Is this still my Favorite grilled cheese??
Is this still my FAVORITE grilled cheese?? is a medium Indian-American Fusion recipe that serves 2. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Tyler on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 28 min
Cost: $7.82 total, $3.91 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 slice Sourdough Bread (thick‑cut, room temperature)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened for easy spreading)
- 1 cup Butter Chicken (store‑bought or homemade, heated through)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (mild melt, evenly shredded)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped, added after cooking for bright flavor)
- 1 pinch Salt (to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, optional)
Instructions
Heat Butter Chicken
Place 1 cup of butter chicken in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Bread
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Sandwiches
On the unbuttered side of a slice, layer ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, then ½ cup heated butter chicken, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper, add another ¼ cup mozzarella, and top with another slice butter‑side up.
Time: PT3M
Preheat Skillet
Heat the skillet over medium heat (about 350°F) for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 350°F
Grill Sandwiches
Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet, buttered side down. Cook 3‑4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, then carefully flip and cook another 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: Medium heat
Finish and Garnish
Remove the sandwich, let rest 1 minute, then sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for fresh brightness.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: High Protein, Contains Meat
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Chicken
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sourdough Bread: Whole Wheat Bread, Ciabatta, Texas Toast
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive Oil spread
- Instead of Butter Chicken: Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Butter Masala (vegetarian version)
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded Cheddar, Provolone, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Fresh Parsley, Thai Basil
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt, Kosher Salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper, Paprika
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons (optional)
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Heat butter chicken without boiling.
- Spread butter evenly on bread to avoid soggy spots.
- Ensure cheese fully melts before removing from pan.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use sourdough or a rustic country loaf for extra crunch.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the butter chicken for an extra acidic pop.
- Press the sandwich lightly with a spatula while cooking to improve contact.
Troubleshooting
Bread becomes soggy after adding butter chicken.
Pat the heated butter chicken with a paper towel to remove excess sauce, or spread a thin layer of cheese first to act as a barrier.
Cheese does not melt fully.
Cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to trap steam, or lower the heat slightly and allow more time.
Sandwich sticks to the pan.
Make sure the skillet is properly pre‑heated and the buttered side of the bread is fully coated with butter.
Storage
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap; consume within 24 hours. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
Freezer: Not recommended; bread becomes soggy and cheese texture changes.
Room temperature: Best eaten immediately; can sit up to 2 hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare butter chicken a day ahead and store in the refrigerator; reheat before assembling.
- Shred mozzarella in advance and keep sealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butter chicken in Indian cuisine?
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken, simmered in a creamy tomato‑based sauce. It quickly became a beloved comfort dish across India and worldwide, symbolizing the blend of rich spices with buttery richness.
How does the butter chicken grilled cheese sandwich represent Indian‑American fusion cuisine?
The sandwich marries the classic American grilled cheese with India’s iconic butter chicken, creating a cross‑cultural comfort food. The creamy, mildly spiced sauce balances the richness of cheese, while fresh cilantro adds an authentic Indian finish.
What regional variations of butter chicken exist within Indian cuisine?
While the Delhi‑style version uses a tomato‑cream base, variations in Punjab add more ghee and fenugreek, and some South Indian takes incorporate coconut milk. Each version offers a slightly different spice level and richness, all of which can be experimented with in the sandwich.
On what occasions is butter chicken traditionally served in Indian culture?
Butter chicken is often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and restaurant meals because it is both indulgent and easy to share. It’s a staple at festivals like Diwali and weddings where a rich, comforting dish is appreciated.
What other Indian dishes pair well with a butter chicken grilled cheese sandwich?
A light cucumber‑raita, mango chutney, or a simple tomato soup complement the sandwich’s richness. For a fuller meal, serve with a side of spiced lentil dal or a fresh green salad dressed with lemon.
What makes the butter chicken grilled cheese sandwich special in Indian‑American cuisine?
It combines two beloved comfort foods—grilled cheese and butter chicken—into one handheld dish, delivering contrasting textures (crunchy bread, creamy filling) and balanced flavors (fatty cheese, acidic tomato sauce, fresh cilantro).
How has the butter chicken grilled cheese sandwich evolved over time in fusion cooking?
Chefs have experimented with different breads, cheeses, and spice levels, adding ingredients like jalapeños, pickled onions, or smoked paprika. The core concept remains the same, but modern twists keep it fresh on contemporary menus.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the butter chicken grilled cheese sandwich?
Common errors include using too much sauce, which makes the bread soggy; cooking on too high heat, which burns the bread before the cheese melts; and not pre‑heating the skillet, leading to uneven browning.
Why does this recipe call for a medium‑heat skillet instead of a high‑heat grill?
Medium heat allows the bread to toast evenly while giving the cheese enough time to melt and the butter chicken to stay hot without scorching the buttered exterior.
Can I make the butter chicken grilled cheese sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the butter chicken a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Assemble the sandwich just before cooking; store the assembled, un‑cooked sandwiches wrapped in plastic for up to 12 hours, then grill when ready.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Tyler specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Tyler focuses on creative comfort‑food recipes, especially elevated grilled cheese sandwiches, and provides detailed technique breakdowns for home cooks looking to experiment with flavor pairings.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
