The cheesy chicken bagel sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal featuring juicy grilled or crispy chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings, all nestled between a toasted bagel. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this sandwich is hearty, cheesy, and full of bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A unique twist on a classic chicken sandwich
- Crispy or grilled chicken paired with melty cheese and a toasted bagel
- Easy to customize with different bagels, cheeses, and toppings
- Perfect for a quick meal or a hearty breakfast option
- A great balance of textures—crispy, cheesy, and soft
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thigh)
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Olive oil (for grilling) or flour and breadcrumbs (for frying)
For the Sandwich:
- Bagels (plain, sesame, or everything bagels)
- Slices of cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Pickles (optional)
- Mayonnaise, honey mustard, or spicy aioli
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Grilled Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a pan or grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F/75°C).
- Crispy Chicken: Coat chicken in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Toast the Bagels: Lightly butter and toast bagels in a pan until golden.
- Melt the Cheese: Place cheese slices over the hot chicken and let them melt.
- Build the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise or sauce on the toasted bagels, then layer lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and the cheesy chicken.
- Serve & Enjoy: Press together and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños and drizzle with hot sauce.
- Bacon Lover’s Twist: Add crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Breakfast Style: Top with a fried egg for a morning meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Use a lettuce wrap instead of a bagel.
- Veggie Version: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or a plant-based patty.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQs
What’s the best bagel for this sandwich?
Everything, sesame, or plain bagels work best.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or grilled chicken works great for a quicker meal.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Toast the bagel and add lettuce as a barrier between sauces and the bread.
Can I air-fry the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
What’s the best cheese for melting?
Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone melt well and add great flavor.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, but assemble just before eating to keep the bagel fresh.
What dipping sauces pair well with this sandwich?
Ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo add extra flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free bagel and breadcrumbs.
What side dishes go well with this sandwich?
Fries, coleslaw, or a side salad make great pairings.
Can I grill the bagel instead of toasting?
Yes, lightly grill the bagel for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The cheesy chicken bagel sandwich is a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and packed with texture. Whether grilled or crispy, the juicy chicken paired with melted cheese and fresh toppings creates the ultimate sandwich experience. Enjoy it hot with your favorite sides and dipping sauces
Print
This Cheesy Chicken Bagel Sandwich is loaded with juicy grilled chicken, melted cheese, and a perfectly toasted bagel for the ultimate sandwich experience!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch / Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 bagels, sliced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup lettuce
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Coat chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill Chicken: Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Toast Bagels: Lightly toast bagel halves in a pan.
- Assemble Sandwich: Spread mayo and Dijon mustard on bagels. Add lettuce, grilled chicken, cheese, and caramelized onions.
- Melt Cheese: If desired, place the sandwich in a warm pan for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Swap mayo for avocado for a healthier option.
- Use BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Add a fried egg for a breakfast version.