The Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts Recipe is a delightful fusion of creamy, savory chicken salad and melty cheese on perfectly toasted bread that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. This dish takes simplicity to a new level by using pantry-friendly ingredients that come together quickly, yet deliver a rich, satisfying flavor that feels homemade and special. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a shareable snack, these melts will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts Recipe plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy mayo that binds everything to the fresh burst of cilantro and tomato, these simple components transform into something extraordinary.
- Good bread: A sturdy loaf is best to hold all the delicious filling without getting soggy.
- Canned chicken breast: Convenient and tender, it forms the hearty base for the melt.
- Real mayonnaise: Adds creaminess that makes each bite luscious and richly flavored.
- Johnny’s seasoning: Brings a signature blend of spices that’s savory and addictive (see notes below to make your own).
- Large tomato: Adds fresh juiciness and a bright pop of color to the chicken mix.
- Cilantro: Brings a fresh herbal note that lightens the richness.
- Mild cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, cheesy goodness inside or on top.
- Sriracha hot chili sauce (optional): Provides a tasty kick that’s perfect for heat lovers but completely customizable.
- Sea salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder: These spices elevate the whole dish with warmth and depth.
How to Make Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken base
Start by draining the canned chicken breast thoroughly to avoid watery melts later on. Transfer the drained chicken into a large bowl and break it up lightly with a fork. This texture is key – you want a mix that’s chunky but easy to spread.
Step 2: Mix in the creamy goodness
Next, stir in about 3/4 cup of real mayonnaise, adjusting to your preference for creaminess. Add Johnny’s seasoning to taste for that unique flavor boost, which makes these melts truly unforgettable. Combining the mayo and seasoning now ensures every bite is flavorful and smooth.
Step 3: Add fresh ingredients and cheese
Fold in the diced tomato and chopped cilantro to infuse the mixture with a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy base. Then sprinkle in the shredded mild cheddar cheese. This cheese will melt inside the sandwich, creating irresistible gooey pockets with each warm bite.
Step 4: Spice it up with Sriracha
If you enjoy a bit of heat, drizzle in some Sriracha hot chili sauce to taste. This addition gives the melts a lively kick but is totally optional. For families, you can portion the mixture, adding Sriracha only to half, making everyone happy.
Step 5: Assemble and bake the melts
Generously spread the chicken mixture over good quality sliced bread. Arrange the slices on a cookie sheet and bake uncovered at 350ËšF for about 8 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the edges of the bread are toasted just right. For a final touch, garnish with fresh cilantro and tomato pieces if you like.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves and a few vibrant tomato slices sprinkled on top brighten up the presentation and provide fresh bursts of flavor that complement the richness inside.
Side Dishes
Pair your melts with a crisp green salad, some crunchy pickles, or a bowl of warm soup to round out your meal with varied textures and temperatures that keep things exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the sandwich melts into smaller, appetizer-friendly pieces for parties or use different breads like sourdough or multigrain to mix up the flavors. You can even add avocado slices before baking for a creamy twist your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture. The melts can lose some crispness, but reheating brings them back wonderfully.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken mixture (without bread) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and assemble fresh melts before baking to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
Reheating
Reheat leftover melts on a baking sheet in a 350˚F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the bread’s crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Absolutely! Cooked, shredded chicken works wonderfully here. Just make sure it’s well drained and shredded finely to match the texture of the canned version.
What can I substitute for Johnny’s seasoning?
If you don’t have Johnny’s seasoning, a simple blend of paprika, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of onion powder can replicate its flavor beautifully.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Simply omit the Sriracha or any hot sauce to keep the flavor milder. The creamy chicken and melty cheese are generally loved by kids and adults alike.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Use a dairy-free mayonnaise and substitute the cheddar cheese for a plant-based alternative that melts well, and you’re good to go.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Using good quality, sturdy bread helps, as does draining the chicken very well. Additionally, baking the assembled melts uncovered gives the bread a chance to toast up and stay crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feel homemade yet require minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days or casual dinners. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—once you do, it might just become your new favorite comfort food to share with family and friends!
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Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts recipe combines canned chicken breast with creamy mayonnaise, fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and melted cheddar cheese, all spiced with a homemade Johnny’s seasoning blend. Spread on good quality bread and baked until bubbly and delicious, these melts make a quick, flavorful sandwich perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Sandwich Melts
- 1 loaf good quality bread
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) chicken breast in water, well drained
- 3/4 cup real mayonnaise (or to taste)
- Johnny’s seasoning to taste (approximately 1/4 tsp homemade seasoning)
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/3 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 6 oz mild cheddar cheese, finely shredded or slices for topping
- Sriracha hot chili sauce to taste (optional)
Johnny’s Seasoning (Homemade)
- 1 ½ Tbsp sea salt
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Drain and break up chicken: Drain the canned chicken thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to break up the chicken lightly into smaller pieces for easier mixing and distribution throughout the sandwich filling.
- Mix in mayonnaise and seasoning: Stir in 3/4 cup of real mayonnaise (or your preferred amount) along with Johnny’s seasoning to taste. The seasoning adds a depth of flavor; about a little more than 1/4 teaspoon is used to get the right balance.
- Add fresh ingredients and cheese: Incorporate the diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined for a fresh, creamy filling.
- Optional spicy kick: Add Sriracha hot chili sauce to taste. This gives the filling a nice spicy kick. If you prefer a mild version, divide the mixture and add Sriracha only to half, making it kid-friendly.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the chicken mixture generously over slices of good quality bread. Place the prepared bread on a cookie sheet and bake uncovered at 350ËšF (175ËšC) for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich melts are warm and slightly toasted.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and diced tomatoes for added color and freshness before serving. Enjoy your easy, flavorful chicken sandwich melts warm!
Notes
- Use good quality bread for best results; a sturdy loaf helps hold the filling without getting soggy.
- If you want to prepare Johnny’s seasoning in advance, mix sea salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder in the specified proportions.
- The Sriracha sauce is optional and can be adjusted based on your desired spice level or omitted for kids.
- You can make the sandwich melts ahead of time and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with any mild melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack if preferred.
