Dinner

Ultimate Chicken Melt Recipe

Byanna orden October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

The Ultimate Chicken Melt is a deliciously satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Combining tender chicken salad with melted cheddar, fresh veggies, and buttery bread, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist.

Two thick sandwich halves sit on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath and a wooden board peeking from the side. Each sandwich has two layers of golden brown toasted bread with a crispy texture on top. The bottom layer reveals fresh tomato slices, topped with a creamy chicken salad mixed with chopped celery for a light green color and small bits of darker seasoning. A thin layer of melted yellow cheese sits above the chicken salad, adding a soft texture and color contrast. In the background, two more sandwich halves rest on a wooden board, with some green leafy herbs blurred behind them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large cooked chicken breast, shredded and finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp honey mustard
1 small celery stalk, diced finely
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red onion, thinly sliced (use desired amount)
8 thin cheddar cheese slices
2 tomato slices from a large tomato
Softened butter, for spreading on bread
4 thick bread slices, such as honey wheat

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, honey mustard, diced celery, parsley (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to make the chicken salad.
Step 2: Butter one side of each bread slice. Flip the slices over and on the non-buttered side place two slices of cheddar cheese. You will use a total of 4 slices of cheese per sandwich.
Step 3: Spread half of the chicken salad mixture over the cheese on one bread slice. Repeat with the remaining chicken salad mixture on another slice. Top each with red onion slices, one tomato slice, and then two more slices of cheese. Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out, and gently press down.
Step 4: Heat a griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully place each sandwich in the pan. If using a skillet, cover with a lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad mix.
Swap cheddar for Swiss or provolone cheese for a different melty taste.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.
Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken melt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat, covered, to warm the sandwich gently and melt the cheese, or microwave briefly—though the bread may lose crispness.

How to Serve

The image shows a grilled sandwich cut in half and stacked on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The sandwich has three visible layers: two slices of golden brown, toasted bread with a crispy texture on top and bottom, a middle layer of melted yellow cheddar cheese, and a thick filling layer of creamy chicken salad mixed with green celery pieces and bits of red tomato. The cheese slightly oozes out, and the chicken salad looks soft and chunky, matching well with the crunchy bread crust. The sandwich behind is slightly blurred, emphasizing the front one. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This lets the flavors meld, making the sandwich even tastier.

What kind of bread works best for this sandwich?

Thick, sturdy bread like honey wheat, sourdough, or country white works best to hold all the fillings and create a crispy, golden exterior without becoming soggy.