Chicken and Ricotta Sandwiches with Hot Pepper Sauce

Introduction

Ricotta melts into the shredded chicken while hot pepper sauce keeps the filling sharp and spicy. The sandwiches brown in a grill pan in about 8 minutes, so they work for a quick lunch or a light dinner with soup or salad.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups shredded cooked chicken
• Ricotta cheese
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 ea. ½-inch slices white bread
• Hot pepper sauce (e.g. tabasco), to taste

Instructions

1. Spread slices of bread liberally with ricotta cheese. Toss chicken with hot sauce and spread on in a single layer evenly on each slice of bread. Top with another slice of bread.
2. Heat a grill pan or a griddle over medium high heat. Meanwhile, brush sandwiches with extra-virgin olive oil. Place sandwiches on grill, working in batches if necessary, until browned on both sides and cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Variations

• Replace the white bread with sourdough if you want a firmer chew and a more pronounced crust after grilling.
• Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread for a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser sandwich.
• Increase or reduce the hot pepper sauce to control the heat level without changing the texture of the filling.
• Swap the cooked chicken for cooked turkey if you want a similar texture with a slightly leaner flavor.
• Grill the sandwiches a little longer over slightly lower heat if you want a deeper crust and more melting time for the ricotta.

Tips for Success

• If the ricotta looks watery, stir it first so it spreads evenly and does not make the bread soggy.
• Keep the chicken in a single even layer so the sandwiches cook through at the same rate.
• Brush the outside of the bread lightly with extra-virgin olive oil; too much oil can make the crust greasy instead of crisp.
• Use medium high heat, not high heat, so the bread browns before the ricotta overheats.
• Serve the sandwiches right after grilling for the clearest contrast between crisp bread and soft filling.

Storage and Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven until the bread is crisp again and the center is heated through, about 5 minutes in a skillet or 8 to 10 minutes in the oven. The microwave works in a pinch, but the bread will be soft.

FAQ

Yes. A skillet or flat griddle works the same way as long as you keep the heat at medium high and turn the sandwiches once the first side is browned.

How spicy are these sandwiches?

That depends entirely on how much hot pepper sauce you mix into the chicken. Start light if you want just a little heat, then add more for a sharper kick.

Can you make these with another bread?

Yes. Sourdough, whole wheat, or sturdy sandwich bread all work, but avoid very thin slices that can tear under the ricotta and chicken.

Can you use another cooked poultry instead of chicken?

Yes. Cooked turkey is the closest swap and keeps the same basic texture and grilling time.