Grilled Cheese Chicken Sandwich Recipe - Sandwiched between two slices of crispy golden bread is a layer of aioli sauce, chicken, bacon, tomato, and plenty of gooey cheese!
I’ve had this grilled cheese chicken sandwich on my blog for a while now, but it wasn’t until recently that I made a single tweak to make it even better! So, naturally, I had to share it with all of you.
This new and improved grilled chicken sandwich recipe made with melty cheese, bacon, tomato, and crisp buttery bread is slathered with creamy, tangy aioli sauce. I tell you, it’s amazing! So grab your panini press or skillet and join me in making the best grilled cheese you’ve ever had.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Any kind of grilled cheese sandwich is total comfort food!
- It’s a quick and easy lunch or dinner idea to eat sitting down or on the go.
- Made with simple ingredients.
- There are so many flavors and textures! Juicy chicken, melty cheese, salty crispy bacon, and zesty tomato.
Recipe Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Chicken
- There are so many ways to dress up a grilled cheese sandwich! You can swap the chicken for pulled pork, deli meat, roast beef, or whatever protein you’d like. I would say tuna, but in this case, I highly recommend a homemade tuna melt.
- Add extra veggies like caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms.
- If aioli sauce isn’t your favorite, you could try something different. BBQ sauce, chipotle sauce, or ranch.
- More cheese options include Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack.
- Using mayo instead of butter works too!
Ingredients
- Chicken: You can use the skillet or panini press to cook the chicken breast first, and then clean it before grilling the sandwich. I prefer to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make things a little easier.
- Butter: Bring it out to room temperature about 30 minutes before so it’s soft enough to spread. Spreading the outer sides of the bread will give it a buttery flavor and a crisp texture.
- Bread: I use regular white sandwich bread most often, but you can really use whatever bread you want.
- Bacon: Cooked, crispy bacon. You’ll need about 1 slice per sandwich.
- Cheese: Use your favorite sliced cheese. Mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss cheese, provolone, brie, etc.
- Tomato: Slices of tomato, thinly sliced.
- Aioli sauce: Adds a creaminess and a garlicky flavor to the sandwich.
How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Step 1: Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Step 2: Spread aioli sauce on the opposite side.
Step 3: Place the buttered side down and, on top of the aioli layer, a slice of cheese, chicken, bacon, tomato, and another slice of cheese.
Step 4: Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up. Grill the assembled sandwich in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes on each side. Press down with the spatula to ensure the middle gets heated through and the cheese melts.
Step 5: Place sandwich onto a cutting board, cut in half and enjoy!
How to Cook Chicken on a Panini Press
Set the press to medium-high. Cut the chicken in half crosswise so you have thinner chicken that will cook faster. Season the chicken on both sides, press, and cook for about 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Recipe FAQs
It goes great with a side of crispy potato wedges or a refreshing cucumber tomato salad. In the cooler months, we like ours with a side of soup. A classic chicken noodle soup, creamy potato soup, or an earthy mushroom soup.
Any bread that is sturdy enough to hold up to the grilling and all the filling is a great choice. If you’re not using regular sandwich bread, you could use sourdough, pumpernickel, rye bread, whole wheat, or French bread.
It’s best enjoyed the day it’s made; however, I don’t blame you for wanting to save every last bite! Keep it stored in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge.
If you’re in a rush, zap it in the microwave for a quick reheat. To crisp it back up again, I would recommend placing it back in a skillet to reheat.
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
- Protein Packed Breakfast Egg Sandwich (Video)
- Roast Beef Sandwich Recipe
- Best Chicken Club Sandwich
- BLT Sandwich
- Fish Fillet Sandwich
When YOU make this Grilled Cheese Chicken Sandwich recipe tag us @munchkintimeblog on Instagram, we would LOVE to see your creation!
If you tried this grilled cheese sandwich with chicken recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a * star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast cooked, sliced in half
- 2 tablespoons butter room temperature
- 2 tablespoons aioli sauce with sriracha or to taste
- 2 slices bread we like to use sourdough bread
- 4 strips bacon cooked
- 2 oz mozzarella cheese sliced
- 1 medium tomato sliced
Instructions
- Fire up the greased skillet to medium/low heat and get ready to create the perfect sandwich. Start by slathering butter on the outside of two slices of bread to achieve that irresistible crispy texture.
- On the other side of the bread, spread on some mouthwatering aioli sauce.
- Now, it's time to assemble the masterpiece. Lay down one slice of bread, buttered side down, and pile on the cheese, cooked chicken breast, crispy bacon, ripe tomato slices, and more cheese.
- Then, seal the deal with the other slice of bread, buttered side up. Place sandwich in the skillet and let it sizzle for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Don't forget to apply some pressure with a spatula for that perfect crunch and melty cheese. Get ready for the most sensational, golden brown, cheesy, and irresistible sandwich you've ever tasted!
Notes
- Choose the right bread: Opt for a bread that has a sturdy texture and can hold up to the fillings without becoming soggy, I like to use sourdough bread.
- Use quality cheese: Select a good melting cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for that perfect gooey texture.
- Add some protein: Consider adding grilled or roasted chicken to make your sandwich more satisfying and flavorful.
- Customize your fillings: Add your favorite ingredients like caramelized onions, sliced tomatoes, or crispy bacon to elevate the flavors.
Nutrition
Quote of the Day
Happy Cooking!
Oh my goodness gracious, this looks divine!!!! I especially your food-tography 🙂 totally pinning, have a great day! xo
Thank you so much Jess, you are awesome!
Hello cute lady! I'm just stopping by to let you know that we will be featuring your delicious grilled cheese at our party tonight! Pinned and tweeted. We can't wait to party with you! Lou Lou Girls
I am so honored, thank you so much Lou Lou Girls!
I'm in love with grilled cheese sandwiches and paninis, and yours? Oh my! Pinned, and looking forward to trying this soon. Btw, your photos of your lish recipes are stunning! --Ginger
http://gingerwroot.com
Thank you so much Ginger for such a sweet comment!!!