The Honey BBQ Chicken SuperMelt from Friendly's features tender grilled chicken tossed in sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, layered with melted cheddar and Swiss cheeses, crispy bacon, and fresh lettuce, all melted between toasted buttery bread for a savory, hearty sandwich.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Sauce brush or spoon
- Cheese slicer or grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (optional)
- Oven (optional)
- Plate
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (such as Texas toast or sourdough)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Ensure you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even grilling and better absorption of the honey BBQ sauce's sweet and smoky flavors. Opt for thick-cut bread like Texas toast or sourdough to hold all the sandwich fillings without becoming soggy. Fresh cheddar and Swiss cheeses offer a balanced melt and creamy texture, while crispy bacon adds a savory crunch. Butter the bread well before grilling to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Your Honey BBQ Chicken SuperMelt from Friendly's copycat will capture the original's hearty and savory taste with these key ingredient choices.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Season chicken breasts as desired.
- Grill chicken until cooked through, turning with tongs.
- Brush grilled chicken with honey BBQ sauce.
- Slice cooked chicken if needed.
- Cook bacon until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Preheat frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Place two bread slices, buttered side down, in skillet.
- Layer cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, BBQ chicken, and bacon on bread.
- Add shredded lettuce.
- Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook until bread is golden and cheese begins to melt; flip with spatula.
- Press gently and cook until both sides are golden and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove sandwiches and rest on plate.
- Slice sandwiches in half with knife.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Honey BBQ Chicken SuperMelt from Friendly's copycat menu can be easily customized if you prefer a spicier or milder flavor by substituting the honey BBQ sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce. If fresh lettuce isn't available, shredded cabbage or spinach work well as alternatives to maintain the crunch and freshness. In case you don't have cheddar or Swiss cheese, provolone or mozzarella can provide a similar melty texture and mild taste. You can cook the chicken breasts on a grill pan or use the oven's broiler function to achieve a nice char without outdoor grilling. For a richer sandwich, consider brushing the bread with garlic butter instead of plain butter before toasting.
Tips
Make sure to grill the chicken breasts evenly by turning them regularly with tongs to prevent burning and ensure they cook through properly. When applying the honey BBQ sauce, use a sauce brush for an even coating that enhances flavor without making the sandwich soggy. Butter the bread thoroughly on one side to help achieve that crispy golden texture when toasted in the skillet. After assembling, gently press the sandwich during cooking to melt the cheeses fully and hold all layers together for a hearty bite; your patience here will elevate the final taste experience.
Nutritions
The Honey BBQ Chicken SuperMelt provides a balanced mix of protein from grilled chicken breasts and crispy bacon, essential for muscle repair and growth. Cheddar and Swiss cheeses add calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, while the lettuce offers dietary fiber for digestive health. The honey BBQ sauce contributes sugars, so be mindful of your intake if monitoring sugar levels. Toasted buttery bread adds carbohydrates and fats, making this sandwich a hearty meal that fuels your daily energy needs.
Storage
Store any leftover Honey BBQ Chicken SuperMelt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat or an oven set to 350degF to gently warm the sandwich without drying out the chicken or melting the cheese unevenly. You can also wrap the sandwich in foil before reheating to help retain moisture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute grilled chicken with pulled rotisserie chicken for a faster prep while retaining smoky flavor. Replace honey BBQ sauce with a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce to add a smoky heat layer to your sandwich. Use provolone cheese instead of Swiss for a creamier melt, and consider swapping bacon for smoked turkey slices to lighten your meal. Toast the sandwich in the oven on a baking sheet at 375degF for 5-7 minutes for even crispiness without flipping, helping you manage your cooking more easily.
Allergies
The Honey BBQ Chicken SuperMelt contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar and Swiss cheeses, gluten from the thick-cut bread, and potential cross-reactivity with soy or wheat in the honey BBQ sauce. Your experience may be affected if you have allergies to chicken or bacon, or if you are sensitive to ingredients like honey or butter. Always check ingredient labels and consult with the restaurant to ensure the meal meets your dietary requirements.
Why this recipe?
Honey BBQ Chicken SuperMelt from Friendly's restaurant is loved for its perfect balance of smoky honey BBQ sauce and tender grilled chicken, layered with melted Swiss cheese and crispy bacon on toasted bread. The combination delivers a rich, savory flavor profile that appeals to fans of sweet and tangy taste sensations. Creating a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to suit your preferences while enjoying the same satisfying textures and mouthwatering taste at home. This menu item stands out as a convenient yet flavorful option that satisfies comfort food cravings.