Apricot and Cheddar Chicken Melt

37 Ratings
  • 5 16
  • 4 12
  • 3 6
  • 2 3
  • 1 0

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.

Everyday Food, September 2007

Gallery

Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary

prep:
15 mins
total:
35 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Directions

  • 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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  • 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.

  • 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.

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Reviews (12)

37 Ratings
  • 5 16
  • 4 12
  • 3 6
  • 2 3
  • 1 0
Martha Stewart Member
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.
Martha Stewart Member
04/26/2014
This is such a good recipe and so easy!
Martha Stewart Member
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/
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Martha Stewart Member
09/04/2012
Cannot wait to make this. Wish you would have put directions on recipe for the apricot jam.
Martha Stewart Member
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!
Martha Stewart Member
10/13/2010
Approximately how many minutes do you broil the chicken for?
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Martha Stewart Member
10/13/2010
Approximately how many minutes do you broil the chicken for?
Martha Stewart Member
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.
Martha Stewart Member
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
Martha Stewart Member
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....
Martha Stewart Member
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!
Martha Stewart Member
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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