Creamy White Chicken Grilled Cheese

Let’s have a tea party!

I am so excited to have partnered with The Republic of Tea to be part of their Enlightenment TEAm.  I have long been a fan of The Republic of Tea and I look forward to talking to you about this amazing brand of tea.  I also look forward to pairing recipes that coordinate with these delicious teas and offering exclusive promotions available to Mother Thyme readers.  
 
With Spring on the horizon I thought having a tea party would be the perfect way to celebrate the season.  What little girl or a girl at heart like myself doesn’t love a tea party?  I will admit, between watching the tea party on Real Housewives and my obsession with Downton Abbey, it has put me in the mood for a lovely tea party.  I love tea.  It truly relaxes me.  During the day when the kids are napping, I love to have a cup of tea.  And in the evenings, you can find me sipping on a cup of The Republic of Tea Coconut Cocoa tea.  It is so delicious and helps when I crave something sweet. 

The Republic of Tea is the leading purveyor of premium teas, with more than 250 all-natural premium teas and herbs, ready-to-drink iced teas, tea honey, tea jam, exclusive Stir Fry Tea Oil, and Stir Fry Tea Spice, nature-inspired tea ware and a collection of varietal glass-bottled iced teas crafted exclusively for fine restaurants and hotels.  The Republic of Tea’s distinguishes teas and herbs are packaged in specially-designed air-tight tins containing either full-leaf teas and herbs or the brand’s signature round, unbleached tea bags, free of unnecessary envelopes, strings, tags or staples.

The Republic of Tea emphasizes a sip by sip rather than gulp by gulp lifestyle.  I currently enjoy sipping on these delightful teas ~

Ginger Peach Black Tea, one of the most popular black tea flavors, offers the sweet lushness of a fancy peach seasoned with the tingle of spicy ginger. 

The blossoms in the Orange Blossom 100% White Tea imparts an invigorating citrus note, creating a white tea that is delicate yet fresh and crisp. 

Ruby red hibiscus shines brightly in the evocatively fruity Natural Hibiscus Herbal Tea.  Sipping this herbal tea evokes thoughts of a perfect day in the tropics. 

The delicate tea that is The People’s Green Tea is celebrated for its refreshing, smooth flavor and incredible green tea health benefits. 

Lastly, I always end my evenings with a cup of Coconut Cocoa tea, a rich, exotic taste of this herbal infusion combines coconut, chocolate and caramel malted barley to produce a thick, naturally sweet, tropical cup.

Any order placed through The Republic of Tea between March 1st- 8th 2013 use promo code MOTHERTHYME to receive a complimentary Cheerful Cuppa tea mug. 

On the menu for the tea party today I am serving Creamy White Chicken Grilled Cheese.  Shredded chicken tossed with Fontina cheese on a fresh loaf of Italian bread with a creamy dill spread.  Perfect for a Spring picnic in the park, and pairs perfectly with a cup of Orange Blossom 100% White Tea.   Steep two bags and pour over ice for a refreshing iced tea.

Creamy White Chicken Grilled Cheese

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• Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of black pepper

Cream Cheese Spread

• 4 ounce cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of salt

Grilled Cheese

• 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded Fontina cheese
• 8 thick slices of fresh Italian bread
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for bread

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Instructions

Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line baking sheet with aluminium foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
3. Toss chicken with olive oil, dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
4. Place on baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.
5. Allow chicken to cool. Shred using two forks and place in a medium bowl.

Cream Cheese Spread

1. In a small bowl stir together cream cheese, dill, garlic powder, onion powder and salt until creamy.

Grilled Cheese

1. Preheat panini maker or large skillet over medium heat.
2. Toss Fontina cheese with shredded chicken.
3. Lightly drizzle outer slices of bread with olive oil or brush with butter.
4. Generously spread inside slices with cream cheese spread. Top with chicken mixture and other slice of bread.
5. Add sandwich to panini and cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. If cooking on skillet, flip after a few minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Notes

Save a step! You could substitute cooking the chicken and use a store bought rotisserie chicken. Shred chicken as instructed and follow the remaining steps.