Chili Honey Chicken Cheese (Printable)

Sweet-spicy shredded chicken with honey and chili crisp, layered with melted cheese on crisp bread.

# 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

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 for extra crispness)

# Method:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, honey, chili crisp, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper; mix thoroughly until evenly coated and set aside.
02 - Mix shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses together in a separate bowl.
03 - Arrange bread slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each; optionally, spread mayonnaise on the opposite side for added crispiness.
04 - On the unbuttered side of half the bread slices, layer the cheese mixture, followed by the honey chili crisp chicken, then top with more cheese; cover with remaining slices, buttered side out.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook sandwiches 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from heat, allow to cool slightly, slice, and serve with additional chili crisp if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy, but comes together faster than ordering delivery.
  • The chili crisp adds enough personality that you won't miss complicated flavors or long ingredient lists.
  • Perfectly suited for meal prep—make the chicken mixture ahead and assemble sandwiches whenever hunger strikes.
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd your skillet—sandwiches need space to brown evenly, and the pan needs room to maintain its heat.
  • The mayo trick is real: it fries in the butter and creates an impossibly crispy crust that regular bread-and-butter can't achieve.
  • Medium heat is your friend here; high heat browns the bread before the cheese inside has time to actually melt.
03 -
  • Use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli—it's already seasoned and adds better flavor than plain cooked chicken.
  • Press the sandwich gently while it cooks, not aggressively; you want cheese to meld, not squeeze out the sides.
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