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Creamy Chicken Salad Melt

Featured in Easy Sandwiches Done Right.

This grilled sandwich adds a twist to chicken salad by mixing rotisserie chicken, creamy mayo, tangy yogurt, crunchy veggies, and bubbling melted cheese for a cozy meal.

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Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:21:36 GMT
Toasted whole wheat sandwich stuffed with shredded chicken, veggies, and cheesy creamy filling. Pin it
Toasted whole wheat sandwich stuffed with shredded chicken, veggies, and cheesy creamy filling. | thefamilycooks.com

Amazing Rotisserie Chicken Salad Toasty Sandwich

I came up with this sandwich while trying to use up my leftover rotisserie chicken. When you mix creamy chicken salad with gooey cheese on crispy bread, you get something truly magical. Adding a bit of Greek yogurt makes it lighter but doesn't take away any of the taste we all crave. It's now become our go-to fast dinner that feels both filling and light.

What Makes This Sandwich Special

The beauty of this melt is how it turns basic ingredients into something totally mouthwatering. You get filling protein from the chicken while the stretchy cheese makes every bite fun. I often pair it with hot tomato soup when I want the ultimate cozy meal.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: Gets your bread perfectly golden.
  • American Cheese: Gives that incredible melt.
  • Whole Wheat Bread: Forms a sturdy foundation.
  • Red Onion: Brings a nice bite to the mix.
  • Celery: Adds necessary crunchiness.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings a zingy kick.
  • Lemon Zest: Offers a fresh pop.
  • Mayonnaise: Provides classic richness.
  • Greek Yogurt: Our trick for a lighter mix.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and packs flavor.

Let's Make Some Melts

Serve
Slice them corner to corner and dig in while hot.
Cook the Sandwich
Brown them up and melt that cheese in your pan.
Assemble the Sandwich
Stack everything between slices of buttered bread.
Prepare the Chicken Salad
Stir your chicken with all the creamy stuff until well blended.

My Top Sandwich Tricks

Use medium-low heat to get that nice brown outside without burning. You can make the chicken mix a day ahead it actually tastes better. I sometimes throw in some pickles or cucumber for extra snap they're really good.

Switching Things Up

Don't hesitate to try your favorite cheese Swiss and cheddar work great too. Sometimes I'll use leftover turkey or even some roasted cauliflower for something different. A dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder really amps up the flavor.

Storage Tips

Your chicken salad will stay good in the fridge for around three days. When you want to warm up leftover sandwiches use a pan to keep them crispy. Don't use the microwave it'll just make your bread mushy.

A toasted sandwich filled with chicken salad, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, served on a black plate. Pin it
A toasted sandwich filled with chicken salad, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, served on a black plate. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does Greek yogurt do in this mix?

It makes the chicken salad creamy and tangy without being overly heavy, adds protein, and keeps the ingredients sticking together better.

→ Can I prepare everything before cooking?

Sure! Make the salad and refrigerate it for up to two days. Grill the sandwiches fresh when you're ready to eat.

→ Why press the sandwich while grilling?

Pressing it helps the cheese melt evenly and gives the bread that golden, crunchy texture by making better contact with the pan.

→ Is it okay to pick a different cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts great, cheddar, provolone, or Swiss can give the sandwich new flavors to try out.

→ What kind of bread works best?

Choose a firm bread like whole wheat for nutrition and support, but any sturdy loaf that grills well will do the trick.

Chicken Salad Melt

A warm and crunchy sandwich with rotisserie chicken salad, crisp veggies, and gooey cheese, all grilled to perfection.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 cup shredded chicken from a rotisserie.
02 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt.
03 1/4 cup mayonnaise.
04 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest.
05 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper.
06 1/4 cup finely chopped celery.
07 1/4 teaspoon table salt.
08 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard.
09 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
10 8 slices of whole-grain bread.
11 4 slices of creamy American cheese.
12 1 medium tomato, cut into slices.
13 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together yogurt, mayo, mustard, celery, and lemon zest. Toss in the chicken and onion until everything's coated.

Step 02

Spread 1/4 cup of the chicken mix on the unbuttered side of bread. Lay on tomato, cheese, then close with bread (buttered side up).

Step 03

Warm up a skillet over medium-low heat. Cover with a smaller lid and toast each side for 3-4 minutes. Keep warm while others cook.

Notes

  1. Prepare chicken filling in advance for easy meals later.
  2. Press down while toasting for ultimate cheese meltiness.
  3. Using Greek yogurt keeps things lighter.
  4. This is perfect for leftover chicken.
  5. Serve straight from the pan when they're warmest.
  6. Toast sandwiches a few at a time for the best texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • A trusty cast-iron skillet.
  • Small lid for pressing sandwiches.
  • Mixing bowl for salad prep.
  • Measuring cups for accuracy.
  • Foil to keep sandwiches warm.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, yogurt, butter).
  • Includes wheat (bread).
  • Egg products (mayonnaise).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 455
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 24 g