Chili Crisp Honey Chicken

The first time I made these sandwiches was on a rainy Tuesday when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a serious grilled cheese craving. Something about mixing sweet honey with spicy chili crisp just felt right. My kitchen smelled incredible while they cooked. Now they are my go-to comfort food.

I served these at a small dinner party last winter and watched three grown men literally fight over the last sandwich. The combination of melted sharp cheddar with that spicy honey chicken hits something primal. One friend asked for the recipe before he even finished his first bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves time
• 2 tablespoons honey: Use local honey if you can find it for the best flavor
• 2 tablespoons chili crisp: This is the star ingredient so do not skimp
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds just the right amount of savory depth
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness and brightens everything
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground makes a real difference
• 8 slices sourdough bread: Sturdy bread holds up better than soft sandwich slices
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Provides that perfect melt factor
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar: Brings the bold cheese flavor we need
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads more evenly
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: The secret restaurant style trick for extra crunch

Instructions

Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

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Make the honey chili chicken:

Combine the shredded chicken with honey chili crisp soy sauce rice vinegar and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until every piece of chicken is coated and glossy.

Prep the cheese blend:

Toss the mozzarella and cheddar together in a separate bowl so the cheeses are evenly distributed.

Get your bread ready:

Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Spread mayonnaise on the opposite side if you want maximum crunch.

Build the sandwiches:

Layer cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of half the bread slices then add the honey chili chicken then more cheese on top. Top with remaining slices buttered side facing out.

Grill to perfection:

Cook sandwiches in a hot skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula and watch for golden brown crust.

Rest and serve:

Let them cool for a couple minutes so the cheese sets slightly then slice diagonally and serve with extra chili crisp on the side.

Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

Check price on Amazon

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My niece came over last month and announced she hated grilled cheese. One bite of this sandwich changed her entire worldview. She now requests them every single time she visits.

Make It Your Own

Try different chili crisp brands to find your favorite heat level. Some are smokier while others bring more crunch. I keep three varieties in my pantry now.

Perfect Pairings

A cold glass of riesling cuts through the richness perfectly. For something non alcoholic try an icy ginger beer with lime. The brightness balances everything beautifully.

Common Questions

Can I make these ahead of time? You can prep the chicken mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The sandwiches are best cooked fresh though the bread gets soggy if assembled too early.

• Use a panini press if you have one for even easier cooking
• Leftover chicken mixture works great over rice or in wraps
• Cooked sandwiches can be wrapped in foil and kept warm in a low oven

Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.

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These sandwiches have become my ultimate comfort food. Hope they find a special place in your kitchen too.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

Sturdy bread like sourdough holds the filling well and crisps nicely when grilled.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness?

Yes, add jalapeños or extra chili crisp to increase heat or reduce chili crisp for milder flavor.

→ What cheeses complement this dish?

Mozzarella and sharp cheddar blend melts smoothly, but Monterey Jack or smoky cheeses also work well.

→ Is there a shortcut for cooked chicken?

Using rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation without sacrificing taste.

→ How to get extra crispiness in the sandwich?

Spreading mayonnaise on the bread's unbuttered side helps achieve an extra crispy crust when grilled.

→ What drinks pair well?

A crisp white wine or light lager complements the sandwich's sweet and spicy flavors.