Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Printable)

Bold shredded chicken with melted cheese and crispy golden bread delivers an irresistible lunch or dinner option.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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

# Cooking steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper until fully coated.
03 - Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, toss to coat evenly, then bake for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Fold the toasted panko breadcrumbs into the spicy chicken mixture until well combined.
05 - Arrange bread slices and butter one side of each.
06 - On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, layer one slice of sharp cheddar, a generous portion of the spicy crispy chicken, one slice pepper jack, and another slice of sharp cheddar. Top each with a buttered bread slice, buttered side facing out.
07 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat, let rest for 1 to 2 minutes, slice in half, and serve immediately.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It hits that perfect sweet spot between comfort food and something bold enough to feel special.
  • The crispy panko coating keeps the chicken textured even when smothered in melted cheese.
  • You can make four of these in less time than it takes to order delivery.
02 -
  • The panko has to be toasted separately and cooled before mixing with the chicken, otherwise it will get soggy from the hot seasoning and you'll lose that crucial crunch.
  • Don't cook on high heat or you'll have burnt bread and cold cheese inside, which is a tragedy that's easy to avoid.
  • The softened butter on the bread makes all the difference between a soggy sandwich and one with a proper crust.
03 -
  • Cook on medium heat and be patient, letting the outside get golden slowly so the cheese has time to fully melt without the bread burning.
  • If you're feeding a crowd, you can build all four sandwiches and cook them as you go, keeping finished ones warm on a plate while the next batch cooks.
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