With so many cheese options out there, it can be hard to decide which one goes best with your chicken sandwich.
What should be the top 12 choices? How about everything you need to know about each type of cheese for your next chicken sandwich?
This article dives deep into the perplexities and what makes each cheese unique to its pairing with chicken sandwiches.
From classic American cheese to mozzarella and feta, you'll find all you need here to make the perfect sandwich experience.
Best Cheese Varieties for Chicken Sandwiches
When creating a delicious chicken sandwich, the choice of cheese is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
Different cheeses bring out different flavors-some add a bit of sharpness and bite, while others provide a rich and creamy texture.
Here are 12 cheeses that go best with chicken sandwiches to help you create the perfect meal.
1. Brie
Brie is a classic French cheese that is loved for its creamy texture and its distinct mild flavor.
It's made from cow's milk, which gives it a unique flavor that works well with chicken.
Brie pairs well with roasted or grilled chicken sandwiches because its smooth texture and light taste balance out the flavors of the sandwich.
Try adding some caramelized onions to your sandwich for an extra element of flavor when pairing brie with chicken.
2. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a classic Mediterranean cheese that is typically made with sheep or goat's milk.
It has a crumbly texture and a sharp, salty flavor.
Feta pairs well with spicy ingredients and can add tang to sandwiches.
With its creamy texture and strong flavor, it makes an excellent addition to a chicken sandwich.
Feta also contains probiotics which may help support good gut health.
To get the most health benefits, opt for feta cheese from grass-fed animals that was made with traditional methods which maintain more of the probiotic content than ones made with industrial processes.
3. Fontina
Fontina is a semi-firm Italian cow's milk cheese that is aged for at least three months.
It has a light yellow exterior and creamy, ivory-colored center.
This cheese melts easily and pairs nicely with the subtle flavor of chicken sandwiches.
Although it does not have a distinct flavor, its texture combines nicely with soft bread and moist chicken for a delicious sandwich.
Fontina is especially tasty when combined with roasted tomatoes, basil leaves, or artichoke hearts for an added layer of flavor that can take your sandwich from average to extraordinary.
4. Gruyere
Gruyere is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese native to Switzerland.
With its intense nutty-sweet flavor, and its supple texture, it is an excellent addition to a chicken sandwich.
Gruyere melts perfectly, making it ideal for blending with other cheeses in grilled cheese sandwiches or with melted butter as a sauce for vegetables.
It also can be used in soups and on top of breakfast toast.
Gruyere has 230mg of sodium per ounce, so a little goes a long way when it comes to adding flavor your sandwich.
5. Havarti
Havarti is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese that has a light, buttery, slightly nutty flavor.
It can be served cold or melted and is great for sandwich making as it adds a creamy richness.
It comes in firmness levels ranging from soft to hard and in flavors ranging from mild to sharp.
When paired with chicken, it can help balance the flavor of the sandwich and provide some delicious creaminess.
6. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a soft, white, creamy cheese with a mild flavor that makes it a popular choice for sandwiches.
Its mild flavor and soft texture are great complements to chicken both on its own and when combined with other ingredients.
The creamy texture of mozzarella can add contrast to the crunch of vegetables or the crispiness of bacon.
It's also a great way to introduce some extra flavor and moisture into the sandwich.
Consider adding some fresh cracked black pepper or herbs such as basil or thyme to mix in with the cheese for more complexity.
Of course, you can never go wrong with melted flavoured mozzarella like garlic and herb or smoked versions too.
7. Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack cheese is a white, semi-firm cheese from California.
It pairs well with chicken sandwiches because of its mellow, buttery flavor.
This type of cheese melts smoothly and evenly for a delicious experience.
When shopping for Monterey Jack cheese, look for blocks that are smooth and creamy in texture, with a mild yet slightly sweet taste.
Whether you choose to melt it on your sandwich or simply slice it up and add it to the mix, Monterey Jack is sure to provide an excellent flavor experience.
8. Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard, gritty Italian cheese made from cow's milk.
In addition to being one of the most popular cheeses for chicken sandwiches, it also has numerous other culinary uses, such as in pasta dishes, risotto, and on pizza.
Its distinct flavor is sharp and salty, with a slightly nutty aftertaste that makes it the perfect companion for chicken sandwiches.
To best bring its flavor out, try grating parmesan over your sandwich or adding slices of it just before serving.
It is a nice contrast to the savory flavor of chicken and will give your sandwich a unique taste.
9. Provolone
Provolone is an Italian cheese that has a mild and subtle flavor.
It is a semi-soft cheese, with a smooth texture perfect for spreading on sandwiches.
Provolone pairs well with chicken sandwiches as it melts well and adds a creaminess to the sandwich.
Provolone will also add smoky depth of flavor to your sandwich - the longer you age this cheese, the more intense its smokey flavor will become.
Be sure to buy aged provolone for an extra flavorful middle layer to your chicken sandwich.
10. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is an Alpine-style cow's milk cheese with a sweet, nutty flavor and many large holes, or "eyes".
The texture of Swiss cheese is creamy and it can often be enjoyed as well-aged slices.
It's a great choice for chicken sandwiches because of its mildness and smooth texture.
For best results, warm the Swiss slices before adding them to your sandwich; the heat will help soften the cheese so it easily melts into every bite.
11. Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese has long been a favorite for adding flavor to sandwiches and it is the main reason why chicken sandwiches have become so popular.
Cheddar cheese offers mild and nutty flavour, as well as a sharp taste that is sure to make your meal more interesting.
It's versatile too, since it will work with both hot and cold chicken sandwich combinations.
To get the most out of cheddar cheese, choose a mild cheddar with good melting qualities.
Make sure to keep your cheddar at room temperature before adding it; this will ensure that it melts evenly over the entire sandwich.
For an even better melt, grate your cheddar right onto the sandwich so that it blankets every bite in cheesy goodness.
12. Taleggio
Taleggio is a cow's milk cheese made in the form of large, pyramid-shaped cylinders.
It has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that make it an excellent companion to chicken sandwiches.
The rind of taleggio is edible, though some may prefer to remove it before adding the cheese to their sandwich to avoid an overly strong taste.
Taleggio pairs nicely with tomatoes and peppery greens, like arugula or spinach, making it all the more enjoyable in a delicious chicken sandwich.
Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Sandwich
When picking a cheese to top off your chicken sandwich, it's important to consider how it will go with the other flavors involved.
Many of the cheeses on this list can add a creamy flavor that pairs well with the crunchy bread and juicy chicken.
Additionally, different cheeses can help improve the overall taste and texture of the dish, making it truly unique.
So if you're looking for something savory or spicy, reach for provolone or pepper Jack cheese.
If you prefer something light and creamy, try feta or goat cheese for an outstanding combination that takes your sandwich to the next level.
And lastly, don't forget about French Brie and American Swiss for their classic melt-down capabilities.
Ingredients
Method
- Select your favorite ingredient from the range available in this article.
- Collect all the necessary items to make the recipe.
- Use the instructions provided to prepare a delicious dish in 30 minutes or less.
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The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
Browse all side dish pairings →The ideal sides for What Cheese Goes match its flavor. Rich, savory dishes pair well with something acidic or fresh; lighter proteins work beautifully with warm grain dishes.
For a crowd, go with something that scales easily and holds well at room temperature - think roasted potatoes, grain salads, or a large baked pasta.
Creamy mains pair best with something that can soak up the sauce - crusty bread, egg noodles, or a simple polenta work beautifully.
Roasted vegetables, a simple grain salad, or a classic caprese are crowd-pleasers that satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters at the same table.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
