Experience the ultimate comfort food with a delightful twist: these Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts are bursting with savory flavors, featuring succulent ground chicken and spicy chorizo patties, luscious caramelized onions, and perfectly melted Swiss cheese. A truly unforgettable meal!

Ultimate Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

While the traditional patty melt holds a cherished spot in the pantheon of comfort foods, this innovative Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melt recipe is here to redefine your expectations. Prepare your taste buds for an exciting journey as we transform a beloved diner staple into a gourmet experience with bold, unexpected flavors and textures.

As the seasons shift and cooler weather invites us indoors, my appreciation for truly comforting meals reaches its peak. There’s a special joy in food that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, and for me, that often means diving into hearty, flavorful dishes. These Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts are precisely that – an embodiment of pure comfort food, elevated with an exciting culinary twist.

Forget everything you thought you knew about patty melts. This recipe takes the familiar concept and reinvents it with an incredible, flavor-packed blend of ground chicken and spicy, savory chorizo. The result is a patty that delivers an explosion of taste, far exceeding the ordinary. Complementing this magnificent patty are golden, sweet caramelized onions, slow-cooked to perfection, and a generous blanket of perfectly melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between slices of ideally toasted bread. It’s a harmonious combination designed to deliver pure comfort and unforgettable flavor in every single bite.

Why These Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts Will Become Your New Favorite

This recipe offers more than just another sandwich; it’s a culinary adventure that promises to delight. Here’s why these Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts are destined to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Dynamic Flavor Fusion: The combination of lean ground chicken and robust, spicy chorizo creates a wonderfully complex flavor profile. The mildness of the chicken perfectly balances the smoky, piquant kick of the chorizo, ensuring each bite is both exciting and comforting.
• Elevated Comfort Food: We take a beloved classic from its diner roots and elevate it with premium ingredients and careful preparation. The result is a dish that feels both wonderfully indulgent and satisfyingly homemade.
• Textural Harmony: Experience a delightful interplay of textures with every bite: the crispy, juicy exterior of the patties, the silky sweetness of perfectly caramelized onions, the creamy, gooey melt of Swiss cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toasted bread.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: While these patty melts are undeniably perfect for a cozy fall or winter evening, their vibrant flavors make them a fantastic choice year-round. They’re substantial enough for a satisfying dinner yet unique enough for a special lunch.
• Approachably Gourmet: Despite their sophisticated taste and appearance, these patty melts are surprisingly straightforward to prepare. With our clear, step-by-step instructions, even beginner cooks can achieve impressive, restaurant-quality results.
• A Healthier Twist: By using ground chicken as the base, we offer a lighter alternative to traditional beef patties without sacrificing any of the satisfying flavor, especially when paired with flavorful chorizo.

Essential Ingredients for Crafting Your Perfect Patty Melts

The journey to creating the perfect Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melt begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavors and textures of this dish.

For the Hearty and Flavorful Patties:

• Ground Chicken (1 pound): Opt for good quality ground chicken, ideally a mix of dark and white meat for optimal juiciness. Its relatively mild flavor serves as an excellent foundation, allowing the robust taste of the chorizo and herbs to shine.
• Fresh Beef Chorizo (6 oz): This is the star ingredient that truly sets this patty melt apart. Fresh (uncooked) chorizo infuses the patties with a rich, spicy, and often smoky depth. If beef chorizo is unavailable, fresh pork chorizo works equally well. Ensure you’re using fresh, un-cured sausage, not the dried, cured variety.
• Minced Garlic (2 cloves): Freshly minced garlic adds an indispensable aromatic pungency, harmonizing beautifully with the spices in the chorizo and deepening the overall savory profile of the patties.
• Fresh Oregano (1 tablespoon, chopped): The bright, herbaceous notes of fresh oregano cut through the richness of the meats, adding a vibrant touch and a hint of Mediterranean warmth. If using dried oregano, remember to use a smaller quantity, typically about one-third, so around 1 teaspoon.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the meat mixture and enhancing all the wonderful flavors. Remember that chorizo can be quite salty, so adjust the initial salt addition according to your preference and the specific chorizo brand.

For the Sweet and Velvety Caramelized Onions:

• Butter (1 tablespoon) & Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon): This dynamic duo is key for perfect caramelization. Butter provides a rich, nutty flavor, while the higher smoke point of vegetable oil helps prevent the butter from burning, allowing the onions to cook slowly and evenly without scorching.
• Vidalia or Sweet Onions (2 large, halved and thinly sliced): Sweet onions are the ideal choice for caramelization due to their naturally high sugar content. This sugar slowly breaks down and intensifies during the cooking process, transforming into a deep, complex sweetness. Their mild initial flavor also prevents them from becoming too pungent after cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning is all that’s required to coax out and enhance the inherent sweetness and umami of the onions as they slowly transform into a luscious topping.

For Assembling the Irresistible Melts:

• Vegetable Oil (4 tablespoons, divided): Used for both cooking the patties to a crispy finish and grilling the sandwiches to that irresistible golden-brown perfection.
• Flatbread (4 slices): The original recipe calls for flatbread, which offers a soft yet sturdy base that crisps up beautifully on the griddle. Other excellent choices that complement the fillings include classic rye bread for a traditional patty melt experience, tangy sourdough, or even a rich brioche for a more decadent sandwich. Choose a bread that can robustly hold up to the juicy patty and onions.
• Swiss Cheese (8 slices): Swiss cheese is a quintessential choice for patty melts due to its exceptional melting properties and its distinct, mild, and nutty flavor. This flavor profile pairs beautifully with both the spiced meat and the sweet caramelized onions. Provolone, Havarti, or even a sharp white cheddar could be delicious alternatives if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts

Follow these detailed steps carefully to create perfectly cooked, flavor-packed patty melts that will impress everyone at your table.

Part 1: Preparing the Flavorful Chicken and Chorizo Patties

1. Combine the Meats and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, fresh beef chorizo, freshly minced garlic, chopped fresh oregano, and salt. Use your hands to mix the ingredients gently but effectively, ensuring everything is evenly distributed without overworking the meat mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough patties.
2. Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that is roughly the same width and shape as your chosen bread. If you’re using a circular flatbread that will be folded, an oval shape for the patties will fit more neatly. The patties should be relatively thin, which aids in quick and even cooking. The mixture can be a bit sticky; lightly wetting your hands with water before forming each patty can prevent the meat from adhering too much.
3. Chill for Optimal Texture: Place the formed patties on a plate, ensuring they are not touching, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it allows the patties to firm up, making them much easier to handle and preventing them from crumbling or breaking apart during the cooking process. It also contributes to a better sear.

Part 2: Achieving Perfectly Caramelized Onions

Caramelizing onions is an exercise in patience, but the deep, sweet, and complex flavors that develop are absolutely essential and worth every minute. Resist the urge to rush this crucial step!

1. Prepare the Pan: In a large sauté pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and begins to sizzle, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. The combination ensures a rich flavor while preventing the butter from burning at the required cooking temperature.
2. Add Onions and Season: Add the thinly sliced Vidalia or sweet onions to the pan. Season them generously with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the onion slices are evenly coated with the butter and oil mixture.
3. Slow Cook to Golden Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sauté the onions slowly, stirring occasionally (every 5-7 minutes) to prevent sticking and promote even cooking, for approximately 35-45 minutes. The goal is to allow the onions to gradually soften, release their natural sugars, and transform into a deep, rich golden-brown color. They should become incredibly soft, intensely sweet, and beautifully flavorful. If the onions start to dry out or stick to the bottom of the pan, add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth to deglaze and loosen any fond, then continue cooking.

Part 3: Assembling and Grilling Your Irresistible Patty Melts

1. Cook the Chicken and Chorizo Patties: Preheat a griddle or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chilled patties onto the hot griddle. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the patties are cooked through, have developed a beautiful crispy crust, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked patties to a clean plate and carefully wipe down the griddle surface to remove any excess grease or bits.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out your 4 slices of flatbread (or your chosen bread). For each sandwich, place one slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of the bread. Carefully place a cooked chicken and chorizo patty on top of the cheese. Follow this with another slice of Swiss cheese, and then generously pile about 1/4 of the caramelized onions over the top. Fold the flatbread over to form a sandwich (or top with a second slice of bread if not using flatbread).
3. Grill to Golden, Melty Perfection: Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil onto the griddle. Place the assembled sandwiches onto the oiled griddle. Grill each sandwich for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until the bread is perfectly toasted to a golden-brown hue, and the Swiss cheese is gloriously melted and gooey. For even melting and a flatter sandwich, you might gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula during grilling.
4. Serve Immediately: For the ultimate experience, slice the patty melts in half (if desired) and serve them piping hot to fully enjoy the warm, melted cheese, juicy patties, and sweet caramelized onions.

Expert Tips for the Ultimate Patty Melt Experience

Achieving patty melt perfection is surprisingly easy with a few key strategies and attention to detail:

• Patience with the Onions is Key: This cannot be stressed enough. True caramelization, which develops deep, sweet, and complex flavors, requires time and low heat. Rushing this step will result in sautéed onions, not caramelized ones.
• Chill Your Patties Properly: Refrigerating the patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking is crucial. This step helps them firm up, maintain their shape on the griddle, and prevents them from falling apart, ensuring a better sear.
• Use an Even Heat Surface: A flat-top griddle or a large, heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet provides the best surface for evenly cooking the patties and achieving a beautifully golden-brown, crispy crust on your bread. Consistent, moderate heat is your best friend here.
• Quality Cheese Makes a Difference: While Swiss cheese is traditional and recommended, opting for a good quality cheese that melts smoothly will significantly enhance the overall enjoyment and texture of your patty melt.
• Choose the Right Bread: Select a sturdy bread that can hold up to the juicy fillings without becoming soggy. Flatbread, classic rye, or tangy sourdough are excellent choices that toast wonderfully.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid lowering the griddle’s temperature too much. Overcrowding can steam the food instead of searing it, preventing that desirable crispy texture.
• Keep it Warm: If you’re preparing multiple patty melts, keep the finished ones warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) while you finish the rest. This ensures every bite is as delicious and hot as the first.

Delicious Variations and Customizations to Explore

While this Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melt recipe is outstanding as written, it’s also wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Cheese Swaps: If Swiss isn’t your preference, try provolone for a sharper flavor, a mild cheddar for a classic American feel, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Creamy havarti or muenster also melt beautifully and offer a milder profile.
• Amplify the Heat: For those who love extra spice, finely dice some jalapeños or serrano peppers and mix them directly into the patty mixture. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the meat or on the finished sandwich can also elevate the heat.
• Herbaceous Alternatives: If fresh oregano isn’t on hand, fresh thyme or marjoram would make excellent substitutes, offering slightly different but equally delightful aromatic notes. When using dried herbs, remember the general rule of thumb: use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
• Introduce a Signature Sauce: A creamy sriracha mayo, a tangy dijon aioli, or even a classic thousand island dressing could add another layer of flavor and moisture, taking your patty melt to new heights.
• Experiment with Different Breads: Beyond flatbread, classic marbled rye or dark pumpernickel bread offers a more traditional patty melt experience. Sourdough provides a wonderful tang that cuts through the richness, while a thick-cut brioche can make for a lusciously indulgent sandwich.
• Add More Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, finely diced bell peppers, or wilted spinach can be added to the caramelized onions during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor, texture, and nutrients.
• Crispy Bacon Bits: For an even richer, more decadent flavor profile, crispy bacon bits can be mixed into the patty mixture or sprinkled generously over the caramelized onions before adding the top slice of cheese.

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Patty Melts

These Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts are substantial and satisfying enough to be a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of classic and fresh sides:

• Classic Accompaniments: Crispy golden French fries, perfectly seasoned sweet potato fries, or a side of homemade potato chips are always a crowd-pleasing choice.
• Light and Fresh Sides: To balance the richness of the sandwich, a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint.
• Comforting Soups: A warm bowl of creamy tomato soup or a velvety roasted red pepper soup creates a quintessential comfort meal pairing, perfect for dipping.
• Tangy Additions: A side of crisp dill pickles, spicy pickled jalapeños, or even a tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch and a zingy flavor that complements the richness of the melt.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Patty Melts

While these Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts are undeniably best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, you can store leftovers and reheat them with care to maintain their deliciousness.

• Storage: Allow any leftover patty melts to cool completely to room temperature. Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: For the best results and to preserve the crispy texture of the bread, avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the bread soggy. Instead, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the unwrapped patty melts directly on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is beautifully re-melted. An air fryer can also yield excellent, crispy results. If reheating on a skillet, use medium-low heat and cover the skillet to help the cheese melt without over-toasting the bread.

More Delightful Sandwich Recipes to Savor

If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed this unique patty melt, you might also love exploring these other delicious sandwich creations from our kitchen:

• Hearty Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
• Zesty Spicy Cajun Cheesesteak Sandwiches
• Classic Garlic Roast Beef Sandwich

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of ground meat for the patties?

Absolutely! While the chicken and chorizo blend offers a unique flavor, you can certainly experiment with other ground meats. Ground turkey could be a leaner option, or you could try a mix of ground pork and chorizo, or even a beef/chorizo combination. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the fat content and thickness of the patties.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the patties?

Yes, for a delicious vegetarian version, you could use a high-quality plant-based ground meat substitute. To mimic the smoky, spicy flavor of chorizo, season your plant-based mixture generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

How can I make the caramelized onions faster?

While slow cooking is truly key for achieving deep, complex caramelization, you can somewhat expedite the initial softening. Begin by cooking the onions on medium-high heat with a lid for the first 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to help them release moisture. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue the slow caramelization process. Adding a tiny pinch of baking soda can also accelerate the browning, but use it very sparingly as too much can alter the flavor and texture of the onions.

What if I don’t have fresh chorizo?

If fresh (uncooked) chorizo is unavailable in your area, you can create a similar flavor profile by seasoning plain ground pork or chicken. Mix the ground meat with a blend of smoked paprika (sweet or hot), garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, a dash of vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. This will give you a homemade chorizo-like seasoning.

Can I prepare components of the patty melts ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! The chicken and chorizo patties can be formed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. The caramelized onions are also excellent for make-ahead; they can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat them in a pan before assembling your patty melts.

Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Print Recipe
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These Chicken and Chorizo Patty Melts are a delicious fusion of savory chicken, spicy chorizo, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey Swiss cheese, all grilled to perfection on toasted bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredients

Patties:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 6 oz fresh beef chorizo
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt

Caramelized Onions:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 Vidalia or sweet onions, halved and sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Patty Melts Assembly:

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 4 slices of flat bread (or preferred bread)
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

Make the Patties:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, fresh beef chorizo, minced garlic, chopped fresh oregano, and salt. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about the same width as the bread you will be using. (If using a circular flatbread to be folded, make the patties more oval-shaped. The patties will be thin.) The mixture is a bit sticky, so wet your hands if needed to prevent sticking. Place the patties on a plate, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Make the Onions:

1. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the oil and the sliced onions, then season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the onions are deeply caramelized, which will take about 35-45 minutes of slow cooking and occasional stirring.

Assemble and Grill the Patty Melts:

1. Preheat a griddle or large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil, then cook the chilled patties until cooked through and crispy, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove the patties to a plate, then carefully wipe down the griddle.
2. Assemble the sandwiches by placing one slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each flatbread, followed by a cooked chicken and chorizo patty, another slice of Swiss cheese, and then a generous portion (1/4) of the caramelized onions. Fold the flatbread over, forming a sandwich.
3. Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil onto the griddle. Place the assembled sandwiches on the griddle and grill each until the cheese is beautifully melted and the bread is golden and toasted, approximately 2 minutes on each side.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Recipe Notes:

This recipe is very slightly adapted from a brilliant creation by Sunny Anderson.

Keywords:
patty melt, sandwich recipe, chicken chorizo, comfort food, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, main course, American cuisine

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