Sometimes you come across a recipe that’s so good, it automatically goes into rotation, but then, something happens and you start to imagine said recipe in all sorts of variations. Welcome, Baked Jerk Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, this is a twist on Pampered Chef’s Jerk Chicken nachos and they’re addictive!
Years ago I sold Pampered Chef, really I think it’s much more accurate to say I bought Pampered Chef. I did a few parties, but I wasn’t the best salesperson and I definitely wasn’t hustling. If someone needed something I’d pull together an order. The thing was, I loved almost all of their products, so it was always a win.
If you’ve never been to a PC party, there’s a little demonstration of the tools and what not and then food! My go-to recipe was always their Jerk chicken nachos, they’re so easy and taste phenomenal! And always a huge hit. I can’t remember a party where there were leftovers at the end of the night. The nachos are simple and the thing about simple is that it’s usually all you need!
The ingredients in the nachos are shredded chicken mixed with Colby jack cheese and Caribbean jerk seasoning, I prefer Pampered Chef’s spice version. Mix it all together and spread over tortilla chips bake for about 5 minutes, then top with green and red peppers tossed in lime juice. OMG so good!
So, I set out to create a sandwich that carried all those flavours and what do you know? Baked Jerk Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches or melts (which is probably more accurate) came barreling through like a freight train of tasty. Seriously, this is a ride you want to take! The chicken and cheese melt so perfectly together and with the jerk seasoning, this IS the ultimate in sandwiches, but then, we add a bright bite with the lime soaked peppers and this meal takes off!
How to make Baked Jerk Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Ok, let’s talk about how to make these sandwiches for a minute. It’s pretty easy and the nice thing is that you can bake a whole batch at once. So, once your oven is pre-heated we can get started. Well, actually you can do a little prep while the oven is heating up. Butter your bread slices. Then chop your peppers and soak them in fresh lime juice, this might be my favourite part of the whole sandwich, the lime juice takes that rawness out of the peppers and they become the jewel of this whole dish!
Next, chop the chicken nice and fine. I like to use my Pampered Chef Mix n Chop (aff. link), it breaks the meat up perfectly, then mix that with about half the cheese and all of the seasoning. Place six slices buttered side down on a large rimmed baking sheet, divide the chicken mixture over the bread. Bake until the cheese starts to melt, then remove add the soaked peppers and top with remaining bread, butter side up.
Here, you’ll carefully flip the sandwiches over. Be extra cautious, that pan will be hot, but flipping it gives the bottom a nice “fry” on the hot pan, so don’t skip this step. Bake it for a bit longer, and then broil each side to toast up the bread. Just make sure and keep an eye on them, they can burn quickly. Finally, pull them out, cut in half and serve with sour cream.
Trust me when I say, you’ll love this sandwich! It’s a perfect recipe for an easy meal. I can’t wait to hear what you think. And when you’re full of this recipe, try the nachos. And then let me know what else you think this combination will be good in!
If you love Baked Jerk Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, check out these other delicious sandwich recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:
Finally, if you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!
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Baked Jerk Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Inspired by our favourite jerk chicken nachos, but flipped into a grilled cheese and baked in the oven.
INGREDIENTS
- 12 slices sourdough bread
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 3 cups Colby jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 1/2 peppers, red and green
- 1 lime, juiced
- sour cream, to serve
INSTRUCTIONS
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preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread and place six slices butter side down onto a large sheet pan.
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Dice the peppers fine and soak in the lime juice and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, chop chicken into very small pieces, mix in two cups of shredded cheese and jerk seasoning and divide amongst the six slices of bread. Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese starts to melt.
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Pull the pan from the oven and divide the peppers and spoon over each sandwich, top with remaining cheese, cover with the remaining bread slices. Carefully flip the sandwiches over, caution the pan will be hot. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
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Turn on the broiler and bake for another 2-3 minutes. Watch the sandwiches because they will brown quickly. Flip them over and bake the opposite side for an additional 2-3 minutes, again watching carefully.
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Remove, cut in half and serve with sour cream.
RECIPE NOTES
Adapted from Pampered Chef’s Jerk Chicken Nacho recipe.