introduction
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Toast is a quick, comforting snack or light meal that combines garlicky buttered bread, creamy shredded chicken, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or as an upgrade to ordinary toast when you want something flavorful and satisfying in minutes.
why make this recipe
- Fast: Ready in about 15–20 minutes depending on cooking method.
- Flexible: Uses leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, and you can swap cheeses or seasonings.
- Crowd-pleaser: Cheesy, garlicky, and savory — appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Serves as an appetizer, snack, or a light meal with a salad or soup.
how to make Cheesy Garlic Chicken Toast
Follow these clear steps to build and cook the toasts using your preferred method (oven, air fryer, or stovetop).
Ingredients :
6 bread slices (white or brown), 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or finely chopped), ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), ¼ cup cheddar cheese, 4 tablespoons butter (softened), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, Salt and black pepper to taste, Optional: Red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, Green onions or parsley
Directions :
Step 1: Prepare Garlic Butter – In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Make Chicken Cheese Topping – Combine shredded chicken, mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, and optional spices. Mix well until creamy.
Step 3: Butter the Bread – Spread garlic butter generously on one side of each bread slice.
Step 4: Add Chicken Mixture – Top each slice with a thick layer of the chicken-cheese mixture.
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), place prepared toasts on a baking tray, bake for 12–15 minutes, and broil for 1–2 minutes for golden cheese.
Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 180°C for 6–8 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn crispy.
Pan Method: Cook covered on low heat until cheese melts completely.
how to serve Cheesy Garlic Chicken Toast
Serve hot straight from the oven or air fryer. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and a light sprinkle of red chili flakes for heat. Pair with a crisp green salad, tomato soup, or a simple coleslaw for a balanced plate.
how to store Cheesy Garlic Chicken Toast
- Short-term: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Not recommended for best texture, but you can freeze unbaked topped slices on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
tips to make Cheesy Garlic Chicken Toast
- Use slightly stale bread for better toasting and less sogginess.
- Shred chicken finely so it mixes well with the cheese and spreads evenly.
- Don’t overload with topping — a thick, even layer melts better and heats through.
- For extra garlicky flavor, roast the garlic first or use garlic powder sparingly.
- To get bubbly, browned cheese quickly, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
variation (if any)
- Veggie version: Replace chicken with cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or a mix of spinach and artichoke.
- Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the chicken mixture.
- Mediterranean twist: Use feta instead of cheddar and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and oregano.
- BBQ chicken toast: Mix the chicken with a tablespoon of BBQ sauce and top with smoked gouda.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of bread?
A: Yes — sourdough, ciabatta, or multigrain all work well; adjust toasting time as needed.
Q: Is mayonnaise necessary?
A: It helps bind the chicken and keeps the topping creamy, but Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be used as alternatives.
Q: How do I prevent soggy bread?
A: Use a light hand with wet ingredients, toast the bread slightly before adding topping, and bake at a high enough temperature to crisp the edges.
Conclusion
If you want a similar idea and more variations on cheesy chicken toast, check out this Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread recipe on Together to Eat for inspiration and serving suggestions.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Toast
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper to prepare garlic butter.
- Combine shredded chicken, mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, and optional spices in another bowl. Mix well until creamy.
- Spread garlic butter generously on one side of each bread slice.
- Top each slice with a thick layer of the chicken-cheese mixture.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), place prepared toasts on a baking tray, bake for 12–15 minutes, and broil for 1–2 minutes for golden cheese.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 180°C for 6–8 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn crispy.
- Pan Method: Cook covered on low heat until cheese melts completely.
