Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Print Version)

Savory shredded chicken blended with spices and melted cheese inside crispy, toasted bread for a bold, comforting bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot or Sriracha)
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Crispy Coating

09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Sandwich Components

11 - 8 slices thick-cut bread (e.g., sourdough or country white)
12 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese
14 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper; toss until fully coated.
03 - Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, and toss to coat evenly; bake for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Mix the toasted panko crumbs into the spicy chicken mixture until uniformly distributed.
05 - Arrange 8 bread slices and butter one side of each slice evenly.
06 - On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, layer one slice of cheddar cheese, a generous portion of the spicy crispy chicken, one slice of pepper jack cheese, and another slice of cheddar; top each with a buttered bread slice, buttered side out.
07 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until bread is golden brown and cheeses melt.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat and allow them to rest for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing in half and serving warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of crispy panko coated spicy chicken with melted cheese creates this ridiculous texture situation you didnt know you needed
  • Its the perfect hangover food or midnight snack or honestly Tuesday dinner because who are we kidding
  • The heat from the chicken balances the richness of the cheese so it never feels too heavy
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the panko first I tried it once and the coating got soggy instead of staying crispy
  • Medium heat is your friend here high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts but low heat makes everything sad and greasy
  • The butter needs to be actual room temperature soft or you'll tear the bread trying to spread it
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one it creates the most even golden crust
  • Let the chicken mixture come to room temperature before assembling so the cheese melts evenly
  • If the bread is browning too fast tent the pan with foil for the last minute
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