Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Print Version)

Bold shredded chicken with melted cheese between golden, crispy bread delivers rich comforting flavors in every bite.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
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

# Method:

01 - Set oven to 400°F and prepare for baking.
02 - In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, optional cayenne, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly mixed.
03 - Arrange 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 toasted panko breadcrumbs into the spicy chicken mixture ensuring even distribution.
05 - Lay out all bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each.
06 - On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, layer one slice sharp cheddar, a generous portion of the spicy crispy chicken, one slice pepper jack, then another slice of sharp cheddar. Cap each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
07 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and cheese melted.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat, let rest for 1 to 2 minutes, slice in half, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's crispy, gooey, and spicy all at once—three textures that shouldn't work together but absolutely do.
  • Comes together in under 30 minutes, which means you can feel like a hero on a regular weeknight.
  • Feeds four people with minimal fuss, making it perfect for feeding friends without the stress.
02 -
  • Medium heat is not a suggestion—too high and your bread burns while the inside is cold, too low and the cheese never fully melts into that glossy, unified thing.
  • The panko really does need to be buttered and toasted; it's the thing that separates this from a regular chicken sandwich wearing a grilled cheese costume.
  • Don't overstuff the sandwiches or they'll squeeze out when you press down, which is wasteful and messy in equal measure.
03 -
  • If you're cooking for picky eaters, use less cayenne and let people add hot sauce at the table—you stay in control, they get what they want.
  • Make sure your skillet is truly hot before you add the sandwiches; a cold pan makes the bread pale and soft instead of golden and crispy.
  • Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store saves you time without sacrificing any flavor—this is one place where the shortcut actually works.
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