Sourdough Toast 01: Grilled chicken, basil and cream cheese

By Sadhika on

I have to confess—I’m obsessed with sourdough. There's something about its tangy flavor, chewy texture, and natural goodness that makes it the perfect canvas for countless meals. Not only is it a healthier option, packed with probiotics, but it’s also incredibly tasty and endlessly versatile. Whether I’m in the mood for something savory or sweet, sourdough never disappoints, especially on busy workdays when I need a quick, satisfying lunch. 

That’s why I’ve decided to kick off a series dedicated to the various sourdough toasts that brighten up my lunch plate—simple, delicious, and guaranteed to keep you satisfied through the day. Most days, I simply raid my fridge for whatever’s on hand and turn an ordinary lunch into a moment of joy. For the first toast in this series, I’m starting with a classic—grilled chicken, tomatoes, cream cheese, and fresh basil. These are ingredients I almost always have in my kitchen, and when time is short and I’m craving something wholesome and filling, this combo never disappoints.

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of your favourite sourdough bread
  • Cream cheese (for spreading)
  • 2-3 slices of fresh tomato
  • 3 basil leaves
  • 1 chicken thigh (or breast)
  • Cooking oil
  • ½ tsp freshly ground pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2-3 sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Season the chicken thigh with salt and pepper. Heat a little cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden. Remove from the pan and slice thinly.
  2. While the chicken is cooking, lightly toast the sourdough bread slices until golden and crispy. I’m using whole wheat sourdough today, which I conveniently get at a great price from a nearby bakery whose owner I've befriended.
  3. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each slice of toasted sourdough—don’t be shy, as you don’t want the sourdough to overpower the creaminess.
  4. Layer the fresh tomato slices on top of the cream cheese, and add the sliced grilled chicken evenly across the toast.
  5. Top the toast with fresh basil leaves and sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. 
  6. Add a sprinkle of seasoning, if desired, and drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil for that extra hint of richness. Serve immediately, with sliced cucumber, fries or potato chips.

And there you have it—an effortlessly delicious, no-fuss sourdough toast that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying. With the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, this toast is my go-to when time is short but my cravings are big. Plus, with ingredients I usually have on hand, it’s the ultimate weekday lunch hero. So, whether you’re juggling deadlines or just need something to power you through the day, this grilled chicken, tomato, and basil sourdough toast has you covered. Quick, tasty, and a little bit fancy—what more could you ask for?

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