Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Printable)

A spicy shredded chicken and cheese sandwich with crispy golden bread for ultimate comfort.

# 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 for extra heat)
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

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Combine shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper until fully coated.
03 - Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, toss to combine, and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Fold the crispy panko breadcrumbs into the spicy chicken mixture until evenly distributed.
05 - Arrange 8 bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
06 - On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, layer one slice of cheddar cheese, a generous portion of the spicy crispy chicken, one slice of pepper jack cheese, and another slice of cheddar cheese. Top with the 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 the bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
08 - Remove from heat, let rest for 1 to 2 minutes, then slice sandwiches in half and serve while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spicy chicken gets a textural edge from crispy panko that stays crunchy even after the cheese melts around it.
  • You can make the spiced chicken ahead and just assemble and cook when hunger strikes, making this deceptively easy on busy nights.
  • The contrast of sharp cheddar with creamy pepper jack hits differently than a standard grilled cheese, and it actually tastes sophisticated despite feeling like pure indulgence.
02 -
  • The medium heat is crucial—too high and your bread burns before the cheese melts through, too low and you'll have a soggy sandwich that fell apart in the pan.
  • Toasting the panko with butter beforehand is the secret that keeps it crunchy in your mouth instead of turning to paste from the chicken and cheese moisture.
  • Using chicken that's already cooked saves you so much time, and frankly makes this easier to pull together on a weeknight when you're exhausted.
03 -
  • Thick-cut bread is not optional—thin bread will get soggy and fall apart under the weight of the filling and the heat of the pan.
  • Let the panko cool slightly after toasting and before mixing with the chicken, so it doesn't wilt from the residual heat.
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