Save The smell of butter chicken simmering on the stove always pulls me into the kitchen, no matter what I am doing. One rainy Tuesday, I found myself with a container of leftovers and a serious craving for something warm and melty. I threw some butter chicken between bread with whatever cheese I had in the fridge, and somehow it worked perfectly. Now it is the first thing I think about when I see extra butter chicken in the refrigerator.
My roommate walked in while I was grilling the first sandwich and literally hovered over the pan until I slid it onto her plate. We stood at the counter eating straight from the cutting board, burning our tongues because we could not wait for it to cool down. That was the moment I realized this was not just a leftover hack.
Ingredients
- Butter Chicken Filling: Leftover butter chicken works beautifully here because the sauce has already developed those deep flavors, and the slight reheat helps it meld with the cheese
- Fresh cilantro: This bright herb cuts through the richness and adds a fresh pop that wakes up the whole sandwich
- Sturdy bread: Sourdough or a substantial white bread holds up better than anything flimsy when loaded with this much filling
- Mozzarella cheese: The melt factor here is incredible, creating those gorgeous cheese pulls everyone loves
- Sharp cheddar: This brings the actual flavor punch so you do not end up with just a bland melted cheese situation
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads evenly without tearing the bread, giving you that perfect golden crunch
Instructions
- Prep your filling:
- Warm the butter chicken just enough to take the chill off, then stir in the fresh cilantro for that burst of brightness
- Butter your bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of every slice, making sure to go all the way to the edges so nothing burns
- Layer the cheese:
- Place two slices butter side down and divide half your cheese blend between them, spreading it evenly so every bite gets some
- Add the chicken:
- Spoon the warm butter chicken over the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to glue everything together
- Close the sandwiches:
- Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side facing up, and press down gently to help them hold their shape
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula until the bread turns deep golden and the cheese oozes out the sides
- Rest and serve:
- Let the sandwiches sit for a couple of minutes so the cheese sets slightly, then slice diagonally and serve while still hot
Save Last weekend I made these for a friend who claimed she did not like Indian food, and she immediately asked for the recipe. Seeing someone convert over a grilled cheese sandwich pretty much made my entire month.
Best Bread to Use
I have tested this with everything from basic white bread to fancy artisan loaves, and the real winner is a substantial sourdough with a tight crumb. The slight tang actually plays nicely with the warm spices, and the crust holds up beautifully even with all that sauce inside.
Make It Spicy
Sometimes I tuck a few jalapeño slices into the sandwich before grilling, and the heat cuts through all that richness in the best way. A dash of hot sauce in the butter chicken before it goes on the bread works just as well.
What to Serve Alongside
Cool cucumber raita on the side balances the warm spices and keeps each bite from feeling too heavy. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also works wonders.
- Keep the condiments simple so they do not compete with the bold flavors inside
- Tomato soup might feel like overkill given how rich the sandwich already is
- Extra napkins are absolutely mandatory
Save There is something magical about turning leftovers into a sandwich that feels this special and comforting. Hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use leftover butter chicken for this sandwich?
Yes, leftover butter chicken works perfectly as it provides flavorful filling that reheats quickly without losing moisture.
- → What types of cheese work best in this sandwich?
Shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar create a great melt and flavor balance, but provolone or gouda can be used for varied profiles.
- → How should the bread be prepared for grilling?
Spread softened butter on one side of each slice to achieve a golden, crispy exterior when cooked in a skillet.
- → Can I add extra ingredients for more flavor?
Yes, thinly sliced red onions or jalapeños can be layered inside before grilling for additional zest and crunch.
- → What cooking method ensures melted cheese and crispy bread?
Grilling the sandwich in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, pressing gently and flipping after 3–4 minutes per side, works best.