BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless comfort food, but why not elevate this classic with a flavorful twist? Enter BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese—an irresistible fusion of tender BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and crispy bread. This recipe transforms a humble grilled cheese into a savory, smoky delight that combines the tanginess of BBQ sauce with the gooey comfort of melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a hearty, satisfying sandwich, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is sure to hit the spot. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make this mouthwatering sandwich from scratch, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

To make the perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the BBQ Chicken

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Chicken breasts or thighs work well for this recipe. Thighs are slightly more flavorful and juicy, but breasts are a leaner option.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce—whether it’s sweet, tangy, or smoky—to coat the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and adding a bit of richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
• Garlic Powder and Paprika: Optional spices to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

For the Grilled Cheese

• Bread: Choose a hearty bread that can hold up to the fillings. Sourdough, ciabatta, or whole wheat are great choices.
• Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses for the best melt. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are ideal.
• Butter: For spreading on the bread to achieve that golden, crispy crust.
• Additional Toppings: Optional ingredients like caramelized onions, pickles, or fresh cilantro can add extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Follow these steps to create a BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Step 1: Cook the BBQ Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and have a nice sear.
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Mix with BBQ Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and add your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread and Cheese

1. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter the Bread: Spread a generous amount of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will give the sandwich a crispy, golden exterior.
3. Assemble the Cheese: Lay out slices of cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. You can mix different cheeses or use just one variety based on your preference.

Step 3: Assemble and Cook the Sandwich

1. Add BBQ Chicken: Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Make sure to spread it out evenly.
2. Top and Press: Place another slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the chicken. Press down lightly to help the sandwich hold together.
3. Cook the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in the preheated skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down with a spatula to ensure even grilling.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Once the sandwich is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t ooze out too much.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh cilantro or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

1. Use Quality Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your sandwich. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken, cheese, and bread to ensure the best taste.

2. Don’t Overstuff

While it’s tempting to load up on fillings, be careful not to overstuff the sandwich. Too much filling can make it difficult to grill evenly and may cause the cheese to spill out.

3. Use Medium Heat

Cooking the sandwich over medium heat allows the bread to toast perfectly while giving the cheese time to melt. If the heat is too high, the bread may burn before the cheese has a chance to melt.

4. Experiment with Cheese

Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect melt. Sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and tangy Monterey Jack are all excellent choices.

5. Add Extra Toppings

Customize your sandwich with additional toppings such as caramelized onions, pickles, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

Variations and Customizations

1. Spicy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

For a spicy kick, use a hot BBQ sauce or add chopped fresh jalapeños to the BBQ chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on the sandwich for extra heat.

2. BBQ Chicken and Bacon Grilled Cheese

Add crispy bacon to your BBQ chicken grilled cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Simply cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and add it to the sandwich.

3. Vegetarian BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

For a vegetarian version, use plant-based chicken or BBQ jackfruit in place of the traditional chicken. The smoky BBQ flavor pairs well with vegetarian alternatives.

4. BBQ Chicken and Avocado Grilled Cheese

Add slices of ripe avocado to your BBQ chicken grilled cheese for a creamy, fresh element. The avocado adds richness and balances the tangy BBQ sauce.

5. Gourmet BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Elevate your sandwich with gourmet ingredients such as truffle oil, caramelized onions, or a blend of artisanal cheeses. This variation is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.

Serving Suggestions

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese pairs well with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to complement your sandwich:

• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw makes a great side dish and balances the richness of the sandwich.
• Pickles: Crispy pickles add a refreshing crunch and help cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce and cheese.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Serve with crispy sweet potato fries for a satisfying, hearty meal.
• Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, tomato soup is perfect for dipping and adds a comforting touch to your meal.

Storing and Reheating BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

1. Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to let the sandwich cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

2. Reheating

To reheat leftover grilled cheese, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. You can also use a skillet over medium heat to reheat, flipping the sandwich occasionally to ensure even warming.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich that combines the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ chicken with the gooey, comforting texture of melted cheese. With its perfect balance of savory and sweet, crispy and creamy, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a new favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or at a casual gathering, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Give this recipe a try and elevate your grilled cheese game to a whole new level!

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce before adding it to the sandwich.
2. Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese? Freezing grilled cheese sandwiches can affect the texture. If you need to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
3. What’s the best bread for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese? Hearty breads like sourdough, ciabatta, or whole wheat are ideal because they can hold up to the fillings and create a crispy, golden crust.
4. Can I make a vegetarian version of BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese? Absolutely! Use plant-based chicken or BBQ jackfruit as a substitute for the chicken to create a delicious vegetarian version.
5. How can I make my grilled cheese extra crispy? For an extra crispy grilled cheese, use a combination of butter and a small amount of olive oil on the bread before grilling. Press down with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning.
   Yield: 6 sandwiches

   BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

   

   Print

   Grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless comfort food, but why not elevate this classic with a flavorful twist? Enter BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese—an irresistible fusion of tender BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and crispy bread. This recipe transforms a humble grilled cheese into a savory, smoky delight that combines the tanginess of BBQ sauce with the gooey comfort of melted cheese. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a hearty, satisfying sandwich, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is sure to hit the spot. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know to make this mouthwatering sandwich from scratch, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.

   Prep Time 10 minutes

   Cook Time 15 minutes

   Ingredients

   • BBQ Chicken
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
   • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
   • ½ teaspoon paprika
   • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
   • 1 cup BBQ sauce
   • 12 slices Havarti cheese
   • Garlic Butter Bread:
   • ¼ cup butter
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
   • 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

   Instructions

   BBQ Chicken

   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onions until soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shredded chicken, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce and bbq sauce. Stir to combine and cook until everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

   Garlic Butter Bread

   • Add butter, garlic, and minced parsley in a medium bowl. Microwave until melted.
   • Lay 12 slices of bread on work surface. Spread melted butter mixture over each piece.
   • Turn each piece over and 6 of the bread slices with 6 of the cheese slices and the bbq chicken mixture, dividing evenly. Add the remaining cheese over the top of the chicken and top with the remaining 6 slices of bread (both the bottom and the top should have the buttered side exposed).
   • Set buttered sandwiches in a large non-stick skillet. Place over medium heat and cook until the bottoms of the sandwiches are browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn sandwiches over, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the bottom is browned and the cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes longer.

   Nutrition Information:

   
   Amount Per Serving: Calories: 670