Chunky Chicken Melt
A delicious open-faced sandwich featuring tender chicken, fresh tomato, melted Swiss cheese, and toasted English muffins, perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the drained chicken, mayonnaise, and finely chopped celery in a bowl.
- Arrange the split and toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet.
- Top each muffin half with a slice of tomato.
- Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the muffin halves on top of the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over each topped muffin half.
- Broil 6 inches from the heat for 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced onions or bell peppers with the chicken mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. You can also use sourdough or whole grain muffins instead of English muffins for a different texture. Ensure the chicken is well-drained to avoid a soggy muffin.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chunky chicken melts with a side salad or some crispy potato wedges for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with a bowl of soup, such as Nichole'S Swift Spud Soup Spectacular, for a cozy lunch or dinner. Feel free to add a dollop of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the melts under the broiler for a few minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the texture may not be as crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Chicken Melt contains roughly 1016 calories, with 9g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1031mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh chicken, cook and shred it beforehand. You can poach or grill it for added flavor. Just make sure it's fully cooked and shredded before mixing it with the other ingredients to maintain the same texture as the canned version.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese, you can easily substitute it with mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar for a different taste. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor while still melting nicely over the chicken mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these chunky chicken melts are great for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the melts just before baking to keep the muffins from getting soggy. They can be a quick and satisfying option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).