# Components:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot or Sriracha)
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Crispy Coating
09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Sandwich Components
11 - 8 slices thick-cut bread (e.g., sourdough or country white)
12 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese
14 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
03 - Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter and toss to coat. Bake for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
04 - Stir crispy panko breadcrumbs into the spicy chicken mixture until evenly distributed.
05 - Arrange 8 bread slices and butter one side of each slice.
06 - On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, layer one slice sharp cheddar, a generous portion of the spicy crispy chicken, one slice pepper jack, and one more slice sharp cheddar. Top each with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered sides face outward.
07 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted.
08 - Remove from heat, allow sandwiches to rest for 1–2 minutes, then slice in half and serve hot.
