BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

When you think of comfort food, grilled cheese sandwiches and BBQ chicken are likely to be at the top of the list. But what happens when you combine these two classics? You get the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich, a perfect fusion of cheesy, melty goodness with the smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue chicken. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it’s packed with flavor, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cheesy and Flavorful: The combination of melted cheese with BBQ chicken creates a mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding kids, teenagers, or adults, everyone loves a grilled cheese sandwich with a fun twist.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook and shred it first. A rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken also works perfectly. Combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce in a medium-sized bowl. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

For extra flavor, you can sauté the red onions in a little olive oil until softened, then add them to the BBQ chicken mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Butter one side of each slice of bread. This buttered side will go on the outside of the sandwich to create that crispy, golden crust we all love in a grilled cheese.

If you’re looking to elevate your grilled cheese game, you can mix the butter with a little garlic powder or freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Now it’s time to layer your sandwiches. Place one slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of the bread, followed by a generous scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture. Top with another slice of cheese and cover with a second slice of bread, buttered side up.

Repeat this for the remaining sandwiches.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the skillet, buttered side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted completely. You can press down lightly with a spatula to help the sandwiches cook evenly.

If you’re making multiple sandwiches, you may need to cook them in batches. Alternatively, you can use a panini press to get that perfect, evenly toasted finish.

Step 5: Serve

Once the sandwiches are golden and crispy, remove them from the skillet. Let them cool slightly before cutting them in half. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or jalapenos for a little extra flavor.

Serve your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Choose the Right Bread: A sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast works best for grilled cheese sandwiches. Softer breads may get soggy from the BBQ sauce and won’t hold up as well when grilled.
• Cheese Matters: Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda. For an even richer sandwich, try using a combination of cheeses. Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella brings the gooey, stretchy factor.
• Low and Slow: Cook the sandwiches over medium or medium-low heat. If the heat is too high, the bread will brown before the cheese has a chance to melt.
• Pressing the Sandwich: If you want a flatter, more panini-style grilled cheese, press down on the sandwich with a spatula while it’s cooking. You can also use a panini press if you have one.
• Extra Crunch: For added texture, you can toss in some crispy bacon or even crunchy tortilla chips inside the sandwich before grilling.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: For an extra layer of flavor, serve the sandwiches with a side of BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. The creamy, tangy ranch will complement the smoky, sweet BBQ chicken beautifully.

Variations and Customizations

1. BBQ Chicken and Bacon Grilled Cheese: Add a couple of crispy bacon slices to each sandwich for an extra indulgent twist. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the BBQ chicken and adds a satisfying crunch.
2. Spicy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Mix some hot sauce or sriracha into the BBQ sauce for a spicier version. You can also add sliced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for an added kick.
3. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: For a tropical flair, add some thinly sliced pineapple rings to the BBQ chicken mixture. The sweetness of the pineapple balances beautifully with the savory chicken and tangy BBQ sauce.
4. BBQ Chicken Philly Grilled Cheese: Turn this recipe into a BBQ chicken Philly-style sandwich by adding sautéed bell peppers and onions to the chicken mixture. Use provolone cheese instead of cheddar or mozzarella for an authentic Philly taste.
5. Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten-free, simply swap the bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. Be sure to check the BBQ sauce for any hidden gluten ingredients as well.
6. Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a meat-free option, you can use plant-based chicken strips or shredded jackfruit instead of chicken. Toss them in BBQ sauce and proceed with the recipe as directed. Jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled chicken and works beautifully with the BBQ flavors.

Serving Suggestions

The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a hearty and flavorful sandwich, but you can easily round out the meal with a few sides or add-ons to make it even more satisfying. Here are a few ideas:

• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw is the perfect side dish for this sandwich. The crunch and acidity of the slaw balance out the richness of the grilled cheese.
• Potato Chips: Serve the sandwich with a side of kettle-cooked chips for added crunch. The salty, crispy texture is a great contrast to the soft, gooey sandwich.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly healthier option, serve your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with baked sweet potato fries. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the smoky BBQ flavors.
• Salad: If you want a lighter meal, serve the sandwich alongside a fresh green salad. A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing can help cut through the richness of the grilled cheese.
• Pickles: Pickles or pickled vegetables add a tangy, briny element that contrasts nicely with the sweet and smoky BBQ chicken.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the bread may lose some of its crispness after being refrigerated.

Reheating:

To reheat the sandwiches, it’s best to use a skillet or oven to crisp the bread back up. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy again.

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. With tender BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crispy toasted bread, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce combined with the richness of the cheese makes for an unforgettable bite every time. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable.

Yield: 4

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print

When you think of comfort food, grilled cheese sandwiches and BBQ chicken are likely to be at the top of the list. But what happens when you combine these two classics? You get the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich, a perfect fusion of cheesy, melty goodness with the smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue chicken. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it’s packed with flavor, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover works great)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
• 8 slices of sourdough bread (or any thick-cut bread)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:

• In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Lay out the slices of bread. On 4 slices, evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture.
• Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of the BBQ chicken, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
• Optionally, add thin slices of red onion and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
• Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top to form a sandwich.

3. Butter the Bread:

• Spread softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread (the side that will touch the pan when grilling).

4. Cook the Grilled Cheese:

• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan, butter-side down.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

5. Serve:

• Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is fully melted, remove them from the skillet.
• Let the grilled cheese sandwiches cool for a minute or two before slicing them in half and serving.

Notes

Cheese Substitutes: Feel free to use any melty cheese like gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a spicier twist.

BBQ Sauce Varieties: Experiment with different BBQ sauces like smoky, sweet, or spicy to change the flavor.

Add Extras: Try adding bacon, pickles, or jalapeños for more texture and flavor.