Cheese can be a delicious addition to a chicken sandwich. The creaminess and flavor of cheese pairs well with the juicy and savory chicken. When choosing a cheese for your chicken sandwich, there are a few key factors to consider.
Mild vs. Sharp Cheese
One of the biggest decisions is whether you want a mild or a sharper, more pungent cheese. Mild cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Havarti, and Cheddar have a more delicate, creamy flavor that won’t overpower the chicken. Sharper cheeses like aged Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, Swiss, and Gruyere have a stronger, tangier flavor that can stand up to the chicken.
Recommended Mild Cheeses
Here are some excellent mild cheese options to use on a chicken sandwich:
- Mozzarella – Moist and milky with a mild, clean flavor
- Monterey Jack – Buttery and slightly tart
- Havarti – Creamy and buttery with a hint of tang
- Young Cheddar – Smooth and mellow
- Provolone – Mildly smoky and creamy
- Pepper Jack – Monterey Jack with a kick of heat
Recommended Sharper Cheeses
Here are some excellent sharp cheese choices for chicken sandwiches:
- Aged Cheddar – Sharp and complex with a hint of nuttiness
- Gouda – Sweet and caramel notes with a salty bite
- Parmesan – Dry and granular with a sweet, nutty flavor
- Swiss – Nutty and mildly sweet with large eyes and holes
- Gruyere – Rich and savory with small holes
- Blue Cheese – Strong and pungent with a crumbly texture
Melting Ability
Consider the melting ability of the cheese. Soft, high-moisture cheeses tend to melt smoothly and evenly. Low moisture cheeses may become greasy or split when melted. Here are some guidelines:
High Melting Cheeses
- Mozzarella
- Monterey Jack
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Havarti
- Provolone
Low Melting Cheeses
- Swiss
- Parmesan
- Gruyere
- Blue Cheese
- Feta
Soft vs. Hard Cheeses
The texture of the cheese is another consideration. Soft cheeses spread smoothly, while hard cheeses offer a firmer bite.
Soft Cheeses
- Brie
- Camembert
- Mozzarella
- Ricotta
- Goat Cheese
- Cream Cheese
Hard Cheeses
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Gruyere
- Provolone
- Swiss
Flavor Compatibility
Think about how the flavor of the cheese will work with the other sandwich ingredients. Some cheese flavors to consider:
- Cheddar – Nutty and tangy
- Swiss – Mildly sweet nuttiness
- Monterey Jack – Buttery and mild
- Mozzarella – Clean and milky
- Havarti – Creamy and tangy
- Gouda – Sweet and caramel-like
- Blue Cheese – Strong and pungent
Amount of Cheese
Determine how much cheese you want in each bite. A sprinkling will provide subtle flavor, while stacked, melted cheese brings more pronounced cheese in every bite.
Complementary Toppings
Consider toppings that pair well with the cheese choice. For example:
- Cheddar – Tomato, avocado, bacon, caramelized onions
- Swiss – Mushrooms, grilled onions, sauteed spinach
- Mozzarella – Basil, roasted red peppers, pesto
- Blue Cheese – Sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, walnuts
Best Cheeses for Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
For grilled chicken sandwiches, semi-firm cheeses that melt well work best. The chicken can be pounded thin before grilling so the hot chicken helps melt the cheese. Recommended grilled chicken cheeses:
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
- Swiss
Best Cheeses for Fried Chicken Sandwiches
The hot, crispy crust of fried chicken calls for cheeses that complement the crunchy exterior. Soft cheeses spread nicely on the bun while semi-soft cheeses melt over the hot chicken. Good options include:
- Cheddar
- Havarti
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Gouda
- Brie
- Camembert
Best Cheeses for Chicken Salad Sandwiches
For chicken salad sandwiches, soft, creamy cheeses pair nicely with the creamy chicken salad. Good cheese choices include:
- Havarti
- Mozzarella
- Monterey Jack
- Feta
- Goat Cheese
- Blue Cheese
- Camembert
Best Overall Cheeses for Chicken Sandwiches
Taking all factors into account, here are some of the best options for cheese on a chicken sandwich:
| Cheese | Mild/Sharp | Melting Ability | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Mild | High | Hard |
| Monterey Jack | Mild | High | Semi-soft |
| Mozzarella | Mild | High | Soft |
| Swiss | Mild | Low | Hard |
| Provolone | Mild | High | Semi-hard |
| Pepper Jack | Mildly Spicy | High | Semi-soft |
| Gouda | Mild | High | Hard |
| Havarti | Mild | High | Semi-soft |
As you can see, options like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Provolone, and Havarti consistently rate highly across categories. Their mild flavor, excellent melting, and favorable textures make them cheeses that pair beautifully with chicken sandwiches.
At the end of the day, choose the cheese or cheeses that best suit your preferences. Mild Cheddar and Monterey Jack are crowd-pleasers, while Swiss and Provolone add more distinct flavor. Ooey-gooey Mozzarella never disappoints. And for an extra kick, Pepper Jack brings the heat.
Conclusion
When making chicken sandwiches, cheese can take them from great to spectacular. Balancing the cheese’s flavor, texture, and meltability with the chicken and other ingredients results in a cohesive, crave-worthy sandwich. While there are many excellent cheese choices, options like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Provolone, and Havarti are sure to please. With the right cheese, you can’t go wrong with a grilled, fried, or chicken salad sandwich.
