Chicken bagel melts are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines the chewy goodness of bagels with a savory chicken topping, all finished off with melted cheese. Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a hearty snack, these open-faced sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser. Tender shredded chicken is mixed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and a touch of seasoning, then piled onto toasted bagel halves and topped with gooey melted cheese. Quick to assemble and versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings like tomatoes, bacon, or avocado, chicken bagel melts offer a satisfying bite that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 2 bagels, split in half
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 small tomato, sliced (optional)
- 4 slices cooked bacon (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a toaster oven, you can use that instead for a quicker bake time.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until the chicken is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Toast the Bagels:
- Place the bagel halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until they start to turn golden and crispy. This step ensures the bagels don’t get too soggy when topped with the chicken mixture.
- Assemble the Bagel Melts:
- Remove the toasted bagel halves from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each bagel half, spreading it evenly.
- Top each bagel half with a slice of tomato (if using) and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Bake the Melts:
- Return the bagel halves to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional Additions:
- If using bacon, place a slice on top of each melt before adding the cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Once the bagel melts are out of the oven, you can garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve:
- Allow the chicken bagel melts to cool slightly before serving. They pair well with a simple side salad, chips, or fresh fruit.
These chicken bagel melts are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that both kids and adults will love.
