Chicken Sandwiches pairs well with Brie, Feta Cheese, Fontina, Gruyere, and Havarti.
Brie
Brie is a delicate and creamy cheese that has a nutty flavor, making it an ideal pairing for chicken sandwiches.
For something lighter, swap in Havarti instead.
Making a delicious chicken sandwich is an art in itself, but deciding which cheese to add is an entirely different matter.
Every cheese has its own flavor and texture, so it's important to choose the right one to complement your chicken sandwich.
But with so many varieties out there, what cheese goes best with chicken sandwiches? To help uncover the answer to this perplexing dilemma,
We'll also look into how adding different kinds of cheese can improve the flavor of your sandwich.
So go ahead, read this article for some tips about what cheese pairs best with chicken sandwiches - you may be surprised at what you discover.
Cheeses That Pair Well with Chicken Sandwiches
The right cheese is essential to improving the experience.
There are many types of cheese that pair well with a chicken sandwich and can really make the flavors pop.
Whether you're looking for a classic option or something more unique, the following cheeses are all excellent choices and are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters:
For a completely different pairing angle, the cheeses for pesto pasta list highlights options that also complement herb-forward chicken sandwiches.
1. Brie
Brie is a delicate and creamy cheese that has a nutty flavor, making it an ideal pairing for chicken sandwiches.
Brie works especially well in recipes that involve toasting, as the cheese melts easily and adds both color and flavor.
Try adding brie to your chicken sandwich for a nice combination of taste and texture.
If you want to add even more flavor, Boursin or goat cheese can also be added to Brie-topped sandwiches for an unforgettable meal.
When serving brie-forward dishes, brie en croute side dish ideas lists sides that also pair well with brie-topped chicken sandwiches.
2. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a crumbly cheese that is traditionally made with sheep's milk, however, modern day versions of the cheese are often mixed with cow's milk.
Feta cheese has a strong salty flavor and is commonly used in Greek cuisine.
It pair's exceptionally well with poultry-based sandwiches and can add a layer of complexity to any sandwich with its distinct taste profile.
Feta can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
If exploring sweet-and-salty combos, cheeses that pair with fig jam shows options that work well alongside feta in creative sandwiches.
3. Fontina
Fontina is an Italian cow's milk cheese with nutty, earthy and buttery flavors.
It melts easily, adding a delicious creamy texture to chicken sandwiches.
For best results, shred or thinly slice the fontina cheese before applying it to your sandwich- this will ensure that it melts evenly and creates a satisfying bite.
Aged Fontinas will have more complex flavors and provide an especially enjoyable complement to the chicken.
4. Gruyere
Gruyere is a hard, yellow cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
This Swiss cheese pairs nicely with roasted chicken sandwiches, adding an extra layer of earthy flavor.
Gruyere melts very well and can hold up under the weight of other ingredients in your sandwich.
It's also hearty enough to stand up to the bold flavors that are often found on flavorful chicken sandwiches.
Try serving your sandwich with some thin slices of Gruyere or shred it into thicker pieces for an even richer taste.
5. Havarti
Havarti is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese.
It originated in Denmark and gets its name from the farm where it was first made.
Havarti has a buttery, sweet flavor, similar to that of Swiss cheese, but with a slightly stronger sharpness.
It is available in many varieties; some are mild and slightly tangy, while others have more intense sour flavors.
Havarti goes great with most sandwiches, as its mild flavor allows it to be paired with many different types of breads and fillings.
Because Havarti can hold its own against other bolder ingredients like tomatoes and pickles, it's perfect for toping your favorite chicken sandwich.
6. Mozzarella
Mozzarella has a surprisingly mild flavor and is known for its creamy texture.
It melts easily and is an ideal choice for chicken sandwiches.
The delicate flavor goes well with the assertive seasoning of the chicken, while the creamy consistency gives each bite a subtle richness.
For an extra cheesy sandwich, opt for fresh mozzarella rather than pre-grated or shredded.
Also, adding fresh herbs like oregano or basil to the melted cheese imparts an herbal note that goes with the savory flavors of both chicken and mozzarella.
If you want to simplify your dish even further, purchase precooked chicken breasts such as grilled or rotisserie to top off your sandwich with no fuss.
For inspiration on bold flavor pairings, dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks suggests sauces that could double as sandwich spreads.
7. Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack cheese, also known as California Jack cheese, is an American semihard cheese prepared from cow's milk.
It is commonly used in Mexican dishes such as tacos and quesadillas due to its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor that makes it delightfully flavorful.
Monterey Jack works well when melted over grilled chicken sandwiches and other cheese-based recipes; it can be a great all-purpose cheese for cooking.
When combined, the combination of melted Monterey Jack with juicy and juicy grilled chicken produces a savory flavor that's sure to tempt the palate and make any sandwich exceptional.
To see how Monterey Jack performs in other sandwiches, cheese for cold ham sandwich ideas highlights melts and textures that translate well to chicken.
8. Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is a hard, nutty cheese that has a slightly sweet, salty flavor.
It adds character to any dish and gives the dish an intense flavor.
Parmesan can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores and is usually located near the soft cheese section.
This cheese is excellent when served with chicken sandwiches because it provides a bit of saltiness while adding an interesting color and texture to the sandwich.
Parmesan pairs especially well with spicy chicken sandwiches since its nuttiness helps to balance out the heat of the peppers or other seasonings in the sandwich filling.
For classic pairings that complement Parmesan, chicken Parmesan side dishes suggests sides that also suit Parmesan-topped chicken sandwiches.
9. Provolone
Provolone is a semi-firm cheese that originated in Italy and is traditionally made from cow's milk.
It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and is similar in texture to cheddar.
With its mild yet flavorful taste, Provolone melts easily and holds its shape, making it an ideal choice for chicken sandwiches.
Partner this cheese with a dark ale or hearty red wine to improve the flavor of your sandwich.
To keep provolone at peak quality for sandwiches, provolone shelf-life tips explains storage and freshness signs to watch for.
10. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is comparable to its soft, mild sibling, Emmental cheese.
It has a sweet, nutty flavor and holes throughout the cheese which lends texture and complexity to many dishes.
Swiss pairs very well with chicken sandwiches because the flavors complement each other in a way that few other combinations can match.
The sharpness of Swiss offsets the juicy chicken while it adds another level of texture and flavor to the sandwich.
This classic combination creates a traditional, crowd-pleasing sandwich that no one will forget.
For complementary protein pairings, meats that go with mac and cheese offers ideas that also pair nicely with Swiss-topped chicken sandwiches.
11. Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a firm, mild-flavored cheese that originates from England and is often colored orange.
It is known for its slightly salty taste and creamy texture, making it an ideal choice for pairing with savory chicken sandwiches.
Cheddar comes in a variety of ranges from mild to sharp and extra-sharp.
Choosing mild cheddar over sharp enhances the flavor of your sandwich without overpowering the natural flavor of the chicken.
Cheddar sprinkled over grilled chicken sandwiches can help balance out bold flavors like herbs and spices, making it a great all-around option for an additional burst of flavor.
12. Taleggio
Taleggio is an Italian cheese, made with cow's milk and aged in caves.
It has a creamy texture with a slightly salty flavor.
It has a milder taste than most other cheeses and melts well, making it great for adding to grilled chicken sandwiches.
Its mildly acidic flavor goes well with the flavors of chicken sandwiches.
The 12 BEST Sauces That Goes with Philly Cheesesteak pairs with many sandwich styles. philly cheesesteak sauce ideas and sauces for gammon options provide additional sauce pairings that work well alongside chicken sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brie works especially well in recipes that involve toasting, as the cheese melts easily and adds both color and flavor. Feta cheese has a strong salty flavor and is commonly used in Greek cuisine.
Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.
For large groups, go with sides that can be made in big batches and hold well at room temperature. Brie scales up easily.
Grain-based dishes and roasted vegetables stay good on a buffet without becoming soggy.
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
How far ahead can you prep the sides?
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.
Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.