Description
This Chicken Fajita Melts recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and seasoned chicken breast with melted pepper jack or cheddar cheese, all sandwiched between buttery toasted bread. Ready in just 25 minutes, these melts make for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Fajita Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sandwich Assembly
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bread (sourdough or sandwich bread)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still slightly crisp.
- Cook chicken mixture: Stir in the cooked chicken breast along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is heated through and the spices are well combined. Set the mixture aside.
- Prepare bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Arrange 4 slices butter-side-down on a clean surface to assemble the sandwiches.
- Assemble sandwiches: On each buttered-bottom slice, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese, add a generous scoop of the chicken fajita mixture, then top with another layer of cheese. Cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread, butter-side-up.
- Cook sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice in half, and serve warm. Optionally, accompany with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast that is freshly shredded or sliced for best texture.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Butter the bread generously to achieve a crispy, golden crust when grilled.
- Using a heavy skillet or pressing the sandwich helps the cheese melt evenly and the sandwich hold together.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture, as the bread may become soggy if left to sit.
