When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, chicken melts stand out as a classic comfort food. With their combination of tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, and toasted bread, these irresistible sandwiches are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack. Whether you prefer classic chicken melts with simple toppings or adventurous variations featuring unique ingredients, there's a recipe out there to suit every taste. In this article, we'll explore the world of chicken melts, providing you with a collection of the best recipes to satisfy your cravings and impress your dinner guests.
Here are our top 17 tried and tested recipes!
EASY CHICKEN MELTS
"These cheesy, Cajun-flavored sandwiches are toasty and delicious right out of the oven. When I have leftover baked chicken breasts, I cut them up and use instead of the canned chicken," says Jessi Holland of Pensacola, Florida.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 5 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken, 1/2 cup cheese, onion, green pepper, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning and garlic. Spread over bread slices. Top each with a tomato slice; sprinkle with remaining cheese. , Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until bread is toasted and golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 349 calories, Fat 18g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 784mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 20g protein.
CHICKEN-AND-POLENTA PUTTANESCA MELTS
In this quick and easy weeknight dinner, the famously punchy puttanesca sauce is poured over tender slices of precooked polenta and thin chicken cutlets. Topped with creamy mozzarella, the result is a hearty dinner with plenty of zippy sauce to keep every bite interesting.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat broiler with rack 6 inches from heating element. Season polenta and chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high; swirl in 2 tablespoons oil. Add polenta and cook, flipping once, until golden and crisp on edges, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Add chicken to skillet; cook until browned on edges and cooked through, about 2 minutes a side. Transfer to plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil, olives, capers, and garlic to skillet; cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
- Stir marinara into skillet; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; nestle in chicken and polenta, shingling them and spooning some sauce over top. Sprinkle with cheese; broil until bubbly, 4 to 5 minutes. Top with parsley; serve.
SLOW-COOKER BACON-RANCH CHICKEN MELTS
For an easy, satisfying meal, this recipe for bacon-ranch seasoned chicken sandwiches is sure to please.
Provided by Cindy Rahe
Categories Entree
Time 4h20m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Place chicken breasts in single layer in slow cooker. In measuring cup, beat chicken broth and ranch seasoning with whisk. Pour mixture over chicken. Cover and cook on High heat setting 4 hours.
- Meanwhile, heat oven to 375° F. Place bacon on cookie sheet lined with cooking parchment paper. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Cool slightly before crumbling or slicing into bits.
- When chicken is done, carefully remove to cutting board, and shred using 2 forks. Place shredded chicken back into broth in slow cooker.
- Set oven control to broil. Butter each bun half, and place on cookie sheet, butter sides up. Broil with tops 6 inches from heat for a minute or two or until golden brown. Remove from oven, leaving broiler on, and set top buns aside. Pile some of the chicken onto each bottom bun; top with cheese, green onions and/or jalapeños, and place back under broiler until cheese is melted and bubbling. Top with top buns, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 360, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 930 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1 g
CHICKEN MUSHROOM MELTS
These crisp, cheesy melts look special and taste great! "On busy weeknights, I like to serve these with a salad for a satisfying meal. But they make hearty appetizers as well," notes Sandra Futros of Dugald, Manitoba.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 30m
Yield 16 appetizers.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken and mushrooms in oil for 5 minutes. Stir in soy sauce; cook 7 minutes longer. Stir in cream; cook for 4-6 minutes or until sauce is thickened (do not boil). , In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic; spread over bread. Place buttered side up on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 2-3 minutes. , Top each slice with 1/4 cup chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 228 calories, Fat 13g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 313mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 14g protein.
OPEN-FACE BBQ CHICKEN MELTS
Open-face sandwiches deliver more flavor and more melty cheese. (No top bread getting in the way!) You can feed a crowd with these sandwiches, just like my grandma did with her eight kids!
Provided by Gabriela Rodiles
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Spread both sides of each slice of bread with 1/2 cup of the mayonnaise, dividing evenly, and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and bake until the bread is crispy and the mayonnaise is starting to bubble up and turn a light golden brown, about 11 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk the ketchup, mustard, 3 tablespoons of the honey, 2 tablespoons of the vinegar, the Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of the hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of pepper (10 to 15 grinds) together in a medium bowl until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup sauce, then fold the chicken into the remaining sauce in bowl and toss to coat well.
- Top each piece of bread with a heaping 1/4 cup chicken mixture and about 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, chicken is heated through and bread has turned golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the red and green cabbage with the remaining 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon hot sauce in another medium bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and toss until cabbage is evenly coated.
- Drizzle the reserved sauce over the sandwiches and serve with the cabbage slaw and a dill pickle.
CHICKEN MELTS
Toasty and tasty, these hefty sandwiches boast a touch of sweetness from the raisins and jalapeno jelly. The creamy Havarti could be subbed out for brick cheese. -Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Spread two bread slices with jelly. Layer with chicken and cheese; top with remaining bread. Butter outsides of sandwiches., In a large skillet over medium heat, toast sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 493 calories, Fat 22g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 95mg cholesterol, Sodium 1164mg sodium, Carbohydrate 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 32g protein.
CHICKEN FAJITA MELTS
These cheesy chicken sandwich melts have all of the flavor of fajitas without the drippy mess!
Provided by laughingmagpie
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, and cook and stir until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced onions and red peppers, and cook and stir for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the tomato juice and taco seasoning, and mix well. Cook mixture until the juice has thickened and the chicken is well coated with sauce, about an additional 7 minutes.
- Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of salsa over each slice of French bread. Evenly spoon the chicken mixture on top of the salsa topped bread. Sprinkle each sandwich with 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese.
- Place sandwiches under the preheated broiler and cook for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 396.7 calories, Carbohydrate 19.9 g, Cholesterol 103.8 mg, Fat 16.6 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 40.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 820.8 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN ENCHILADA MELTS
After tasting a similar recipe at a sandwich shop, I knew I had to try my own version at home. Personally, I like mine even more! I like to mix equal parts salsa and ranch dressing to make a tasty sauce for these sandwiches. -Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 4h25m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a greased 3-qt. slow cooker, combine chicken, salsa and taco seasoning. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 4-5 hours., To serve, preheat broiler. Shred chicken with 2 forks; stir in tomatoes and cilantro., Place bread on ungreased baking sheets; broil 2-3 in. from heat until tops are lightly browned. Using tongs, place rounded 1/3 cup chicken mixture on each toast. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil until cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes. If desired, top with olives and additional tomatoes.Freeze option: Cool chicken mixture without tomatoes and cilantro; freeze in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; stir in tomatoes and cilantro and serve as directed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 377 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 1082mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 32g protein.
CHICKEN BAGEL MELTS
Our taste testers loved these scrumptious sandwiches from Shannon Brown, who created the melts to use up leftover chicken. "Deli chicken works well, too, when you don't have rotisserie on hand," she notes from Omaha, Nebraska.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Spread mayonnaise over bagel bottoms; layer with chicken, bacon, red pepper and cheese. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. , Broil 2-4 in. from the heat for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Spread mustard over bagel tops; place over cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 838 calories, Fat 45g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 100mg cholesterol, Sodium 1332mg sodium, Carbohydrate 61g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 43g protein.
CHICKEN MUSHROOM MELTS
Found this in Taste of Home (also one of my favorites)This is something I plan to make real soon. If you make this before me please let me know what you think. They stated it made a great appetizier as well as a quick meal on a busy weeknight.
Provided by Britt Os sweetie pie
Categories Poultry
Time 30m
Yield 16-18 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large skillet over mediu heat, cook chicken and mushrooms in oil for 5 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, cook 7 minutes longer. Stir in cream, simmer for 4 - 5 minutes or until sauce is thickened (do not boil).
- In a small bowl combine butter and garlic; spread over bread. Place buttered side up on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil 4 - 6" from the heat for 2 - 3 minutes.
- Top each slice with 1/4 cup chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil for 1 - 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
CHICKEN SALAD MELTS
Ruth Peterson from Jenison, Michigan uses up leftover chicken to create a creamy spread from open-faced sandwiches. "They're delicious, satisfying and inexpensive," she notes. "You can tuck the filling into buns instead, wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for a few minutes."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, cheese, green pepper, onion, olives and relish. Split rolls in half; place cut side up on a greased baking sheet. Spoon about 1/4 cup chicken salad on each roll half. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 5-6 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts :
TEX-MEX CHICKEN MELTS
A great little snack or appetizer. These are very addictive. You can get fancy and use cookie cutters to cut shapes out of bread the add ingredients on top.
Provided by Chemaine
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cut bread into 20 1/4-inch slices. Arrange slices on a baking stone.
- Chop onion & bell pepper. Grate cheese. In a bowl, combine chicken, onion, bell pepper, 1/2 cup of the cheese, mayonnaise, Seasoning Mix and garlic; mix well.
- Divide filling evenly among bread slices. Slice tomatoes. Place one tomato slice over filling on each bread slice. Snip parsley. In a bowl, toss remaining cheese and parsley to combine. Sprinkle over tomato slices.
- Bake 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 117.2, Fat 4, SaturatedFat 1.6, Cholesterol 16.6, Sodium 205.9, Carbohydrate 13.4, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 0.7, Protein 6.6
CAJUN CHICKEN MELTS
These are easy to make and taste great right out of the oven. I like to make these when I have leftover baked chicken breasts.
Provided by CookingONTheSide
Categories Cajun
Time 30m
Yield 5 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken, 1/2 cup cheese, onion, green pepper, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning and garlic.
- Spread over bread slices.
- Top each with a tomato slice; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until bread is toasted and golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 322.3, Fat 13.6, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 59.7, Sodium 496.6, Carbohydrate 26.5, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 2.9, Protein 22.9
CHICKEN FAJITA MELTS
An openface grilled chicken sandwich with the flavors of a fajita, without the mess. Adapted from a recipe by laughingmagpie at allrecipes.com.
Provided by DrGaellon
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 40m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet until shimmering. Add the chicken and saute until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add onions an peppers and saute until vegetables are tender, about another 5 minutes.
- Add tomato juice and taco seasoning; stir well. Simmer until very thick and chicken is well-coated with sauce, stirring often to prevent burning, about 7 minutes.
- Preheat broiler and place a rack about 6" from heat.
- Spread 2 tbsp salsa on each slice of bread. Divide the chicken mixture evenly amongst the slices of bread. Top each piece with 1/4 cup cheddar cheese. Place under broiler until cheese is melted and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Finish each sandwich with a few drops of lime juice before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 378.7, Fat 8.7, SaturatedFat 1.5, Cholesterol 74, Sodium 708.3, Carbohydrate 37.5, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 2.5, Protein 35.9
EASY BARBECUE CRISPY CHICKEN MELTS
Bake chicken breasts with a new look and taste using barbecue sauce and Cheddar cheese.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 425°F. In 13x9-inch pan, place butter. Heat in oven 2 to 3 minutes or until melted.
- In shallow dish, stir Bisquick mix and pepper. Pour milk into small bowl. Coat chicken with Bisquick mixture, then dip into milk and coat again with Bisquick mixture. Place chicken in pan.
- Bake uncovered about 30 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F).
- In small microwavable bowl, microwave barbecue sauce uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until warm. Spoon sauce evenly over chicken; top with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Fat 3 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 36 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 600 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 1 g
CHICKEN MUSHROOM MELTS
This is supposed to be an appetizer, but I've managed to turn this dish into a main dish with soup or salads, french fries or even mashed potatoes.
Provided by Stephanie Leamer
Categories Poultry Appetizers
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken and mushrooms in oil for 5 minutes. Stir in soy sauce; cook 7 minutes longer. Stir in cream; simmer for 4-6 minutes or until sauce is thickened (do not boil).
- 2. In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic; spread over the bread. Place buttered side up on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 2-3 minutes.
- 3. Top each slice with 1/4 cup of chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
BACON CHEDDAR CHICKEN FILLET MELTS
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Place 1 chicken breast half, boned side up, between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or waxed paper. Working from center, gently pound chicken with flat side of meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick remove wrap. Repeat with remaining chicken breast halves.2. In large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet.3. Add onion to drippings cook and stir 2 to 4 minutes or until tender. Remove onion from skillet. Add chicken to skillet cook 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until chicken is fork-tender and juices run clear.4. Place toasted bread slices on ungreased cookie sheet spread each slice with 1 teaspoon steak sauce. Top each with chicken, bacon slices, onion and cheese. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.Nutrition Information Per Serving: Serving Size: 1 Sandwich * Calories: 440 * Calories from Fat: 210 * % Daily Value: Total Fat: 23 g 35% * Saturated Fat: 11 g 55% * Cholesterol: 115 mg 38% * Sodium: 740 mg 31% * Total Carbohydrate: 18 g 6% * Dietary Fiber: 2 g 8% * Sugars: 3 g * Protein: 40 g * Vitamin A: 6% * Vitamin C: 0% * Calcium: 25% * Iron: 10% * Dietary Exchanges: 1 Starch, 5 Very Lean Meat, 4 Fat or 1 Carbohydrate, 5 Very Lean Meat, 4 Fat
Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves
Tips:
- Choose the right bread. A sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings is best. Some good options include sourdough, French bread, or ciabatta.
- Use a variety of cheeses. A combination of cheeses will give your chicken melt a more complex flavor. Some good options include cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and Swiss.
- Don't be afraid to add other ingredients. Bacon, avocado, and tomato are all popular additions to chicken melts. Get creative and experiment with different flavors.
- Cook the chicken melt until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken melt immediately. This is when it is at its best, with the cheese melted and gooey and the chicken hot and juicy.
Conclusion:
Chicken melts are a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a simple and tasty meal, give chicken melts a try. You won't be disappointed!
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