Sweet, savory, and dialed in with the right amount of heat, this Hot Honey And Gouda Chicken Sandwich has become a family favorite.
My family loves to give me a hard time about how often I make chicken for dinner. “Ugh, seriously. Chicken again? Ew. Mom, that’s sooooo boring.” But melt two kinds of Gouda cheese on perfectly grilled, marinated chicken, and all of a sudden I’m a hero.
This hot honey and Gouda chicken grilled sandwich is the perfect summer dinner when you don’t want to go anywhere or get takeout. But if you ask me, a grilled chicken at home is always a good idea. Besides, this recipe is so simple and takes very little time.
Since chicken breast is so lean, I like to marinate it before grilling. For this recipe, I’m mixing the sweet and tangy, so honey, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon are key ingredients here. When combined with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, you’re going to get a bold marinade that keeps the chicken juicy. Also, feel free to marinate your chicken for up to 24 hours. However, when there’s anything acidic in the marinade, like lemon juice, I don’t do it for more than 24 hours since the meat can start to break down.
This has been the summer of hot honey for me, so it’s no surprise that this liquid gold is the finishing touch to my grilled sandwich. I’ve been adding it to everything from pizzas to salads. Even better, it’s so easy to make—you just mix together two ingredients. Drizzle it on your grilled chicken sandwich and be prepared to be blown away!
What are Calabrian chilies?
Calabrian chilies are grown in the Calabrian region of Italy and are spicy, floral, smoky, and even a little sweet. This has replaced sriracha as my go-to heat source when I am looking to spice up a recipe. You can find this in the tomato aisle or sometimes in the Italian section of the grocery store. Or you can always order it online. I have also bought these chilies ground into a paste.
How do I store leftovers?
First of all, store the chicken separately from the bun and toppings (no need to peel the cheese off). Otherwise, you’ll be left with a soggy mess. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Before microwaving, cover the chicken with a paper towel—this helps retain moisture. Microwave at 50% power for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the thickness. Serve with a fresh bun and toppings.
As for the hot honey, store it in a tightly lidded jar in your fridge for up to 2 weeks. Give it a nice stir before using.
Serving suggestions
Caramelized Onion Jam (With Garlic) is especially delicious on this sandwich. You can also switch up the cheese—smoked provolone or a sharp white cheddar would also taste great. Add a side of chips, and if you have the time, make your own. After all, Homemade Potato Chips are the best! Baked Fries are another great option, and since you already have your grill on, why not make Grilled Romaine Salad? Its smoky char flavor goes really well with this sandwich.
Hot Honey And Gouda Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
For The Chicken Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice from one lemon
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 6 chicken cutlets or boneless, skinless breasts
For The Hot Honey:
- 2 to 3 Calabrian chilies (in oil)
- 1/2 cup orange blossom honey
For The Sandwiches:
- 1/2 cup Gouda cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup smoked Gouda cheese shredded
- 6 sesame seed buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Red onion thinly sliced
Instructions
To Marinate The Chicken:
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Add the chicken to a plastic bag or a glass container, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
To Make The Hot Honey:
- Place Calabrian chilies and honey in a jar. Use an immersion blender to purée, or just finely dice the chilies and stir them into the honey. Set aside until ready to use.
To Make The Sandwiches:
- Preheat the grill to 400°F. Use a grill brush to clean the grates, then lightly oil the grill.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side with the lid closed until the chicken gets an internal temperature of 165°F. Note: If using chicken cutlets, they may cook a little faster. Check on them around the 2-minute mark.
- In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the Gouda and smoked Gouda over the chicken. Close the lid to let the cheese melt.
- You can also toast the buns on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Place the chicken on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a generous drizzle of hot honey.
Leave a Comment