Save to Pinterest The first time I made this, my roommate walked into the kitchen and asked why it smelled like a Thai takeout spot and a American diner had a baby. That is exactly the energy here. I was craving something comforting but bored with regular grilled cheese, so I grabbed a jar of chili crisp from the fridge and never looked back.
I made these for a friend who claimed she hated fancy grilled cheese variations. She took one bite, sat down at the counter, and ate two sandwiches straight off the cutting board. Now she requests them every time she comes over and brings her own chili crisp.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, or use leftovers from a roasted chicken
- 2 tablespoons honey: Use a mild honey so it does not overpower the chili crisp
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp: The crunchy bits are just as important as the oil, so do not skip them
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: This adds a salty depth that balances the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: A little acid cuts through the rich cheese and butter
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground makes a difference here
- 8 slices sourdough bread: Sturdy bread is crucial because the filling is heavy
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: This provides the classic cheese pull
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar: The sharpness cuts through the sweetness of the honey
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter spreads evenly without tearing the bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: The secret to restaurant level crispy bread
Instructions
- Mix the chicken filling:
- Combine shredded chicken with honey, chili crisp, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper until every piece is coated
- Blend the cheeses:
- Mix mozzarella and cheddar in a bowl so the flavors are evenly distributed
- Prep the bread:
- Butter one side of each slice, then spread mayo on the opposite side for extra crunch
- Build the sandwiches:
- Layer cheese on the unbuttered side, add the chicken mixture, top with more cheese, and close with butter facing out
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese melts completely
- Rest and serve:
- Let them cool for a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then slice diagonally and serve with extra chili crisp
Save to Pinterest This recipe became my go to when I need to feed a crowd quickly. Last summer I made twelve sandwiches for a beach day and they disappeared before anyone touched the chips I bought.
Make It Your Own
Swap in Monterey Jack if you want less sharpness or add smoked gouda for a deeper flavor profile. Sometimes I throw in pickled jalapeños if I want extra heat that cuts through the cheese.
What To Serve With It
A simple side salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the richness, or go with tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal. I also love these with cold beer or crisp white wine.
Meal Prep Secrets
Mix the chicken filling up to three days ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually get better as they sit. You can also shred the cheese and store it in a container.
- Butter the bread ahead of time and stack slices with parchment paper between them
- Cook these on a panini press if you want evenly crispy sandwiches without flipping
- Wrap cooked sandwiches in foil and keep them in a low oven to keep them warm for a party
Save to Pinterest Hope this becomes one of those recipes you make without even looking at the instructions. That is when you know it is yours.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes the chicken flavorful?
The shredded chicken is tossed with honey, soy sauce, chili crisp, rice vinegar, and black pepper, creating a sweet-spicy and tangy profile.
- → Which cheeses work best in this sandwich?
A blend of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar melts well, offering a creamy texture paired with a mild and sharp taste.
- → How to achieve the perfect crispiness on the bread?
Buttering the outside of the bread slices and optionally spreading mayonnaise on the inside side adds crunch and promotes even browning when grilled.
- → Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, adding sliced jalapeños or more chili crisp will increase the spiciness; alternatively, reduce chili crisp to lessen heat.
- → What bread types are recommended?
Sturdy breads like sourdough hold up well, providing a firm base and crisp texture when grilled.