Goat Cheese Hot Honey Chicken Grilled Cheese

Experience a gourmet upgrade to a beloved comfort food with this Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Chicken Grilled Cheese. This recipe brings together the tangy creaminess of softened goat cheese, tender shredded chicken, and the bold, sweet heat of homemade hot honey, all pressed between golden-brown slices of crispy sourdough bread.

Save to Pinterest

Whether you're looking for a satisfying lunch or a quick dinner, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes that will leave you craving more. It is an easy yet impressive way to utilize leftover chicken breast while enjoying a café-style meal at home.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, softened
• 1 cup (140 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½–1 tsp red chili flakes (to taste)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for grilling)
• To taste salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Hot Honey

In a small bowl, combine honey and chili flakes to make hot honey. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Bread

Lay out the sourdough slices. Spread goat cheese evenly on one side of each slice.

Step 3: Assemble

Divide shredded chicken over two slices, then drizzle each with hot honey (reserve a little for serving, if desired). Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Form Sandwiches

Top with the remaining bread slices, cheese side down, to form sandwiches. Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich.

Step 5: Grill

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melty.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove, slice in half, and drizzle with extra hot honey if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When grilling, ensure you use medium heat to allow the sourdough to reach a perfect golden-brown color without burning, while giving the goat cheese enough time to soften and meld with the shredded chicken. Pressing gently with a spatula helps create a uniform melt.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a milder flavor profile, you can swap the goat cheese for cream cheese or mozzarella. If you prefer even more heat, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the honey mixture or increasing the amount of red chili flakes.

Serviervorschläge

To turn these sandwiches into a complete and balanced meal, serve them with a simple fresh green salad or a classic bowl of tomato soup. The acidity of a salad or the richness of the soup complements the spicy and tangy notes of the grilled cheese perfectly.

Save to Pinterest

With its irresistible combination of textures and flavors, this Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Chicken Grilled Cheese is a modern classic that brings gourmet flair to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes hot honey special?

Hot honey combines pure honey's natural sweetness with red chili flakes' heat. The contrast creates an addictive sweet-spicy flavor profile that cuts through rich ingredients like goat cheese and buttered bread while complementing savory shredded chicken.

→ Can I use different bread?

Sourdough works best for its tangy flavor and sturdy texture that holds up well to grilling. However, thick-cut country bread, ciabatta, or even Texas toast can substitute. Avoid overly soft breads that might become soggy or fall apart during cooking.

→ How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Spread softened goat cheese evenly to create a barrier, avoid over-drizzling hot honey inside the sandwich, and grill over medium heat to ensure the bread crisps before the filling overheats. Save extra honey for drizzling on top after cooking.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—simply omit the shredded chicken. You could add sliced apples, pears, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture. The goat cheese and hot honey combination shines beautifully even without meat.

→ What's the best way to shred chicken?

Use cooked chicken breast (rotisserie, poached, or leftover grilled). Two forks work well—hold the chicken steady with one fork and pull shreds apart with the other. For finer shreds, use your fingers once cooled slightly.

→ How spicy is this sandwich?

Starting with ½ teaspoon chili flakes yields mild-medium heat that most palates enjoy. Increase to 1 full teaspoon or add hot sauce for more intensity. The honey balances the spice beautifully, so it feels warm rather than overwhelming.