Chicken Melt

If you need something quick to throw together for dinner but have no idea what to make, these chicken melts are the perfect weeknight dinner recipe to have in your back pocket. Not only is it quick, this chicken melt sandwich uses up ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge and will have a tasty meal on your plate in less than 30 minutes. All you have to do is toss together the creamy chicken mixture, layer on bread with slices of tomato, top with cheese and bake in the oven until golden brown.

Chicken Melt Ingredients

• Canned chicken: Use one can (9-3/4 ounces) of chunk white chicken, drained and flaked.
• Shredded cheese: The cheese mixes in with the chicken and is sprinkled on top for the ultimate melting experience.
• Onion: Chopped onion is added to the chicken mixture. Use a yellow or red onion for the best results.
• Green bell pepper: Dice up a green bell pepper to contrast with the onion and add flavor and texture to your chicken melt.
• Mayonnaise: The base of the chicken mixture’s dressing is a basic mayonnaise. Feel free to make your own mayonnaise if you don’t have any on hand.
• Cajun seasoning: Seasoning adds extra flavor and spice to this chicken melt recipe to contrast the creaminess.
• Garlic: A clove is minced and added in as the aromatic along with the chopped onion.
• Italian bread: Slices of Italian bread — or another thick bread — are best for these chicken melts.
• Plum tomatoes: Tomato slices are layered between the chicken and the extra melted cheese on top.

Directions

Step 1: Assemble the chicken melts

In a small bowl combine the chicken, 1/2 cup of cheese, onion, green pepper, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning and garlic. Spread the chicken mixture over bread slices and top with a tomato slice. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the slices.

Step 2: Bake until golden brown

Place the chicken melts on an ungreased baking sheet and bake them at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until the bread is toasted and golden brown.

Recipe Variations

• Use any shredded cheese: Although this recipe calls for shredded cheddar, you can swap it out and use any shredded cheese you have on hand. Pepper jack, mozzarella or even a Mexican blend could all work for this chicken melt.
• Add ranch dressing:  Add in a dollop of ranch dressing to your chicken mixture for a tangier taste in your chicken melt.
• Make it buffalo style: Make your chicken melt spicy by mixing in buffalo sauce with your chicken! You could even take it to the next level and sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top with the cheddar.
• Garnish with green onions or chives: Top your chicken melts with chopped green onions or chives (or both!) for a tasty finish on your sandwich.

How to Store Chicken Melts

While you can store these chicken melts in the fridge in an airtight container (or a freezer for up to three months), you’ll want to enjoy them fresh for the best results. Make just as many as you plan on eating so the leftovers don’t take up the space in your fridge and so the bread doesn’t get soggy underneath the melt.

Can you make chicken melts ahead of time?

You can easily mix up the chicken mixture for the chicken melt sandwich ahead of time. Keep the mixture in an airtight container in your refrigerator until it’s time to make dinner. When you’re ready, spread the chicken mixture on fresh slices of bread and proceed with the recipe as normal.

Chicken Melt Tips

Can I put chicken melts in the air fryer?

Yes! Chicken melts can also be baked in the air fryer if you don’t feel like turning on the oven. Bake them for 10 minutes in the air fryer at 350°.

What kind of bread is good for chicken melts?

While this recipe could work with any bread, use a thicker slice so the chicken melt retains its structure when transferring it from the pan to your plate. Thick slices of French bread, sourdough or even English muffins work well for chicken melts.

Can you use leftover chicken for chicken melts?

Yes! While this recipe does call for canned chicken, you can always use the cooked chicken you have on hand. Chicken melt sandwiches are also one of our favorite rotisserie chicken recipes if you have leftovers.