Apricot and Cheddar Chicken Melt

Name: Apricot and Cheddar Chicken Melt
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup white-wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; Coarse salt and ground pepper; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 to 8 ounces each), split horizontally; 1 baguette (about 20 inches), split horizontally, then cut in half; 1/4 cup apricot preserves; 4 ounces thinly sliced deli ham; 4 ounces white cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup)

Rating: 4.11 stars

37 Ratings
12 Reviews

These sophisticated sandwiches are familiar enough for children. The chicken can be marinated tonight and broiled for dinner tomorrow. Pair it with a crunchy salad for a pleasant contrast between hot and cold.

Recipe Summary

prep:

15 mins

total:

35 mins

Servings:

Ingredients

1/4 cup white-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, chopped
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 to 8 ounces each), split horizontally
1 baguette (about 20 inches), split horizontally, then cut in half
1/4 cup apricot preserves
4 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
4 ounces white cheddar cheese, grated (1 cup)

Directions

Step 1

Heat broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, combine vinegar, mustard, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; add chicken, and turn to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes (or cover and refrigerate in marinade up to 24 hours).

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Step 2

Lift chicken from marinade, and place on prepared baking sheet; broil (without turning) until opaque throughout. Transfer chicken to a work surface; discard pan juices from baking sheet.
Step 3

Place baguette pieces on baking sheet, cut side up; dividing evenly, spread with apricot preserves, and layer with chicken, ham, and then cheese. Broil until cheese is melted, 4 to 6 minutes.

Cook's Notes

How to do a split: Lay a chicken breast flat on a cutting board, and press down to keep it in place. Holding your knife parallel to the work surface, carefully cut breast in half horizontally.

Reviews (12)

37 Ratings

5 star values: 16
4 star values: 12
3 star values: 6
2 star values: 3
1 star values: 0

Anonymous

05/23/2014

This is a great quick-meal alongside a green salad. I swapped Gruyere for the Cheddar, so it had a nice nutty sharpness against the salty ham and sweet apricot flavors. Plus, Gruyere holds together fabulously when melted. We'll definitely be having this again.

Anonymous

04/26/2014

This is such a good recipe and so easy!

Anonymous

02/10/2014

This sounds amazing! Mmmm...apricot. What a welcome change to the ordinary lunch sandwich. I am definitely trying this soon. I also recently did a recipe on my favorite sandwich...aged cheddar with roast chicken. Link below for all who would like to check it out! http://editglobal.com/whats-for-dunch-enjoy-this-delicious-lunch-sandwich-for-dinner/

Anonymous

09/04/2012

Cannot wait to make this. Wish you would have put directions on recipe for the apricot jam.

Anonymous

11/21/2010

JorJeslety, it seemed like it took me at least 15 minutes, but it took a little longer since the chicken breasts that I had seemed a thick. I agree with Imshoumaker: I repeated the recipe with cheese slices, and it worked out better than grated cheese for staying on the meat. I also used chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts, and this recipe works just as well. It's delicious! I didn't know if I'd like the apricot, but the flavor combo is yummy!

Anonymous

10/13/2010

Approximately how many minutes do you broil the chicken for?

Anonymous

10/13/2010

Approximately how many minutes do you broil the chicken for?

Anonymous

02/18/2009

this was from an issue a while back. It was really good and even the kids liked it. I paired it with the salad you see in the background and it was great too! The salad is an apple, celery, nut combo. Don't think you need to grate the cheese though - just use slices.

Anonymous

01/30/2009

I am running out of coins to copy all these great ideas....ha This sandwich sounds delicious and love the hard bread which adds that crunch. Loving all these recipes. THANKS

Anonymous

09/25/2008

Very easy and an intersting (good!) taste. I used Cuban bread intsead of a baguette, I prefer softer breads, and chicken tenderloins. Very good marinade. Mmm....

Anonymous

01/23/2008

The broiling came out very nicely, I'm not much of a broiler and it was so easy! A terrific sandwich for minimal effort. We served this for a luncheon and loved it so much we had it again that night for dinner (I marinated extra chicken, and used chicken breast tenders so that I didn't have to cut up the whole breasts). The sweetness of the jam paired with the salty ham was a great contrast. Delicious!

Anonymous

01/04/2008

This was EXCELLENT. It was one of the best things I made during the month of September. Even my husband liked it, and he's not a mustard fan. I must admit that I don't broil all that much meat, but I'm getting really good results. It was really moist. My kids ate it up, too! I thought the Apple, Grape and Celery Salad went well with it.

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Apricot and Cheddar Chicken Melt

Ingredients

Directions

Cook's Notes

Reviews (12)

All Reviews for Apricot and Cheddar Chicken Melt

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Apricot and Cheddar Chicken Melt

Ingredients

Directions

Cook's Notes

Reviews (12)

All Reviews for Apricot and Cheddar Chicken Melt