Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese

This Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese is the epitome of a sandwich upgrade! This grilled cheese is salty + savory, sweet, balanced, and filled with two different flavors of  gooey melted cheese. If you're ready to take your lunch or quick snack to the next level, this is the recipe for you. Definitely one that will become the newest family staple. Dairy-Free + Gluten-Free options.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links via Amazon for products that I wholeheartedly love.

Grilled cheeses are my childhood and it's honestly one of the first things that I learned to master besides deviled eggs------where are all of my Southern peeps? Haha. I couldn't be more ecstatic to share this Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese with you because it's seriously one of my faves! Plus, I heard that it's National Grilled Cheese Day, so I'll of course be sharing an amazing IG Reel to bring this deliciousness to life. Oh and if you're into comfort food, this Easy KFC Mac + Cheese Bowl [Copycat] is truly something to try next!

Anyway, I truly love how quick + easy a grilled cheese is despite the amount of ingredients that you add to it and it's by far the tastiest if you add the right ones. When it comes to Everything But the Bagel, I didn't know about this flavor before coming to New York. It's truly a staple here, especially when it comes to bagels so I'm so glad that I now can create a delicious experience with just bagels. Matter of fact, for this sandwich, you could use my Vegan Everything Bagel Brioche Bread as your base so that you won't need the Everything Herb Butter unless you want extra bold flavor. Otherwise, regular brioche works great! Plus, this Baked BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese [Dairy-Free] and Southern Honey Mustard Chicken Bacon Sandwich is truly one to try next! Plus, this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper + Tomato Soup is a delicious soup to try next! Elevate your grilled cheese game with this Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese-- A mouthwatering combination of sweet + savory flavors.

My Top Favorite Grilled Cheese Recipes

If you're looking for a bit more grilled cheese inspiration, then I recommend checking out these two:

Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Broccoli Pesto Grilled Cheese 

How to Make Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese

There are FOUR components to these decadent grilled cheese sandwiches: the mozzarella + sharp cheddar cheeses, shredded chicken, Everything Herb Butter, and the tomatoes.

Start by prepping your ingredients: shred your cooked chicken breasts, chop the kale, and slice your tomatoes. You could also roast and season your tomatoes for extra flavor. Then make the Everything Herb Butter. You'll need a bowl and fork or spoon. Then, it's a simple matter of assembling + cooking each sandwich to perfection! Wallah!

Ingredients for Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese

• Bread. I love using brioche bread for this sandwich or some crusty sourdough. You can use your fave rustic bread. For a dairy-free option, ensure that you use vegan brioche bread.
• Chicken Breasts. One of the stars of this dish. I decided to shred them after it being cooked for a nice bite; Can also be diced in chunks.
• Tomatoes. You can add as many tomatoes as will fit in your sandwich. I use tomato-on-the-vine, but roma, grape, etc. works too! You can also roast them for added flavor!
• Kale. Any kind of kale will work! You can also sub with spinach, collard greens, broccoli, or arugula.
• Everything But Bagel blend. This is by far the star of this recipe. I include a nice homemade blend recipe, however, you can also use a store-bought version for greater ease.
• Herb butter. I like a mixture of unsalted butter that's softened at room temp. and mixed with the Everything But Bagel blend for nice, bold flavor.
• Mozzarella + Sharp Cheddar. Adds a great amount of savory and beautiful melty cheese flavor between the fillings of this sandwich. You can use freshly grated or shredded cheese. American or cheddar both melt easily.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS GRILLED CHEESE!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese. Everything from my fave baking sheet, parchment paper, food processor, high-powered blender, skillets, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Other Ingredient Ideas for Grilled Cheese

If you’re looking for more grilled cheese ingredient inspiration or want to just make this Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese even more delicious, here are some more ideas of what ingredients to add:

• Bacon: Candied or Regular crispy
• Add other greens: Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus, Brussels sprouts (shredded), etc.
• Roasted veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, chipotle peppers, etc.
• Caramelized onions
• Roasted garlic
• Sundried tomatoes
• Meat alternatives: mushrooms, tofu, chickpeas, etc.
• Kimichi (Think Gordon Ramsey's version)
• Pickles
• Other meats: beef, steak, prosciutto, ham, turkey, etc.

What is the Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese?

Even though this Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese is based on using mozzarella cheese and sharp cheddar cheese, you can also switch things up and add a new flare in their flavor profile by adding any of the following cheeses:

• Havarti
• Mild Cheddar Cheese
• Gouda
• American cheese
• Goat cheese
• Swiss
• Provolone
• Pepper Jack
• Muenster

Why Won't My Cheese Melt in my Grilled Cheese?

It's so important to use shredded or freshly-grated cheeses for the "gooey" results in your Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese. For even better results, I always recommend having your cheese at room temperature for an easier melt. But always remember that certain cheese melt easier than others like American and Cheddar, which are often the go-to's!

Homemade Vegan Brioche Bread for your Grilled Cheese

If you're looking to make this grilled cheese sandwich entirely dairy-free or just prefer using vegan brioche bread, then I highly recommend my recipe! It's the easiest, fluffiest Vegan Brioche Bread with this simple and fun baking recipe with yeast, vegan butter, and a secret ingredient–aquafaba!

Why You’ll Love This Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese

• Bold flavors—Savory + Salty marry so well together!
• Easy to make. Easy weeknight meal option or laidback lunch idea.
• Definitely a great way to use leftover chicken if you have it on hand!
• Uses simple ingredients.
• Great gluten-free + dairy-free options for everyone!
• Fun cooking activity for entire family. Kid love the assembling of grilled cheese!
• And just absolutely perfect for any kind of weather, especially when paired with soup during the cooler months.

STEPS TO MAKE A HOMEMADE EVERYTHING BAGEL BLEND

When it comes to the everything bagel blend, it's all about the sesame seeds. If I'm not using a store-bought version, I definitely enjoy keeping it as original as possible with both white + black sesame seeds. However, you can use one or the other if you don't currently have both. This recipe makes ¼ cup, however, I love making a larger batch (by doubling or tripling the ingredients) and storing it in an airtight container for a longer period of time. Here are the ingredients that you need:

• 4 tsps white sesame seeds
• 2 tsps black sesame seeds
• 2 tsps poppy seeds
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 2 tsps onion powder
• 1 tsp sea salt

How to Best Shred Chicken

When it comes to creating pulled or shredded chicken, there are two most effective ways to do so. Firstly, you would need to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked and cooled and then you shred the chicken in one of the following ways:

Forks: For this method you would need two forks. If using this method, place your cooked chicken breast onto a plate or cutting board and use both forks to separate the chicken meat and 'shred' as you separate. Continue doing this until all of your chicken is shredded.

Stand Mixer: If you're looking to avoid using arm strength, then the method of a stand mixer might be just for you. This is by far the fastest and easiest way to shred chicken and you simply place all of your cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of stand mixer. Add the paddle attachment and mix on low. In just 15-20 seconds you’ll have shredded chicken. That easy!

Is Butter or Mayo Better for Grilled Cheese?

OK, so this is one of the biggest debates about grilled cheese because most people swear by using mayonnaise for the best grilled cheese results as it relates to a perfectly crisp and golden exterior. However, I've been a fan of using butter, but softened herb butter to be exact which has been a major game-changer. But to answer your question----I feel that both work great, but mayonnaise is the one that tends to win more arguments. Haha. 

Should I Cook Grilled Cheese Fast or Slow?

So, when it comes to cooking grilled cheese much like things like pancakes, it's super important to cook things slowly. Main reason: it helps the cheese and other ingredients to warm through evenly without the outside of the breads getting burned because it's on high-heat. Therefore, trying keeping things on low or medium-low and allowing everything to cook slow + sure. Patience will be your best friend!

Add Herb Roasted Tomatoes to your Grilled Cheese

The key for this recipe is to start with great-quality tomatoes. Choose a mix of large and cherries, and several different colors if you can find them.

INGREDIENTS

• Tomatoes. You can add as many tomatoes as will fit on your baking sheet.
• Olive oil. Don't skimp on the oil! It helps concentrate the tomato flavor and makes a nice jammy texture. You can use these roasted tomatoes like a dressing or sauce.
• Dried herbs. I like a mixture of Italian herbs like oregano, basil and parsley. But you can mix up the seasonings with other fresh or dried herbs. Thyme, rosemary, marjoram and tarragon are all delicious with tomatoes.
• Spices. Likewise, feel free to play with different spices in your roasted tomatoes. I like paprika, garlic powder and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

What Goes Well with Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese

I like to enjoy my Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese on it's own most days or at least with a very simple side, however sometimes you can always spruce things up for a more hearty meal. Therefore, I wanted to share a few more ideas incase you make this grilled cheese more than once and want to switch things up!

Other food option ideas to enjoy this grilled cheese with----include:

• Chips
• Fries (like this Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries, Crispiest Jumbo Garlic Herb Fries, or Spicy Honey Sweet Potato Wedges)
• Other appetizers like wings (Classic Oven Baked Buffalo Wings, Sticky Peach Chicken Wings, Orange Chicken Wings, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings/Bites, or BBQ Cauliflower Wings)
• Chicken Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons, Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad, or Quick + Easy Blood Orange Kale Salad
• Copycat Velveeta Broccoli Mac and Cheese
• Creamy Stovetop Southern Mac + Cheese
• Ultimate Vegan Mac + Cheese
• Delicious soups (like this Roasted Carrot Soup + Cheesy Croutons, Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup, Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Soup, or Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup)

Can I Make this Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely GF, simply ensure that the bread is GF-Friendly. However, to make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely dairy-free, simply sub the butter with vegan butter as well as ensure that the bread is vegan and sub the cheese with high-quality cheese shreds.

How to Store Everything But Bagel Seasoning?

This original recipe makes about ¼ cup, however, you can always make a larger batch of this and store it in an airtight container in a dry, cool place for up to 6 months.

Other Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you are a fan of my Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese, you will also love these other delicious options also!

• Best Homemade Vodka Pizza
• Gluten-Free Hot Honey Bacon Pizza [Valentine's Day Edition]
• Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
• The Best Vegan Meat Sauce + Gnocchi 
• Kale Pesto Pizza
• Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos [Dairy-Free]
• Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli 
• Weeknight Tomato Kale Ravioli Bake

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make this Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese, be sure to Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea!

Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese

April 12, 2023 •

By Shanika

5 from 3 votes

Never make another boring sandwich again with this delicious Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese! Adult + Kid-approved!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Serves: 2 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

EVERYTHING BUT BAGEL SEASONING:

• 4 tsps white sesame seeds
• 2 tsps black sesame seeds
• 2 tsps poppy seeds
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 2 tsps onion powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

GRILLED CHEESE:

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 4 slices bread (I love using brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc. )
• 1 ½ cups organic mozzarella cheese, grated or shredded (See Post for Tips on getting cheese to melt!)
• 1 cup organic sharp cheddar cheese, grated or shredded (See Post for Tips on getting cheese to melt!)
• 1 cup fresh kale, chopped
• 1 tomato-on-the-vine, sliced thin

EVERYTHING HERB BUTTER:

• 4 Tbsps unsalted butter, softened at room temp.
• 2 Tbsps Everything But Bagel seasoning

Instructions

TO MAKE THE EVERYTHING HERB BUTTER:

• In a bowl, add the softened butter and Everything But Bagel seasoning, stirring them together until smooth, soft, and combined.

ASSEMBLY + COOK:

• On the outsides of each bread slice, spread a bit of the Everything Herb Butter so that they become nicely crisp and golden.
• On one side of 2 slices of bread, add a handful of the mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese until evenly covered followed a handful of shredded chicken, a few slices of tomatoes, and a bit of chopped kale. Place together one side of bread that has the ingredients on it with the other side that has nothing (ensuring that the buttered side is on the outside), pressing them gently together to make a sandwich. Repeat until all sandwiches are made.
• In a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat, add the sandwiches (one side down), cooking until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes. Flip sandwich unto opposite side and cook for another 3-4 minutes. NOTE: The Everything bagel seasoning should be "set" into the sandwiches at this point.
• Once done, cut in halves (if desired), plate the sandwiches with your favorite side or chips and enjoy.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• EVERYTHING BUT BAGEL SEASONING (STORAGE): This original recipe makes about ¼ cup, however, you can always make a larger batch of this and store it in an airtight container in a dry, cool place for up to 6 months.
• GUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely GF, simply ensure that the bread is GF-Friendly.
• DAIRY-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely dairy-free, simply sub the butter with vegan butter as well as ensure that the bread is vegan and sub the cheese with high-quality cheese shreds. 
• EQUIPMENT: Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese. Everything from my fave baking sheet, parchment paper, food processor, high-powered blender, skillets, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 1506mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4077IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 283mg | Iron: 5mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Everything Chicken Tomato Grilled Cheese.

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