Goat Cheese Hot Honey Chicken Grilled Cheese

My friend texted me at noon saying she had leftover rotisserie chicken and thirty minutes to eat lunch, so I threw together what became my most-requested sandwich. The moment the hot honey hit the warm goat cheese, something clicked—sweet, spicy, creamy, and crispy all at once. She asked for the recipe before she finished her first half. Now I make it whenever I need to feel like I'm showing off without actually trying.

I made these for my partner one rainy Tuesday when neither of us wanted to leave the kitchen, and we ended up sitting at the counter eating them straight from the skillet, dripping hot honey everywhere and laughing about it. That's when I knew this wasn't just a lunch sandwich—it was the kind of food that makes an ordinary day feel special.

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread: Four thick slices are the foundation here, and sourdough specifically matters because the tang plays beautifully against the sweetness of the honey and the creaminess of the goat cheese.
• Goat cheese: Get it softened ahead of time so it spreads like butter instead of fighting you—this saves your bread from tears and your mood from frustration.
• Unsalted butter: Two tablespoons softened and ready, because you'll be spreading it on the outside for that golden, crispy crust that makes this sandwich worth making.
• Cooked shredded chicken: One cup, and rotisserie is your fastest friend here, though poached works just as well if you have time.
• Hot honey: Two tablespoons that do the real work—if you can't find it premade, combine regular honey with chili flakes and you've got the same magic.
• Chili flakes: Start with half a teaspoon in the filling and keep extra for the top, because this is where the heat lives.
• Salt and black pepper: Just a pinch, but don't skip seasoning the chicken mixture itself—it's the difference between good and unforgettable.

Instructions

Wake up the chicken:

Toss your shredded chicken with a tablespoon of hot honey, half a teaspoon of chili flakes, and a small pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This step coats every strand with flavor instead of leaving it bland in the middle of the sandwich.

Butter the bread:

Spread softened butter on one side of each of your four bread slices—thin but complete, because this is what's going to toast into golden, crispy magic.

Build the bottom layer:

Place two slices buttered side down on a clean surface and spread half your softened goat cheese evenly across each one. Don't skimp here; you want a real creamy foundation.

Add the chicken:

Distribute your seasoned chicken mixture evenly over the goat cheese on both slices, spreading it so every bite gets chicken.

Finish the filling:

Drizzle the remaining hot honey over the chicken and crumble any leftover goat cheese on top. This layering is what keeps things interesting from first bite to last.

Close the sandwiches:

Place your remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing up. Press gently so everything stays together without squishing out the filling.

Toast to golden perfection:

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and place your sandwiches in the pan. Cook for three to four minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula, until the bread is golden and crisp and you can see the cheese starting to melt at the edges.

Finish and serve:

Remove from heat, slice in half on the diagonal (it just looks better this way), and sprinkle with extra chili flakes if you want the heat to really announce itself.

Save

Save

My mom tasted this once and immediately started adding it to her lunch rotation, which meant something because she doesn't usually get excited about sandwiches. Now when I visit, there's always a jar of hot honey waiting on her counter, and we make these together while catching up.

The Hot Honey Secret

Hot honey is doing all the emotional heavy lifting in this sandwich, so understanding it changes everything. If you can't find it at your grocery store, don't skip the sandwich—just warm regular honey in a small pan and stir in chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. The warmth matters because it melts the goat cheese faster and makes the flavors bloom together instead of staying separate.

Why Sourdough Matters Here

You could technically use regular sandwich bread, but sourdough's tang cuts through the richness of the goat cheese and hot honey in a way that feels intentional instead of accidental. The crust also gets this incredible crackling quality when you toast it properly. Once you've made this with sourdough, other breads feel like they're missing the point.

Making This Your Own

The foundation here is solid, but this is also a sandwich that genuinely improves with small additions. Fresh basil leaves add brightness, thinly sliced red onion brings a sharp crunch that plays against the sweetness, and a handful of arugula on the side bridges the gap between indulgent and feeling a little bit healthy. Some people add a thin slice of mozzarella for extra creaminess, which honestly isn't a bad instinct.

• Experiment with different hot honey brands because they vary wildly in heat level and sweetness.
• Slice the sandwich on the diagonal because it genuinely tastes better and makes people think you know what you're doing.
• Serve alongside a simple tomato soup or arugula salad if you want to feel like you've actually cooked a meal.

Save

Save

This sandwich proves that sometimes the best meals are the ones you throw together without overthinking, using what you have on hand and trusting that a few good ingredients will carry you. Make it once and you'll understand why it keeps showing up in my life.

Kitchen Guide

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle when the bread is crispest and the cheese is at its melty peak. However, you can prepare the spicy chicken mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble and grill. This makes meal prep efficient—the filling comes together quickly, and the final cooking takes just minutes.

→ What type of bread works best?

Sourdough is ideal because its sturdy texture holds up well to grilling and its tangy flavor complements both the goat cheese and hot honey. The slightly chewy crust creates excellent crunch while the interior stays tender. If needed, a hearty country bread, ciabatta, or thick-cut white bread can substitute, but avoid very soft slices that might become soggy.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

While goat cheese provides the signature tangy creaminess, you could substitute with sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend of provolone and mozzarella. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift—goat cheese balances the honey's sweetness particularly well. If using milder cheeses, consider adding extra chili flakes or a pinch of garlic powder to maintain flavor depth.

→ How spicy is this with hot honey?

The heat level is mild to medium, depending on your hot honey brand and how much chili flakes you add. The sweetness tempers the spice, making it approachable for most palates. For sensitive eaters, use regular honey with just ¼ teaspoon chili flakes. Spice enthusiasts can drizzle extra hot honey after grilling or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

→ What sides pair well with this sandwich?

The richness of this sandwich pairs beautifully with fresh, acidic elements. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess. Tomato soup offers classic comfort, while a crisp cucumber and feta salad adds refreshing contrast. For lighter fare, apple slices or a small side of coleslaw work wonderfully.

→ Can I grill this on a panini press?

Absolutely—a panini press works beautifully and creates those signature grill marks while ensuring even melting. Cook for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisped to your liking. If you prefer a skillet, the gentle pressing technique described yields similarly excellent results with more control over the browning process.