

Choosing the Right Cheese

The type of cheese you select for your sandwich is crucial, as it can make or break the overall flavour profile. For a classic combination, consider using shredded Colby Jack cheese, which blends the sharpness of Colby with the mildness of Monterey Jack. This cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to your sandwich. Alternatively, you can experiment with other varieties such as cheddar, pepper jack, muenster, Swiss, or provolone. Each of these cheeses has its unique flavour and texture, so feel free to mix and match to find your perfect pairing.

Selecting the Chicken

When it comes to the chicken, you have the option of using leftovers or cooking it specifically for your sandwich. Pre-cooked or frozen chicken can be a convenient choice, but if you have the time, cooking your chicken fresh can elevate the taste of your sandwich. You can bake, grill, or fry the chicken to your desired level of doneness, ensuring it is thoroughly cooked before adding it to your sandwich.

Building the Perfect Sandwich

Start by selecting your bread. Sourdough bread is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its sturdy texture and tangy flavour. However, you can also use other types of bread, such as brioche buns, onion buns, or classic sandwich bread. Spread butter or mayonnaise on the bread to add richness and enhance the grilling process. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add a crunchy twist by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on the buttered side of the bread before grilling, creating a delicious Parmesan crust.

Once your bread is prepared, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Combine the chicken with your chosen cheese and mix in additional ingredients to elevate the flavour. Green olives add a salty, savoury element, while caramelised onions contribute sweetness and depth of flavour. You can also experiment with ingredients like bacon, spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, or pickles to create a sandwich that suits your taste.

Grilling and Serving

After assembling your sandwich, it's time to grill it to perfection. Place the sandwich on a baking sheet or skillet and grill it until the bread is golden brown and crispy, flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can bake your sandwich in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes on each side. Serve your chicken and cheese sandwich hot, paired with a refreshing side dish or a bowl of soup. Enjoy your homemade, mouthwatering creation!

Creating the perfect chicken and cheese sandwich is an art that allows for creativity and personal touches. By choosing the right cheese, selecting quality chicken, and adding complementary ingredients, you can elevate this classic sandwich to new heights of deliciousness. Whether you're feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a satisfying meal, this sandwich is sure to become a go-to option that satisfies every time.

Fried chicken sandwich

The fried chicken sandwich is a sacred object of culinary delight for some, a piece of crispy chicken between two buns. For others, it's just delicious. People have strong opinions about their fried chicken sandwiches, from bun choice to dredging technique, mayo varieties, and most controversially, cheese.

Some chefs swear by cheese on their fried chicken sandwiches, like Tom Henneman of Federal Donuts, who says, "a single slice of American cheese just melted enough to coat the twice-fried buttermilk ranch chicken ups the game." Elliott Moss, chef and owner of Buxton Hall Barbecue, agrees, stating, "Cheese belongs on a chicken sandwich, and mine has three different kinds: American, pimiento, and smoked cheddar. It belongs because it really just makes it taste better."

Matt Farley, executive chef of Acme Feed & Seed, adds that cheese "adds a creamy texture and it somehow cools the heat from the hot chicken." He further states, "I'll eat cheese on almost anything." On the other hand, some chefs prefer their fried chicken sandwiches without cheese, arguing that it distracts from the star of the show—the chicken.

If you decide to include cheese on your fried chicken sandwich, here are some tips and recommendations:

• Cheese Choice: While American cheese is a popular choice, you can also experiment with other varieties such as cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, provolone, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend. Ultimately, any cheese that melts nicely will work, including cheddar, Monterey or pepper jack, muenster, Swiss, or provolone.
• Quantity: One slice of cheese is often enough to add flavour to the sandwich without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Texture: Melt the cheese just enough to coat the chicken, creating a creamy texture that complements the crispy chicken.
• Complementary Ingredients: Consider adding toppings and sauces that pair well with cheese, such as pickles, mayo, spicy sauces, or slaw.
• Customization: Feel free to customize your sandwich with additional ingredients like bacon, mustard, chutney, spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
• Storage and Reheating: Fried chicken sandwiches with cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated in the oven for the best texture.

Chicken cheese sandwiches

Chicken and Cheese Sandwiches

Chicken and cheese sandwiches are a versatile dish, with a variety of possible ingredients and methods of preparation. The type of cheese used in a chicken sandwich can vary depending on personal preference, the availability of ingredients, and the desired flavour profile. Here is a guide to help you craft the perfect chicken and cheese sandwich.

Types of Cheese

The choice of cheese can make or break a sandwich. For a chicken sandwich, it is generally recommended to use a cheese that melts well and complements the flavour of the chicken without being too overpowering. Some popular options include:

• Colby Jack
• Mexican blend
• Cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Pepper Jack
• Muenster
• Swiss
• Provolone

However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as feta, blue cheese, or even cream cheese, depending on your taste preferences.

Additional Ingredients

In addition to the chicken and cheese, there are numerous ingredients you can add to enhance the flavour and texture of your sandwich. Consider including:

• Green or black olives
• Spinach
• Bacon
• Mustard
• Chutney
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes
• Onions

You can also get creative with your choice of bread and condiments. Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its sturdiness and distinct tang. Alternatively, a brioche bun can add a touch of richness to your sandwich. For condiments, mayonnaise, mustard, chipotle mayo, or ranch dressing can all be excellent choices.

Preparation Methods

Chicken and cheese sandwiches can be prepared in a variety of ways. A classic grilled cheese sandwich involves melting the cheese between two slices of buttered bread on a stovetop griddle or skillet. Alternatively, you can bake your sandwich in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes on each side, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Recipe Example

Ingredients:

• 1 cup diced cooked chicken
• 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• ¾ cup roughly chopped green olives
• 2 slices sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Combine the chicken, shredded cheese, and olives in a bowl and mix well.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the buttered side of one slice and place it butter-side down on a baking sheet.
• Pile the chicken mixture on top of the bread.
• Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
• Bake for 6-8 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Feel free to customise this recipe by adding your choice of additional ingredients or experimenting with different types of cheese and bread.

Chicken sandwich

There are many opinions on what type of cheese goes best in a chicken sandwich, and it may depend on the other ingredients used. For example, one source suggests that a classic fried chicken sandwich with buttered toasted buns, chicken, and pickles does not need cheese, and is one for the purists. However, another source recommends a grilled chicken sandwich with a Parmesan cheese crust on the outside of the bread, creating a crispy, crunchy texture to go with the melted, cheesy filling.

Other sources suggest that the type of cheese used depends on the other ingredients in the sandwich. For example, if you are using bacon or salami, you may not want a salty cheese. If you are toasting your sandwich, it is recommended to mix mozzarella with a mild cheese like cheddar or gouda, to avoid a punchy flavour. For a sandwich with BBQ chicken and avocado, cheddar is a good option, and for a chicken bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich, Swiss cheese is recommended. For a spicy chicken sandwich with onions and ranch, you could use Monterey Jack, and for a chicken sandwich with blue cheese, arugula, and caramelized onions, a brioche bun is suggested.

Some other cheese recommendations for chicken sandwiches include provolone, pepper jack, smoked gouda, feta, gruyère, emmental, shredded mozzarella, muenster, Swiss, or raclette.

Frequently asked questions