Experience the ultimate French bistro classic with a twist! This Grilled Croque Monsieur with Chicken is made entirely on the Arteflame Grill, combining the rich, cheesy goodness of a traditional Croque Monsieur with the savory depth of grilled chicken. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this recipe will elevate your grilling game with perfectly seared bread and gooey, melted cheese.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or sourdough)
- 8 slices of cooked chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie)
- 8 slices of Gruyère cheese
- 4 slices of smoked ham
- 1 cup béchamel sauce (recipe below)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
- Light the Grill: Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill. Stack firewood on top, light the napkins, and wait 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.
- Set Up Heat Zones: Use the center grill grate for high heat (over 1,000°F) and the surrounding flat cooktop for moderate to low heat.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- On the flat cooktop, place a small heatproof skillet or directly cook on the griddle if possible.
- Melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and cook for 2 minutes until light golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
Step 3: Assemble the Croque Monsieur
- Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer each sandwich with 1 slice of Gruyère, 1 slice of ham, 2 slices of chicken, and another slice of Gruyère. Top with another slice of bread.
- Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
- Sear the sandwiches on the hot center grill grate for 1-2 minutes to get a golden crust.
- Move the sandwiches to the flat cooktop and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently to ensure even cooking and melting.
- Spoon a layer of béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich and sprinkle with grated Gruyère.
Step 5: Finish the Croque Monsieur
- Move the sandwiches to the hotter edge of the flat cooktop to melt the cheese topping until bubbly and golden.
Tips
- Grill Your Chicken: For added flavor, grill the chicken on the Arteflame before assembling the sandwiches.
- Customize Heat: Use the Arteflame's different temperature zones to perfectly toast the bread without burning.
- Keep Warm: If making multiple sandwiches, place finished ones near the cooler edges of the cooktop to keep warm.
Variations
- Vegetarian Croque: Replace chicken and ham with grilled mushrooms and spinach.
- Spicy Twist: Add a layer of spicy aioli or sriracha to the sandwich.
- Breakfast Croque: Add a fried egg on top for a Croque Madame.
- Herbed Béchamel: Infuse béchamel with thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
- Cheddar Fusion: Substitute Gruyère with sharp cheddar for a bold taste.
Conclusion
This Grilled Croque Monsieur with Chicken brings French comfort food to your backyard grill. The Arteflame’s searing heat ensures perfectly crisp bread, while the flat cooktop melts the cheese to gooey perfection. Pair it with a light green salad or a glass of white wine for a complete, satisfying meal.
Pairings
- Side: Mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Drink: Crisp Chardonnay or iced tea.
- Dessert: Grilled peaches with a dollop of whipped cream.
