Chili Crisp Honey Chicken Cheese (Print Version)

Sweet and spicy shredded chicken paired with melted cheese and crisp bread for a satisfying meal.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 - 2 tablespoons honey
03 - 2 tablespoons chili crisp, plus extra for serving
04 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Sandwich Components

07 - 8 slices sourdough or sturdy sandwich bread
08 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
11 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, honey, chili crisp, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly and set aside.
02 - Mix shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese together in a separate bowl until well blended.
03 - Lay out the bread slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. Optionally, spread mayonnaise on the opposite side to enhance crispness.
04 - On the unbuttered side of half the bread slices, layer a generous amount of the cheese mixture, followed by the honey chili crisp chicken, and top with additional cheese. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outwards.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. Work in batches if necessary.
06 - Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let cool slightly, then slice and serve with extra chili crisp if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between crispy bread and gooey cheese against sweet honey and spicy chili crisp creates an addictive flavor that tastes fancier than it actually is.
  • It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so you can make it on a busy weeknight without thinking too hard.
  • This sandwich proves that the best meals often come from whatever you happen to have on hand in your kitchen.
02 -
  • If the heat is too high, your bread will brown before the cheese melts inside—medium heat is your friend here, even though it feels slow.
  • Pressing the sandwich while it cooks helps the cheese melt faster and creates better contact with the pan, which equals better browning on both sides.
  • Rotisserie chicken is the secret weapon that makes this sandwich feel restaurant-quality without any of the work.
03 -
  • Keep your butter at room temperature before you spread it; hard butter tears the bread, but soft butter spreads like silk and browns more evenly.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the cooked ones warm on a plate in a low oven while you cook the rest—they'll stay crispy without drying out.
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