Chicken & Cheese Recipe

Prepare and cook chicken

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry and, if thick, butterfly or pound to an even ~3/4-inch thickness so they cook evenly.

In a small bowl combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Place the seasoned chicken in a small baking dish, add 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth to the bottom of the dish (this keeps chicken moist while baking). Cover tightly with foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes, then shred or thinly slice the chicken.

Return shredded chicken to the baking dish, stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar (reserve the rest for topping). Mix gently so cheese starts to melt into the warm chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) if you prefer to melt cheese on assembled subs, or keep at 375°F for a slightly crisper roll.

Prepare spread and rolls

Mix softened butter with minced garlic in a small bowl. In another bowl combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and 1/4 tsp salt. Slice each sub roll lengthwise, leaving a hinge if desired. Spread the garlic butter on the outer cut surfaces of the rolls and the mayo-mustard mixture on the inner surfaces.

Fill each roll with an even portion of the cheesy shredded chicken (about 1/4 lb chicken mixture per roll). Top each with remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar, dividing evenly.

Add optional toppings: sliced provolone (one per sandwich) and arrange red onion slices, roasted red peppers and basil leaves over the cheese if using.

Place assembled subs on a baking sheet. If you like a crisp top, brush the outside of the rolls lightly with remaining garlic butter.

Bake in the oven for 8–12 minutes until cheese is melted and rolls are warmed through and slightly toasted. For a browned top, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Remove from oven, let rest 1–2 minutes, then slice each sub in half if desired and serve hot.