Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts
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These chicken sandwich melts are scrumptious and they are an easy company-ready dish that takes minutes to put together. They will win over a crowd every time! The first time I tried them (shamelessly eating 3 sandwiches), I was scribbling down the recipe before I finished chewing.
I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are great for unexpected visitors or even expected ones. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen for your friends and family to love what you cook.
This spread is loaded with cheesy chicken and tomatoes and is seasoned to perfection! (P.S. Make sure to check out the easy recipe for Johnny’s Seasoning in the post below). You have to try this recipe! I made them as soon as I could get to the grocery store and brought them to my Mom’s house and it was obvious after 5 minutes that I should have made more!
Every time we visit our family in the Seattle, WA area, we come home with loads of inspiration and new recipes. The gals in my family are amazing cooks! They have graciously contributed loads of recipes to this blog and I’m so thankful for that.
This recipe comes from my beautiful friend/Cousin’s wife, Alla – there should be an easier term for “cousin’s wife.” For the sake of simplicity, I’ll call her my friend, nah we’re more like sisters. 😉 Other great recipes from Alla include:
Grilled Moroccan Veggie Skewers:
Talk about a Mediterranean experience! Thank you Alla for sharing your recipes with all of us. You’re welcome to visit us in Idaho anytime! 🙂
Ingredients for Alla’s Easy Chicken Sandwiches:
1 loaf good Bread, sliced
2 cans (12.5 oz each) chicken breast in water, well drained
3/4 cup real mayo, or to taste
*Johnny’s seasoning, to taste (see recipe for making your own seasoning below)
1 large tomato, diced
1/3 bunch Cilantro
6 oz mild cheddar cheese, finely shredded inside or a slice of cheese on top.
Sriracha hot chili sauce to taste, or your favorite hot sauce (optional)
*You can make your own Johnny’s seasoning easily:
(NOTE: Do not use this entire batch of seasoning for this recipe – add it to taste)
1 ½ Tbsp sea salt
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
How to Make Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts:
1. Drain canned chicken and transfer to a large mixing bowl and break it up lightly with a fork.
2. Stir in 3/4 cup mayo or to taste along with Johnny’s seasoning to taste (I used a little more than 1/4 tsp seasoning).
3. Add diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
4. Add Sriracha hot sauce to taste. The Sriracha hot sauce gives it a nice kick and it’s so good, but if you want it to be kid friendly, you can divide the mixture and only put it into half of the spread
5. Spread generously over good sliced bread (this one’s from Costco) and bake uncovered on a cookie sheet at 350˚F for 8 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and fresh tomatoes if desired
I hope these pictures did this sandwich justice. I really, really want you to try them and be sure to report back and let me know how much you loved them.
Easy Chicken Sandwich Melts
Ingredients
Ingredients for Sandwiches:
- 1 loaf good Bread
- 2 cans, 12.5 oz each chicken breast in water, well drained
- 3/4 cup real mayo, or to taste
- *Johnny’s seasoning, to taste (see recipe for making your own seasoning below)
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/3 bunch Cilantro
- 6 oz mild cheddar cheese, finely shredded inside or a slice of cheese on top.
- Sriracha hot chili sauce to taste, or your favorite hot sauce (optional)
*You can make your own Johnny's seasoning easily:
- 1 ½ Tbsp sea salt
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Drain canned chicken well and transfer to a large mixing bowl, then break it up lightly with a fork.
- Stir in 3/4 cup mayo or to taste along with Johnny's seasoning to taste (I used a little more than 1/4 tsp seasoning).
- Add diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
- Add Sriracha hot sauce to taste. The Sriracha hot sauce gives it a nice kick and it's so good, but if you want it to be kid friendly, you can divide the mixture and only put it into half of the spread.
- Spread generously over good sliced bread (this one's from Costco) and bake uncovered on a cookie sheet at 350˚F for 8 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and fresh tomatoes if desired.
Notes
Credits:
Johnny’s Seasoning Recipe from here.
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
I made your recipe recently and it was fabulous! I want to make it for my Mothers 87th birthday luncheon. How far in advance can I make the chicken salad?
Hi Karlyn! You can make it and refrigerate it for a day or two and then assemble the sandwiches before the party. I hope you love this recipe!
This was very good! I added chopped red onion and we ate it with a side of steamed veggies. We ate it like a casserole so no bread.
So glad you enjoyed it!
This looks delicious and something for a nice summer dinner. Can you use cut up chicken breast in place of the canned chicken?
Hi Shelly! Yes, you can, but you may not be able to get the same consistency as the canned chicken from just cutting it up.
Hi Natasha,
I so enjoy all of your very creative and very expressive, fun videos. You put the joy in cooking, that’s for sure.
I love to cook/create and my family and friends love my creativity when I cook, too. You’re an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your joy of life/cooking with all of us.
Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that thoughtful comment with me, Cathy
How many sandwiches does this make? Wondering if I need to cut the recipe in half. Thank you in advance!
Hi Stacey. That would depend on the bread loaf used and how large the slices are. If you are using a bread loaf similar to mine, about 16 slices or sp depending on how thick you cut them.
I found your recipe looking for something to do with $5 Costco rotisserie chicken. Just remove skin and throw to mooching dog. I like the chicken, cheese, and mayo mix melted together. Nice. Never had before. Made french bread in my trusty $10 thrift shop bread machine. The fresh bread costs less than $1/ loaf to make. Throw ingredients in machine. Push start and walk away. I only mention cost because you list it. And don’t care for canned chicken. Expensive and tastes like can. Your recipe is easy, delicious, and inexpensive to make. Kids inhaled it. Thanks Natasha.
You’re welcome, Luke. Thank you too for your good comments and feedback.
I think I like these even more retoasted in the toaster oven the next day. Extra toasty! Thank you for being my go to website!
Yum! Great idea, NB! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This is a great recipe I made it and man it’s great for lunch or dinner 🤤 😋
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
Question?…. would you suggest draining the tomatoes once they’re chopped? This is the 2nd time I’m making this recipe in 10 days! I needed an easy dinner after a procedure I’m having & this was loved by all! My husband said, “Winner, Winner chicken dinner”. 😋😍.
Hi Nancy, if they are extremely juicy, you can, but we mix it all in, and it works out. I’m so glad you both enjoyed this recipe.
Scrumptious!!! Quick & easy. I used Monterey Jack ( plus extra) I’m a cheese lover and put on sourdough. Thanks for sharing all your delious recipes
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing that with us, Nancy, and for giving the recipe a great review.
You are a joy to watch. You make cooking fun. Love you recipes. Would love for you to cook Paella. Thanks
You’re so nice! Thank you for that suggestion, Carmen! I’m happy you’re enjoying our recipes.
Hi Natasha! Does this make enough for a whole loaf (~1lb) of bread?
Hi, yes I used most of the loaf photographed above.
Thank you for sharing this recipe Natasha! I love how easy it was and I finally got to use the canned chicken I had sitting in my pantry. These were so good and great for reheating for lunch during the work week.
Isn’t it the best! Thank you for sharing that lovely review with me Jane!
==> Prickly Flower Eliminates Food Cravings & Burns Away Fat
Thank you for sharing that Leana.
Hi Natasha,
I recently purchased canned chicken from Costco that was on sale and wasn’t sure how to use it…until now this looks delicious! How well do you think sliced whole grain bread would work? Trying to eat healthier.
Hi Joey, I bet that would work! I hope you love this recipe.
Hi Joey, I also highly suggest Chicken Enchiladas…also Quesadillas… very easy and delicious with canned chicken breast! And of course chicken salad. I’m sure Natasha has great and easy recipes for all!
Hi Jane, thank you for that wonderful review! I’m so glad you enjoyed that!
These are sooooo good! Everyone loved the sandwiches!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!
Delicious! I added a bit more of the Johnny spice. I’m one of those few weirdos who avoids cilantro at all costs (Blech). Instead, I added finely chopped red onion with Frank’s and it was divine. The kids devoured it with homade tomato soup. Keep these great recipes coming!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing that with me!
Hi Natasha,
Would boiling chicken breasts instead of using canned yield the same result?
Hi Mary, the texture will be slightly different but should still work well, just be careful not to overcook the chicken breast meat or it might be chewy.
What a great idea, the cilantro and chopped tomato take it over the top! I actually like thls sandwich better than tuna melts. I’ve made them several times and added a bit of celery for crunch. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re so welcome! Thank you for the wonderful review! 🙂
What a great chicken sandwich! I put it on a plain bagel and it was yummy!
I’m so happy you liked that!!
These are a perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken! 😋
We made half with mushrooms and those were delicious as well. Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!
DEE-LISH-US!! I had to use Monterey Jack as I had no cheddar left. I’m a native Seattleite, so I thank your sister/cousin/best friend for coming up with such a winner recipe. Thank you so much! xoxo
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Laverne! Thanks for the great review.
Hi, just a quick question, did you use mature cheddar?
Hi SZA, no, it was just a regular mild cheddar cheese as seen in the photo. Any brand would work 🙂
Delicious, so easy to make, my husband loved it! A hit for sure! Thanks Natasha! 👌🏼👏🏼😋
You’re welcome Yas! I’m glad you both enjoy the recipe. Thanks for sharing your great review!
Just delicious. Added half a jalapeño, finely chopped. Total Yumzers.
Thank you the great review, I’m glad you liked it 😬
I was wondering should I bake this at home and bring it to a gathering and reheat them there. Or will they be fine to eat cold?
Hi Lisa, I think these are best eaten soon after they come out of the oven but we have served and enjoyed them at room temperature.
The best sandwich I have ever made!
Just wondering, can i add boiled egg, instead of the tomato? Just for a little change.
Hi Nis, I do like the tomato here because it adds flavor and juiciness to the spread, but you could change it up and try eggs if you prefer to make it more of a toasted chicken and egg spread 🙂
What sort of soup would go best with these sandwiches?
Hmmm…. good quesiton! 🙂 I thin Zuppa Toscana, Creamy cauliflower soup,… there are so many! Make sure to check out our recipes index page to explore all of our soup recipes 🙂
natasha do you think if I make the mix the night before and it stands over night and I make the sandwiches in the morning that it will still be just as good ?
That would be fine, but I would recommend stirring in tomato just before topping on the breads so they don’t juice out.
Good idea. Thank you!
I prepare the mixture at home and bring to work, along with the bread, and cook in our toaster oven. People think I’m a SUPER fancy cook. They are always surprised when I share how easy the recipe is to make. So yummy!!! Nurses can be a picky bunch.
Karla, thank you so much for sharing that with me, I’m all smiles 😁.
Hi Natasha!:) Oh my goodness, these chicken melts are absolutely divine! Operating out of a tiny dorm-room kitchen, these sandwiches are a life-saver – I make this recipe at least once a week! Fantastic!
YAASSS!! I’m so happy to hear that! 🙂 Thanks for the awesome review!
Natashaaaa… These were supposed to be so good:( ive tried these at my sisters and they were really delicious. Now I decided to make them myself, so, sad story of the day… I tried to make these real fast and apparently read your recipe wrong and added all of the ingredients of the johnnys seasoning to the chicken!!! So much salt!! Not sure why I didn’t realize that 1.5 Tbsp of salt might be too much:( just curious if I’m the only one here who made that mistake..
Oh noooo!! That’s such a bummer :(. You’re the first but I can see how you could make that mistake just by quickly reading the ingredient list. I did mention that I used 1/4 tsp of the seasoning in the instructions. Oh man, what a bummer! I inserted a note after the list of seasoning ingredients both at the top and in the print friendly so it doesn’t happen to anyone else. 🙁
Yummy! So nice and simple! It can sometimes take me a while to make even the simplest recipe, but this one took so little time! Or maybe I’m just finally getting the hang of preparing meals…=) Either way, thank you, Natasha!
I’m the same way. I was always the one to take the longest to get anything done from sweeping the floor to making recipes. Oh well. 😉
A little obsessed with these? Yes, you can so so! So good!! The cilantro and sriracha give it amazing flavor! Thanks 🙂
I’m so happy you love the recipe 🙂
Do you think these would be just as creamy if I used leftover baked chicken breast rather than the canned variety?
I think that would work if you shred it nicely with forks. If it seems too dry, just add a little more mayo to the mixture but you may not have to.
Hey Natasha! I’m reporting back, just like you asked 🙂 Thank you SO much for the recipe. I’ve tried making these a few times already, and they’re gone within minutes! The cilantro in the sandwiches is PERFECT…I never even thought that it would be key! Thank you very much for sharing!
Thank you for your awesome review! 🙂
So so so so good! Definitely a favorite! Easy to make and so delicious! Thank you Natasha!
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that 🙂
Great recipe ! Thanks ?
Hi Natasha,
I use a small toaster to do the job and the cheese melted beautifully on the sandwich.
KP Kwan
Brilliant! I love that idea. Thanks! 🙂
Husband raved over them! For heat factor I chopped a few jalapenos as we didn’t have any hot sauce or anything.
Elizabeth, thank you for the great review and I like the idea of adding jalapeños since we both love spicy food :).
Never mind, Natasha, i just found the answer in the previous comments. Thank you so much for the recipe!!!
Great! Thanks Luda 🙂
Hi, Natasha,
do you think if i bake these at home to take to a party at a park, would the sandwiches still taste good a few hours after being baked? Thank you!
We were out of lunch meat and I remembered the canned chicken in the cupboard. Not knowing what to do w/it, I Googled & found your recipe w/in a few minutes. Fifteen minutes later, they were baking in the oven. Thirty minutes later, my husband & two daughters were enjoying their 2nd Sandwiches!
Welcome to the site Tricia and thank you for the great review. I’m so happy to hear that your family enjoyed them 🙂 and hope you’ll find many new favorites on the site.
These are soooo good! We have made them for our engagement party, bridal shower, and sundays dinners! Everyone loves them! Thank you Alla and Natasha!!
Awww thanks Leah. I’m sharing your comment/review on my facebook page. You’re awesome! 🙂
Are they good when they are cold?
They still taste great cold, but are best warm :).
So much amazing flavor in these melts! Thank you for sharing the Johnnie’s seasoning recipe, they used to not add MSG. I still buy it sometimes but love that I could mix up my own.
There are some that say specifically “no MSG” but it’s also just so easy to make your own :). I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
We are trying to be more healthy lately. Do you think yogurt would work instead of mayo?
To be honest, I haven’t tried it with yogurt. If you do use yogurt, I’d recommend probably Greek.
My while family loved these and that never happens! We are having them for the second time this month tonight! Thanks for an easy and delicious recipe!
Shanba, thank you for such a great feedback, I’m glad that your family loves the recipe :).
Thanks for an amazing and super easy recipe! They are simple enough and don’t take much time, but at the same time sophisticated enough to serve to guests. I just ate five of them for my lunch and would have more but they are quite filling as well.
I did have to substitute cheddar for Parmesan since that’s the only cheese I had at the moment. Wonder if cheddar adds even more flavor? As for cilantro, I don’t really like it’s smell, but here it tastes good!
You are welcome Ilona, and thank you for a great feedback. I haven’t tried it with Parmesan but I assume that either one of them tastes great :).
These were a deffinanlty a hit with my husband:) love all your recipes. When my husband asks for something I don’t know how to make, and I tell him that I don’t know how his response is:”go to natashas kitchen” haha
You’re so sweet 🙂 lol. I’m so happy you enjoyed the melts. Aren’t they addictive? My sister also has been adding a little shrimp to the mix. You’re making me so hungry!
What size shrimp did she add and was it cooked or uncooked
Click here for the shrimp sandwiches recipe.
Can you use just regular bread for this recipe?
Hi Shelly, yes I think that would be fine.
Any idea how many cups chicken breast you used? I keep cooked chicken breast in my freezer and would like to use it instead of the canned.
It’s about 3 cups of shredded chicken. 🙂
Love these!
I was craving something hearty yet simple and this hit the spot.
thank you, lady!
You’re so welcome Galina 🙂 Ha ha, the first time someone called me lady was at the beach. I was 15 and it was a little boy who was maybe 6. I sure didn’t feel like a lady. “lady” seemed old to me, but now I call my friends “lady” for kicks and giggles too. lol. Anyway you just reminded me of that story.
How of everything would i need just for about 4-5 sandwiches? I’m only making it for 2.
You should make 1/4 of the recipe, but it’s hard to cut it down that far since you need 2 cans of chicken for the full recipe. It would be easiest to cut the recipe in half and use 1 can of chicken.
Thank you for this delicious recipe. I usually make a plain chicken salad sandwich (chicken breast-can with mayo) as a fast meal for the kids. But your recipe looks amazing. Presentable for guests/entertaining. I made it today; it is very yummy!!! I put lots of cilantro for my husband, lots of tomato for myself and for the kids….they saw something green (cilantro) and decided they weren’t very hungry anymore…haha.
Can’t wait to try it with green onions or dill
Thanks
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/bc/c2/ac/bcc2ac06b257c9c7acdf268eca043aa5.jpg
Estera your picture is making me so so hungry! Surprisingly my son didn’t pick through the green stuff ;). You can always leave the cilantro out of half the mixture. 🙂
Made quesadillas instead of sandwiches. Good!
That’s creative, what a great idea Natalie :).
These are ahhmazing! An awesome go to recipe with unexpected guest;) but I also like to add bell peppers and or cucumbers:)
Oh yum! Both of those add-ins sound nice! Do the cucumbers hold up after being in the oven?
It’s past 11:00 pm and I just made these. Definitely should not be eating them at this hour, but I soon as I saw the recipe just couldn’t resist.
Oh dear. I didn’t foresee them having that strong of an effect on people. 😉
Chicken sandwich is calling my name. ..lol 🙂 this is a great recipe, Thank you
You’re welcome! I think you’ll love it!
Very good 🙂 thanks
You’re welcome Ira 🙂
Everything sounds great until Cilantro, don’t like it, can parsley be substituted??? thank you 🙂
The flavor of the cilantro is tamed after baking these. I haven’t tried with parsley but I think it would work. Others have mentioned dill and green onion instead if cilantro.
I like making these, there’s never leftovers. I like the diced tomato and cilantro, I usually places a tomato slice under the chicken mix but Alla’s way make it way more colorful and pleasant to look at : )
Someone else mentioned dill and green onions as well. I’ll definitely have to try your version. It looks like these are pretty popular dish in Washington!
Haven’t made these yet, but I certainly will. Great recipe, but then all your recipes are great! Could probably also use canned tuna instead of chicken. Keep the recipes coming!
Yes you can try that and please share with us how you like that version. Thanks for the good review!
Oh my family loves when I make those!!! I never put cilantro or sauce but I add fresh or frozen dill and green onions!!! I should try ur version!!! If you eat one you will go for one more for sure!!!
You’re so right! I definitely couldn’t stop after just one! 😉
These have been a family favorite for years now and the good news is they never get old!!! Yes, this recipe originated in the lovely state of WA! 😉
I think it is a recipe that we’ll be enjoying for a long long time. It was a hit with my husband and son and I sure loved it too! 🙂
Wow, its so interesting to know that my moms cousin is related to you thru your cousin, small world eh? We have been making these sandwhiches for a while at my house and they’re a hit everytime! I should try adding hotsauce next time though:)
Thanks!
The hot sauce is quite a treat! You definitely should give it a try! 🙂
My system can not handle hot sauce & spicy…could you suggest what else I could do?
Hi MaryAnn, you could omit the hot sauce and it will still work well. When we make it for the children, we omit the hot sauce.
These look amazing. My daughter would love them.
The kids in the family all loved these! They are definitely a family friendly treat! Thanks Kathy 🙂
Fear not! These pictures definitely did the recipe justice (or so I imagine)! My mouth is watering! This looks like a great alternative to my open-faced tuna melts and just as easy! I can’t wait to pick up a loaf of delicious, crusty bread and pop these in the oven!
ps- All of Alla’s recipes that you have posted look delicious!
Thank you! Some of the most delicious foods are so hard to photograph. That is why we are making it our goal to re-photograph some of our older classic recipes that we make often. Thank you for your sweet comment. 🙂
Um.. YES! These are speaking to me 😀
They’re so good! I hope you get a chance to make them 🙂 usually if the food is speaking to you, it’s a very good sign. 😉