Chicken Cheddar Sandwich
Who doesn’t love a melty, cheesy sandwich, especially on a chilly afternoon? Lisa De Fazio, who lives in Woodland Hills, California, and is admittedly exposed to fewer cold days than many of us, is a big fan of the ultimate comfort food — but not all the dairy and calories.
The 40-year-old registered dietitian likes to make her version, with chicken and cheddar, “during the wintertime, when I’m in the mood for something crusty, crunchy, cheesy.” But Lisa is devoted to nutrition — and can’t eat cheese — so she reinvented the classic to be healthier and more versatile. “It’s my way of satisfying my cravings, but keeping it healthy,” she says.
With a husband and 6-year-old son to feed, Lisa is motivated to cook meals that make people happy, but without the health risks that accompany comfort food. She likes to modernize traditional recipes by making them leaner.
In her sandwich, she uses low-fat cheddar or soy cheese to cut down on calories or accommodate lactose intolerance. Then she adds chicken, creating a sandwich that is just as comforting as the diner version, but loaded with lean protein.
Lisa calls this her go-to dish because she always has the ingredients on hand. Grown-ups love it, kids love it, and you can throw it together in a matter of minutes. Especially served with soup or fruit, says Lisa, it’s “satisfying and does the trick.”
Ingredients:
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 teaspoons margarine
- 2 ounces low-fat cheddar cheese or cheddar soy cheese
- 1 large Roma tomato, sliced
- 1 cooked chicken breast
Directions:
Prep Time: 10 minutesCooking Time: 10 minutes
Makes: 1 servings
1. Spread margarine on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Heat a frying pan. Place one slice of bread, with the margarine side down, on the pan.
3. Top the bread with cheese, sliced tomatoes and cooked chicken breast.
4. Place the other slice of bread on top, with the margarine side facing upwards.
5. Grill until the bread is golden brown, then flip it over to brown the other piece of bread.
6. When both pieces of bread are golden brown and the cheese is melted, it’s done!
7. Serve with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or fresh fruit.
