Delightful Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwich on Pretzel Bun

Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwich (Pretzel Bun)

Storytelling Intro 

As a busy mom of two always on the go, I’m always on the lookout for easy, delicious recipes that the whole family will love. That’s exactly how this Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwich on a Pretzel Bun was born! One hectic weeknight, I had a fridge full of leftovers and a serious craving for something comforting and satisfying.

I started rummaging around, pulling out shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a stash of pretzel buns I had picked up at the store earlier that week. The aroma of the bacon sizzling and the soft, yeasty scent of the warm pretzel buns was enough to make my mouth water. As I layered on the toppings, I could already imagine the first bite – the savory, salty flavors mingling with the creamy, melty cheese. It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth!

Once I took that first glorious bite, I knew I had a new family favorite on my hands. The combination of the shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all nestled between the pillowy-soft pretzel bun was absolute perfection. Follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest to see more of my favorite easy, comforting recipes!

Why This Recipe Works / Why You’ll Love It

This Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of tender, juicy shredded chicken, crisp bacon, and melty cheese all piled high on a soft, chewy pretzel bun is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be customized in so many delicious ways.

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and it never fails to satisfy. The flavors and textures just work so well together, and it always leaves me feeling full and satisfied. It’s the kind of meal that just makes you feel good, you know? And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good sandwich loaded with all their favorite toppings?

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 6 slices crispy bacon, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 pretzel buns, split in half
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Diana’s Tip: For the best texture, be sure to shred the chicken instead of just chopping it. This helps it bind together better in the sandwich.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

The beauty of this Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwich is that it’s so versatile! Here are some tasty ways to customize it:

• Swap the cheese: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta for a tangier twist.
• Add some veggies: Sliced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or sautéed onions would all be delicious additions.
• Make it spicy: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
• Change up the bun: While the pretzel buns are divine, you could also use brioche, Kaiser rolls, or even Hawaiian rolls.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Diana’s Tip: For extra flavor, try toasting the pretzel buns in the oven for 2-3 minutes before assembling the sandwiches.
4. Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the pretzel buns, piling it high on the bottom halves.
5. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Carefully remove the sandwiches from the oven and top with the remaining bun halves.
7. What I Messed Up At First: The first time I made these, I didn’t toast the buns, and they got a little soggy. Toasting them first makes a big difference in texture!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The key to making these Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwiches a success is to avoid a few common pitfalls:

• Overloading the buns: While it’s tempting to pile on all the toppings, be sure not to overstuff the buns, or they may become difficult to eat.
• Skimping on the cheese: The melty, gooey cheese is what really makes this sandwich shine, so don’t be shy with the amount you use.
• Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to dry out the shredded chicken by overcooking it. Aim for just until it’s heated through and combined with the other ingredients.

My Tested Substitutions

While the combination of shredded chicken, bacon, and cheddar cheese on a pretzel bun is pretty much perfection, there are a few ingredient swaps that can work well:

• Protein: Instead of chicken, you could use shredded turkey or even pulled pork.
• Cheese: Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta would all be delicious alternatives to cheddar.
• Bun: While the pretzel buns are my personal favorite, you could also use brioche, Kaiser rolls, or even Hawaiian rolls.

However, I wouldn’t recommend swapping out the bacon – it’s just too good to leave out!

How to Customize This Recipe

One of the best things about this Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwich is how easy it is to customize to your personal preferences or dietary needs:

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free buns or rolls instead of the pretzel buns.
• For a Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken, bacon, and cheese mixture on a bed of lettuce or in a low-carb wrap instead of a bun.
• For a Dairy-Free Version: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like cashew or almond cheese.
• For a Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños to the sandwich.

Serving Ideas

These Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwiches are the perfect meal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even game day. I love to serve them with a side of crispy fries or a fresh, crunchy salad for a complete and satisfying meal. They also make a great appetizer or snack when cut into smaller sliders.

Meal Prep & Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s super easy to make ahead and store for later. The shredded chicken mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches, just warm up the chicken mixture, toast the buns, and you’re good to go!

Leftover assembled sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the assembled sandwiches for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwich (made with the ingredients listed) contains approximately:

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fat: 29g
• Fiber: 3g

Final Thoughts / Encouragement

I hope you’ll give this Shredded Chicken Bacon Cheese Sandwich a try! It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and comforting, and I know your family is going to love it as much as mine does. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and customizations – that’s half the fun! So grab those pretzel buns, fire up your oven, and get ready to sink your teeth into one delicious sandwich.

Follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest for more easy, family-friendly recipes that are sure to become new favorites.