Busy weeknights call for simple, satisfying meals that still feel a little special, and these chicken apple sandwiches deliver every time.
Made with shredded rotisserie chicken, crisp Granny Smith apples, and melty cream cheese, they're the kind of baked sandwiches everyone loves. 👇👇
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Whether you need a fast lunch or an easy dinner idea, this one's a guaranteed hit.
- Fast and reliable: Uses cooked chicken for a true weeknight shortcut.
- Kid-friendly flavor: The sweet-tart apples with creamy cheese always get a yes.
- Perfect texture combo: Buttery bread, tender chicken, and warm crisp apple slices.
- Flexible ingredients: Use your favorite bread or swap cheeses easily.
- Great for lunches: Packs well for school, work, or heat-and-eat leftovers.
Note From Andi:
This recipe started on one of those nights when I had a little leftover rotisserie chicken and a single Granny Smith apple in the crisper. Somehow, those two turned into a sandwich so good it instantly earned a spot in our rotation.
The mix of cream cheese, tart apples, and buttery toasted bread hits every craving.
Recipe Ingredients 👇👇
- 3 Tbsp salted butter - softened for easy spreading.
- 8 slices bread - sourdough, multigrain, or sandwich bread all work.
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken - store-bought or leftover cooked chicken.
- 4 oz cream cheese - cut into small pieces or use spreadable style.
- 1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced for crisp tart flavor.
Optional: a pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Watch How To Make It 👇👇
Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇
STEP 1: Prep the Baking Sheet and Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the bread toast evenly and makes cleanup easier. The parchment also helps prevent sticking as the butter melts.
STEP 2: Butter the Bread
Spread 3 Tbsp softened salted butter on one side of each of the 8 slices of bread. Make sure to coat the edges so the sandwiches get that golden, crisp finish.
STEP 3: Build the Sandwich Base
Place 4 bread slices buttered-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Divide 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken evenly across the slices.
STEP 4: Add Cream Cheese and Apples
Layer 4 oz sliced cream cheese over the chicken, followed by thin slices of Granny Smith apple. The cream cheese will soften and melt slightly in the oven, creating a creamy base that balances the tart apples. The apples should be cut thin enough that they soften quickly.
TIP: If using spreadable cream cheese, spread about 1 Tbsp per sandwich directly onto the top slices of bread before baking.
STEP 5: Finish and Bake
Top each sandwich with the remaining 4 bread slices, butter-side out. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each sandwich using a spatula or tongs. Bake another 8 to 10 minutes until the bread is golden and the centers are warm and melty.
STEP 6: Slice and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the sandwiches rest for 1 minute so the cheese settles. Slice each one in half with a sharp knife and serve warm. The apples should be slightly tender with crisp edges, and the bread perfectly toasted.
Recipe Tips
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough or multigrain - it crisps up beautifully without falling apart.
- Soften butter first so it spreads evenly without tearing the bread.
- Slice apples thin so they soften just enough while staying slightly crisp.
- Don't overfill or the cheese won't melt evenly.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent burning and make cleanup easy.
- Check early - every oven's different, and you want golden, not dark brown.
- Let them rest 1 minute before slicing so the cheese sets and everything holds together.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the cheese: Try Havarti, sharp cheddar, or provolone.
- Add greens: Add baby spinach or arugula before baking.
- Try different apples: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady will also work.
- Add heat: A thin layer of chipotle mayo or hot honey makes it spicy-sweet.
- Add cooked bacon: Two slices per sandwich bring a savory crunch.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favorite sturdy gluten-free sandwich bread.
- Herb it up: Sprinkle thyme or rosemary over the chicken before baking.
What To Serve With
- Butternut Squash Soup or Roasted Tomato Basil Soup - classic pairings that complement the warm, cheesy sandwiches.
- Roasted Broccoli or Sautéed Green Beans - quick veggie sides that balance the richness.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or Crispy Roasted Potatoes
- Potato Chips or Apple Chips - the easiest no-prep side.
- Macaroni Salad or Cucumber Salad
How To Store Leftovers
- Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Use a skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crispy edges. Microwave only if you want a softer texture.
- Freezing: Not ideal because the apples will soften too much. If needed, freeze the chicken in advance on its own.
Dinner Rhythm Tip
If you're following my Dinner Rhythm Blueprint, these Chicken Apple Sandwiches work perfectly as an Anchor Meal.
- Option 1: Serve Tonight - Pair the sandwiches with vegetable soup or air fryer potatoes for a cozy, full dinner.
- Option 2: Freezer Shortcut - Shred leftover chicken and freeze it in small portions for future wraps, salads, or casseroles.
- Option 3: Make It Fancy - Turn leftover chicken and apples into mini crostini appetizers with cream cheese or brie for a weekend snack board.
- Option 4: Breakfast Twist - Reheat a sandwich, add a fried egg on top, and serve it open-faced for a hearty brunch idea.
One dish, three ways. That's Dinner Rhythm magic!
FAQs
Yes, canned chicken works! But I think rotisserie chicken has better texture and flavor.
Any firm, tart apple, like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady holds up well in the oven.
Yes, you can toast the sandwiches in a large skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
Absolutely. Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or a thin swipe of mayo adds great flavor.
Yes, they do. Just cool them completely first so the bread doesn't steam and get soggy.
Use vegan butter and your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.
Chicken Apple Sandwiches
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Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp salted butter - softened
- 8 slices bread - sourdough, multigrain, or sandwich
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken - shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese - sliced thin or spreadable
- 1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread 3 Tbsp salted butter on one side of each of the 8 slices of bread.
- Place 4 slices butter-side down on the baking sheet and divide 2 cups shredded chicken over them.
- Add 4 oz cream cheese and thin apple slices on top of the chicken.
- Place remaining 4 slices of bread on top butter-side up.
- Bake 10 minutes, flip, then bake another 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use sourdough or multigrain for sturdier sandwiches.
- Slice apples thin so they soften quickly.
- Reheat in skillet or toaster oven for best texture.
- Store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-calculated and meant to be an approximation only.
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