Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Printable View)

Shredded spicy chicken and melted cheese layered between crispy golden slices for a savory delight.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Frank's 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 (such as 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 It:

01 - Set oven to 400°F.
02 - Combine shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper ensuring even coating.
03 - Spread panko on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring once until golden and crisp; allow to cool slightly.
04 - Fold crispy panko into the spicy chicken mixture until thoroughly mixed.
05 - Butter one side of each bread slice evenly.
06 - On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, layer one slice cheddar, a generous portion of spicy crispy chicken, one slice pepper jack, and one more slice cheddar; top with remaining bread slices, buttered side outward.
07 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat; cook each sandwich 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese melts.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat, rest for 1–2 minutes, slice in half, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy panko coating adds an unexpected crunch that transforms a regular grilled cheese into something genuinely craveable.
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when friends drop by hungry.
  • You can adjust the spice level to match your mood or whoever you're feeding, so it works for heat seekers and cautious eaters alike.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the panko in the oven—it's the difference between a soggy sandwich and one with actual texture that survives the cooking process.
  • Medium heat is crucial because high heat will burn your bread before the cheese melts, and low heat makes everything greasy instead of crispy.
  • Pressing the sandwich gently while cooking distributes the heat evenly, but pressing too hard squeezes out all the melted cheese onto your skillet.
03 -
  • Make the spicy chicken mixture ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days—this lets the flavors develop and makes weeknight assembly incredibly fast.
  • If your bread is thin or soft, add an extra slice of cheese underneath the chicken to create a moisture barrier so the bread doesn't get soggy.
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