Jacques's Croque Madame

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400F.

2. 2

   Spread a thin layer of soft butter on one side only of both bread slices, then cover the buttered sides neatly with a layer of cheese.

3. 3

   Arrange a layer of chicken on one bread slice and sprinkle on the chives and a few dashes of Tabasco, if you like.

4. 4

   Flip the other piece of bread over on top (cheese inside, of course), press together, and spread more butter on the outsides of the sandwich, coating the slices evenly.

5. 5

   Lay the assembled sandwich in the baking dish and prepare others the same way.

6. 6

   Bake the sandwiches for 10 minutes or so, until the bottom sides are crisp and golden.

7. 7

   Flip them over and bake for about 5 minutes more, until the second sides are also well toasted.

8. 8

   Serve hot.

9. 9

   For appetizer portions, trim off the crusts and cut each sandwich diagonally into 4 small triangles.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.