Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Printable Version)

A bold mix of spicy shredded chicken and melted cheese layered in crispy golden bread.

# What You Need:

→ 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 (sourdough or country white)
12 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese
14 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Step-by-Step Directions:

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 evenly coated.
03 - Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, and toss to coat. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Fold the toasted panko into the spicy chicken mixture until evenly incorporated.
05 - Arrange bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
06 - On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, layer one slice cheddar cheese, a generous mound of the spicy crispy chicken, one slice pepper jack cheese, and another slice cheddar. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
07 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
08 - Remove sandwiches from heat and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The panko-coated chicken stays impossibly crispy even after it's melted between two layers of cheese.
  • You get that grilled cheese satisfaction but with an edge—spicy heat that makes every bite exciting.
  • Comes together faster than takeout, and honestly tastes better.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the panko with butter—dry breadcrumbs will absorb moisture from the chicken and turn mushy instead of staying crispy.
  • Cook over medium heat, not high; rushing with high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt.
03 -
  • Use a meat mallet to pound your chicken breasts before cooking if you're making them from scratch—it cooks faster and shreds more easily.
  • Invest in good quality cheese; the difference between block cheese melted by hand and pre-sliced changes everything about how creamy the sandwich becomes.
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