Chicken And Cheese Sub Recipe

Hearty Chicken and Cheese Sub Recipe for Lunch Cravings

Craving a chicken and cheese sub that hits all the right flavor notes? Sandwich lovers rejoice in this classic combination that promises pure satisfaction from the first bite.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate the delightful balance of protein and melty goodness packed between soft bread.

Hearty and filling, this sub represents the perfect solution for midday hunger or casual weekend meals.

Busy home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing sandwich without complicated techniques or extensive preparation time.

Restaurant-quality results are within reach, making everyone feel like a confident kitchen pro.

Your next meal just got a whole lot more delicious – grab those ingredients and get ready to create something memorable.

What Makes Chicken And Cheese Subs So Satisfying

What Makes Chicken And Cheese Subs So Satisfying
  • Easy Seasoning Magic: Those simple spices transform plain chicken into a flavor-packed sandwich that makes your taste buds dance with excitement.
  • Quick Lunch Hero: This sandwich comes together faster than ordering takeout, giving you a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Totally Customizable: Your family can add their favorite toppings, making this sub a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.
  • Comfort Food Classic: The combination of warm, crispy chicken, melty cheese, and toasted bread hits that perfect comfort food spot every single time.

Core Ingredients of Chicken And Cheese Sub

Main Protein:
  • Cooked Chicken Breast (1 pound): The star of the sandwich, shredded or sliced for easy eating. Seasoned perfectly to give your sub incredible flavor.
Main Bread:
  • Sub Buns (2, 6-inch each): The foundation of your sandwich, ready to be buttered and toasted for a crispy exterior.
Cheese:
  • Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully to create a creamy layer that adds richness to your chicken sub.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon), Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon), Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon), Salt (1/2 teaspoon), Ground Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A perfect spice mix to elevate your chicken’s flavor profile.
Sandwich Toppings:
  • Shredded Lettuce (1/2 cup), Tomato (1 medium, thinly sliced), Red Onions (1/4 cup), Pickles (1/4 cup, optional): Fresh vegetables to add crunch and brightness to your sandwich.
Optional Additions:
  • Mayonnaise (1/4 cup, optional), Butter (for toasting): Extra ingredients to enhance moisture and golden-brown toasting of your sub bun.

Common Prep Tools for Chicken And Cheese Subs

  • Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing chicken and toasting buns, ensuring your chicken gets that perfect golden-brown crispness.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps slice buns cleanly and chop any fresh toppings like tomatoes or onions with precision.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for slicing ingredients and preparing your chicken and vegetables.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for seasoning your cooked chicken with spices, making sure every piece gets coated evenly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps you add the exact amount of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.
  • Spatula: Great for turning chicken in the skillet and transferring seasoned pieces without losing any delicious bits.
  • Baking Sheet (optional): Useful for toasting assembled subs in the oven for that extra melty cheese finish.

How to Make Chicken and Cheese Subs

How to Make Chicken and Cheese Subs
1

Season Chicken

Grab your cooked chicken and sprinkle on the seasonings.

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Mix these spices into the chicken so every bite is packed with flavor.

2

Warm the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Toss in the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until it’s warm and slightly crispy around the edges.

3

Prepare Sub Buns

Slice open 2 sub buns, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spread butter on the inside of each bun. Toast them in a skillet over medium heat or under the broiler at 400°F for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown.

4

Add Cheese

While the buns are still warm, layer 2 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese on the bottom of each bun. The residual heat will start to soften the cheese.

5

Build the Sandwich

Scoop the warm, seasoned chicken on top of the cheese. Then add your fresh toppings:

  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onions
  • 1/4 cup sliced pickles (optional)
6

Add Mayo and Close

Spread 1/4 cup mayonnaise on the top half of each bun. Gently close the sandwiches.

7

Final Toasting (Optional)

If you want extra melty cheese, pop the assembled subs in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes. The cheese will get perfectly gooey and the bread will crisp up.

8

Serve and Devour

Pull those hot subs out of the oven and serve immediately. Grab a napkin – these are about to get deliciously messy!

Helpful Cooking Notes For Chicken And Cheese Subs

Helpful Cooking Notes For Chicken And Cheese Subs
  • Mix your spices together first, so coating the chicken is super fast and even.
  • Get that perfect golden-brown texture by not moving the chicken too much while sautéing.
  • Butter both sides of your bun for extra flavor and crunch when toasting.
  • Let the warm chicken sit right on the cheese slices to help them get deliciously melty.
  • Spread mayo last so your bread doesn’t get soggy before serving.

Chicken And Cheese Sub Filling Options

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Sub: Swap out the original seasonings for chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to give your sub a southwestern kick that heats things up.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Sub: Replace regular cheese with feta, add some chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano on your chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
  • Gluten-Free Chicken Sub: Swap sub buns with gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps, ensuring your sandwich stays delicious while accommodating dietary needs.
  • Low-Carb Chicken Sub Bowl: Skip the bread entirely and serve the seasoned chicken and cheese over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, carb-conscious meal.
  • Serve with Crisp Sides: Grab some potato chips or a fresh green salad to balance the rich, cheesy chicken sub.
  • Perfect Portion Control: Cut each sub in half diagonally for easier handling and a more manageable meal.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Swap out lettuce for spinach or add jalapeños if you’re craving some heat.
  • Beverage Buddies: Pair this sub with an ice-cold soda or a light beer to complement the savory flavors.

How To Store Chicken And Cheese Subs

  • Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making sure to seal it completely so the meat stays moist and fresh.
  • Store unused sub buns wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or a zip-top bag at room temperature, eating them within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor.
  • Separate cold sandwich components like lettuce and tomatoes into different containers to prevent soggy bread when storing any prepared subs for later.
  • Freeze cooked seasoned chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a skillet to maintain its original juicy texture.

Questions And Answers For Chicken And Cheese Subs

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it and season as directed in the recipe.

FAQ

What cheese works best for these subs?

Provolone, cheddar, and American cheese all melt beautifully. Choose your favorite or mix cheeses for extra flavor.

FAQ

How can I make these subs spicier?

Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the chicken seasoning or add hot sauce when assembling your sandwich.

FAQ

Are these subs good for meal prep?

Definitely! Prepare chicken and buns ahead of time, then quickly assemble when ready to eat. Keep ingredients separate to prevent soggy bread.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives. The seasoning and technique remain the same.

FAQ

What sides pair well with these chicken subs?

Crispy french fries, coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad complement the sandwich perfectly.

Print
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Chicken And Cheese Sub Recipe

Chicken And Cheese Sub Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 44 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy chicken and cheese sub brings comfort right to your dinner table with golden-crusted bread, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken that makes weeknight meals super satisfying. Packed with flavor and easy to assemble, this sandwich delivers a delicious solution when hunger strikes and you need something quick and delectable.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
  • 2 sub buns
  • 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Toppings and Optional Additions:

  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup sliced red onions
  • ¼ cup sliced pickles
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • Butter for toasting the buns

Instructions

  1. Whisk ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper into your shredded chicken breast.
  2. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat at 350°F. Sauté the seasoned chicken for 3-4 minutes until it’s heated through and develops a slight crisp.
  3. Slice your 6-inch sub buns open, keeping the bottom intact. Spread butter generously on the inner surfaces.
  4. Toast the buttered buns in a skillet over medium-high heat at 400°F for 2 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  5. Layer 2 slices of provolone cheese onto the bottom half of each toasted bun while they’re still warm.
  6. Distribute the hot chicken evenly over the melting cheese, ensuring each bun gets an equal portion.
  7. Top the chicken with ¼ cup shredded lettuce, thin slices from 1 medium tomato, ¼ cup red onions, and ¼ cup pickles.
  8. Spread 2 tablespoons mayonnaise on the top half of each bun before closing the sandwiches.
  9. Optional: Place assembled subs in an oven preheated to 375°F for 5 minutes to enhance cheese meltiness.

Notes

  • Toast the bun insides carefully to avoid burning, watching them closely under the broiler or in the skillet.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
  • Let the chicken cool slightly before assembling the sandwich to prevent soggy bread and help cheese melt more evenly.
  • Drain excess liquid from vegetables like tomatoes to keep your sub crisp and prevent bread from getting wet.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 39 minutes
  • Category: Sautéed
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 730 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 55 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Mason Carter

Mason Carter

Founder

Expertise

Family Meal Routines, Simple One-pot Meals, Budget-friendly Cooking, Quick Dinner Planning, Batch Cooking Systems

Education

Hudson County Community College
  • Certificate: Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Training in core cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and real food preparation through hands-on experience in professional-style kitchens.
Penn Foster Career School (Online)
  • Program: Gourmet Cooking Certificate
  • Focus: Flexible online training covering cooking basics, meal preparation, and global recipes designed for real-life schedules.

Mason is the founder of Families With Purpose and the heart behind its simple, family-focused recipes. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, he creates meals that fit into busy routines and bring people back to the table. He focuses on easy dinners, one-pot meals, budget-friendly cooking, and practical weekly meal planning. Mason has built a recipe collection shaped by real family life, with clear methods and repeatable meals that work on everyday schedules.

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