Healthy Chicken Grilled Cheese

By Judy Capodanno
Published 2/7/2022
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy
Healthy Chicken Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese gets a whole new twist when you combine sliced chicken breast, reduced-fat Cheddar cheese and sweet, juicy grapes. Enjoy a burst of flavor in this heart healthy chicken recipe the whole family will love.

Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
2
Calories
378
Ad

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Grilled Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a healthy lunch that can be ready in minutes, this one-pan chicken recipe fits the bill! Packed with 30 grams of protein from succulent chicken and melt-in-your-mouth cheddar cheese, this low calorie chicken recipe will leave you feeling satisfied. One bite and you may just decide that it’s the best chicken grilled cheese sandwich you’ve ever tasted!

Many chicken sandwich recipes can be healthy, but making a grilled cheese sandwich healthy is not as easy. We lowered the calories and fat content by combining lean chicken breasts with reduced fat cheese. There’s enough cheese to give you the gooey consistency you crave without going overboard. Using whole wheat bread adds fiber and nutrients. We added grapes for a punch of unexpected sweetness, but you can also make healthy grilled cheese sandwiches more satisfying and higher in nutrients by adding vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, onion or peppers or fruits, like apples or pears. Using just a small amount of olive oil instead of butter to cook the sandwich also makes this sandwich healthier.

It’s pretty easy to make a grilled cheese chicken sandwich gluten free. Just make sure you use gluten free bread, which you can find in many grocery stores. Most cheeses are naturally gluten free, although some processed cheeses may contain gluten so always check the label. You can also include cooked chicken (without breading) and vegetables, as they’re naturally gluten free.

Cheese is typically high in fat, sodium and calories. But that doesn’t mean you can never eat cheese on a healthy diet. When eating cheese, do so in moderation. Opt for cheeses that are lower in fat and sodium, such as fresh mozzarella, feta, parmesan, Swiss and goat cheese, or use reduced-fat versions of your favorite cheese. One way to enjoy cheese on a heart-healthy diet is to add other ingredients to your recipe so you still get the flavor of the cheese without needing to use so much.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 2 servings

Ad

How to Make Chicken Grilled Cheese

  1. Step 1

    Season chicken with garlic salt and pepper.

  2. Step 2

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Lay 2 slices of bread in skillet.

  3. Step 3

    Top each slice of bread with grapes, cheese and chicken slices.

  4. Step 4

    Top with remaining slices of bread. Grill sandwich, covered, until both sides are golden brown, crispy and the cheese is melted, turning once during cooking.

Ad

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 sandwich

378
Calories
12
g
Fat
55
mg
Cholesterol
556
mg
Sodium
40
g
Carbs
2
g
Sat. Fat
4
g
Fiber
30
g
Protein
Ad

More Healthy Chicken Sandwich Recipes

Chicken is the perfect protein to add to healthy sandwiches and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. If you’re looking for chicken recipes for lunch that are tasty and satisfying, try this Chicken Sandwich with Avocado or a Chicken Couscous Wrap. In the mood for a grilled cheese sandwich that doesn’t contain chicken? Sink your teeth into our Grilled Cheese and Veggies Sandwich or Tuna Melt.

Ad