Save I stumbled onto this combination purely by accident one rainy afternoon when I was reorganizing my pantry and found a jar of Nutella shoved behind some old cookbooks. My partner had left some roasted chicken in the fridge, and I had a hunk of brie that needed using up before it got too ripe. Instead of tossing them into separate meals, something told me to layer them all together between two slices of sourdough and butter the whole thing. The result was so unexpectedly delicious that I've been making it ever since, each time with a little more confidence that sweet and savory truly belong together.
I made this for my friend Marcus on a weeknight when he swung by complaining that he was bored with his usual lunch rotation. He was skeptical at first—I could see it on his face—but after one bite, he actually stopped mid-chew and just stared at his plate like he was experiencing something mind-bending. He texted me later to say he'd made it three times already, which made me realize this wasn't just a random kitchen experiment anymore; it was a keeper.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread (4 slices): The tang cuts through the richness beautifully, and the sturdy crumb holds up to melting cheese without falling apart.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Softened butter spreads evenly and crisps the exterior to a perfect golden brown.
- Nutella (2 tablespoons): The hazelnut and cocoa notes are what make this sandwich sing; don't skip it or substitute with regular chocolate spread.
- Brie cheese (100 g, sliced): Its creamy, buttery texture melts seamlessly with the other components and adds elegance without heaviness.
- Cooked chicken breast (150 g, thinly sliced): Grilled or roasted chicken adds lean protein and a savory backbone that balances the sweetness of the Nutella.
- Fresh arugula or baby spinach (optional): A handful of greens adds a peppery note and slight freshness that keeps the sandwich from feeling one-dimensional.
- Sea salt (pinch): Just enough to elevate the flavors without overwhelming anything.
Instructions
- Prep Your Spreads:
- Lay out all four slices of bread and spread exactly 1 tablespoon of Nutella on two of them, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get an even layer. This is where control matters—too much and it overpowers, too little and you lose that hazelnut essence.
- Layer Your Fillings:
- Over the Nutella, arrange your brie slices in a single layer, then fan the chicken slices on top. If you're using greens, pile them on gently and dust with a tiny pinch of sea salt.
- Close and Butter:
- Top each sandwich with a plain bread slice and press down gently. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on both outer sides of each sandwich—this is what creates that golden, crispy exterior.
- Cook to Golden Perfection:
- Heat your nonstick skillet over medium heat until it's warm and inviting. Place the sandwiches butter-side down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, listening for that gentle sizzle and watching for the bread to turn a deep golden brown. Press down lightly with your spatula as it cooks to encourage the cheese to melt and help the bread make contact with the pan.
- Flip and Finish:
- Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until it matches the first side and you can feel the cheese starting to give when you press gently. The whole sandwich should feel warm and slightly compressible, not hard or resistant.
- Rest and Slice:
- Remove from the pan and let rest on a cutting board for just a minute or two—this lets the cheese set slightly so it doesn't ooze everywhere. Slice diagonally and serve while still warm.
Save There's something magical about the moment when you bite into this sandwich and all those flavors—sweet, savory, creamy, crispy—hit your palate at exactly the same time. It stopped being just food for me the day my mom tried it and actually smiled that smile she gets when she's genuinely surprised by something delicious.
Why This Combination Works
The beauty of this sandwich is that nothing fights for attention; everything supports everything else. Nutella's cocoa-hazelnut profile has just enough depth to stand up to the richness of brie and the salty, protein-packed chicken. The sourdough's tang adds complexity, and the butter creates a crispy shell that gives textural contrast to all the creamy layers inside. It's a balance that somehow feels both indulgent and surprisingly sophisticated.
Twists and Variations
Once you nail the classic version, there are so many directions you can take this. I've experimented with swapping the brie for Camembert when I want something earthier, or tossing in a few crushed toasted hazelnuts for extra nuttiness. Honey drizzled inside adds an additional sweetness that feels luxurious, and some people swear by adding crispy bacon for smokiness. The beauty is that the core concept is flexible enough to handle your preferences.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
This sandwich is bold enough to stand on its own for lunch, but it also pairs beautifully with something light to drink—a sparkling cider cuts through the richness, and a light Pinot Noir feels almost restaurant-quality elegant. I usually serve it with a small green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or alongside some crispy kettle chips for contrast. The key is not overthinking it; let the sandwich be the star.
- A sparkling cider or light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.
- A bright green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese and Nutella.
- Enjoy it while still warm, ideally within a few minutes of coming off the pan.
Save This sandwich proves that the best discoveries in the kitchen often come from happy accidents and a willingness to trust your instincts. Once you make it, you'll understand why I keep returning to it.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough bread is ideal due to its sturdy texture and slight tanginess, which balance the sandwich’s sweet and savory elements.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes, fontina or Camembert can replace brie for different creamy and milky flavor profiles.
- → How should the chicken be prepared?
Use grilled or roasted cooked chicken breast, sliced thinly to layer evenly and heat through quickly.
- → Any tips for cooking the sandwich evenly?
Cook over medium heat, pressing gently for 3–4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese melts without burning.
- → What optional ingredients enhance flavor?
Try adding fresh arugula or baby spinach for freshness, a pinch of sea salt, or drizzle honey and crushed toasted hazelnuts for extra dimension.