Pin Recipe In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the simple pleasure of a perfectly executed grilled cheese sandwich. But this isn't just any grilled cheese - it's a delicious union of tangy goat cheese and tender shredded chicken, all elevated with the complex sweet heat of hot honey. Each bite offers a symphony of textures: the satisfying crunch of toasted sourdough giving way to creamy, melting cheese and succulent chicken, while the hot honey provides unexpected moments of sweet spiciness that keeps you coming back for more.
Pin Recipe This sandwich emerged from a late-night kitchen experiment when I wanted something more exciting than a standard grilled cheese. The combination of creamy goat cheese with chicken and that special kick from hot honey creates a sandwich that's simultaneously familiar and exciting. It's become a regular in our household for quick lunches and casual dinners alike, always paired with a simple green salad to cut through the richness.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 100 g (3.5 oz) goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 tbsp hot honey (or regular honey + 1/2 tsp chili flakes)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (plus extra for garnish, optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken mixture
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with 1 tablespoon of hot honey, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to coat.
- Step 2: Butter the bread
- Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches
- Place two slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Spread half the goat cheese evenly onto each slice. Top with the hot honey chicken mixture, spreading evenly. Drizzle the remaining hot honey over the chicken, then crumble over any remaining goat cheese. Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing up.
- Step 4: Cook the sandwiches
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is melty.
- Step 5: Serve
- Remove, slice in half, and sprinkle with extra chili flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the perfect texture, make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature so it spreads easily. If it's too cold and firm, microwave it for just 10 seconds to soften. When cooking the sandwich, resist the urge to use high heat - medium heat ensures the cheese melts completely while giving the bread time to become perfectly golden and crisp without burning.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This sandwich welcomes creative variations. Try adding caramelized onions for sweetness, arugula for peppery freshness, or thinly sliced apple for a crisp texture contrast. For a more complex flavor profile, mix in a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves with the chicken. Don't eat meat? Skip the chicken entirely and double down on the goat cheese for a vegetarian version, perhaps adding roasted red peppers for substance.
Serviervorschläge
This sandwich pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, which cuts through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a cup of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combination. If serving for lunch with friends, cut into smaller triangles and place on a wooden board with pickles, extra honey for drizzling, and a small bowl of extra chili flakes for those who enjoy more heat.
Pin Recipe 
Pin Recipe 
This isn't just a sandwich – it's a reminder that sometimes the most impressive dishes come from simple ingredients combined thoughtfully. The beauty of this hot honey chicken grilled cheese lies in its accessibility and adaptability. Make it once following the recipe exactly, then feel free to adjust the ratios of honey, chili, and cheese to suit your personal taste preferences. It's bound to become a regular in your meal rotation, as it has in ours.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can poach, grill, or pan-fry chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred or dice into small pieces. Rotisserie chicken simply offers convenience and added flavor from the seasoning.
- → What can I substitute for goat cheese?
Cream cheese works well for a milder flavor, or try sharp cheddar for more tanginess. Brie or camembert would also melt beautifully and add a different dimension of creaminess.
- → How do I make hot honey at home?
Combine 1/2 cup of regular honey with 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Gently warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly before using—the flavor develops as it sits.
- → Can I assemble these ahead of time?
It's best to grill immediately after assembly, but you can prepare the honey chicken mixture up to a day in advance and store it refrigerated. The buttered bread may become soggy if left too long before cooking.
- → What's the best way to get even melting?
Use softened goat cheese and spread it in an even layer. Cook over medium heat, not high, to allow the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread. Pressing gently with a spatula helps everything melt together evenly.