Save I stumbled onto this sandwich by accident on a lazy Tuesday afternoon when my fridge looked like a puzzle I had to solve. Brie caught my eye first, then the Nutella jar, and then it hit me—why not? The first bite was a revelation: that sweet-savory clash that shouldn't work but absolutely does, with buttery bread giving way to melted cheese and tender chicken. My skeptical roommate asked for seconds before I'd even finished mine. Now it's become my secret weapon when I want to impress without fussing.
I made this for my partner during a particularly gloomy winter day when we both needed something that felt a little bold and unexpected. They were skeptical about the Nutella until they tasted it, and then I watched their whole face change. We sat at the kitchen counter without phones, just eating and talking, and it became one of those small moments that you remember as much for the company as for the food.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread: The tang cuts through the richness beautifully, and the sturdy crumb holds up to melting cheese without falling apart.
- Unsalted butter: Use softened butter so it spreads without tearing the bread, and it creates that crucial golden crust.
- Nutella: A thin, even layer is key—you want the hazelnut flavor, not sweetness that overwhelms the savory elements.
- Brie cheese: Its creamy texture melts into the other layers, acting almost like glue that binds the flavors together.
- Cooked chicken breast: Slice it thin so it nestles against the cheese and toasts slightly, developing subtle flavor depth.
- Arugula or baby spinach: Optional but genuinely worthwhile—it adds a peppery freshness that prevents the sandwich from feeling too dense.
- Sea salt: A whisper of salt amplifies the sweetness of the Nutella and brightens the earthiness of the greens.
Instructions
- Lay out and spread:
- Place two slices of sourdough on your cutting board and spread about 1 tablespoon of Nutella on each, pushing it out to the edges so every bite catches the hazelnut flavor. The texture should be thin and even, almost like a glaze.
- Build your layers:
- Arrange brie slices directly over the Nutella, then lay your chicken on top—slightly overlapping the slices if they're thin enough so nothing shifts around. If you're using greens, tuck them in now, and finish with just a pinch of sea salt before adding the top bread slice.
- Butter the exterior:
- Spread softened butter on both outer sides of each sandwich, making sure it covers edge to edge so the bread toasts evenly. You'll see the butter start to glisten, which is your signal that it's ready for the pan.
- Toast until golden:
- Heat your nonstick skillet over medium heat, then place the sandwiches butter side down and let them sit for about 3 minutes without moving them—this is how you get that crispy, golden exterior. Flip gently, press down lightly to encourage the cheese to meld, and cook the second side until it's equally bronze and the cheese has definitely softened.
- Rest and serve:
- Let the sandwiches cool for just a minute or two so the cheese sets slightly, then slice diagonally and serve while the inside is still warm and creamy.
Save There's something almost playful about a sandwich that breaks the rules so deliberately. It shouldn't work, but when it does, it feels like you've cracked some secret code in your own kitchen. That's the feeling I chase with this one every time.
The Sweet and Savory Balance
The real magic here lives in the tension between flavors. Nutella is undeniably sweet, but its hazelnut base has earthiness that brie echoes back. The chicken grounds everything, keeping the sandwich from ever tasting like dessert. When you add that whisper of salt and the slight bitterness of arugula, suddenly all four flavors are having a conversation instead of competing.
Why This Works Better Than It Should
I've made this sandwich for people who cook and people who barely use their kitchens, and the reaction is always the same: disbelief followed by immediate understanding. It works because nothing is shy—each ingredient announces itself without apology, and because we toast it rather than serving it cold, everything melds together. The butter and heat are quietly doing all the work, making strange bedfellows feel intentional.
Variations and Personal Tweaks
Once you make this once, you start seeing variations everywhere. A drizzle of honey inside lifts everything—the sweetness becomes almost floral. Crushed toasted hazelnuts add crunch and double down on the Nutella theme. Some nights I swap in fontina for a nuttier cheese profile, or I use Camembert when I want something earthier. I've even toasted hazelnuts into the butter itself on occasion, and it transforms the whole experience.
- Try a thin layer of honey between the Nutella and brie for a silky sweetness that rounds out the savory notes.
- Fontina and Camembert are both stunning alternatives if you want to explore different cheese personalities.
- Rotisserie chicken saves time and honestly tastes just as good as if you'd cooked it yourself.
Save This sandwich has become my reminder that good food doesn't have to announce itself in advance or follow predictable rules. Sometimes the best discoveries come from curiosity and willingness to taste something unexpected.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of cheese pairs well with Nutella here?
Brie works beautifully due to its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor which complements Nutella's sweetness.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or even thin roasted turkey slices provide similar tenderness and flavor balance.
- → What bread type is best for this sandwich?
Sourdough is ideal because it crisps nicely while providing a slightly tangy backdrop that enhances the filling.
- → How do I achieve a golden crust on the sandwich?
Spread softened butter on the outside of the bread and cook over medium heat in a nonstick skillet until golden and the cheese melts.
- → Are there suggested garnishes to enhance flavor?
Fresh arugula or baby spinach add a peppery freshness, while a pinch of sea salt balances sweetness nicely.
- → Can I add nuts for extra texture?
Yes, crushed toasted hazelnuts inside bring crunch and deepen the nutty flavor profile.