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
Scale
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.
