BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a culinary masterpiece that takes two beloved comfort foods and unites them in a symphony of smoky, cheesy, and tangy perfection. Forget everything you thought you knew about grilled cheese; this is an upgrade of epic proportions. We’re talking about succulent, shredded chicken slathered in your favorite barbecue sauce, nestled between perfectly grilled, golden-brown bread with a generous melting of cheese. Why do we adore this dish so much? It’s that irresistible combination of crispy, gooey, and savory that hits all the right notes. It’s a flavor explosion that evokes backyard barbecues and cozy nights in, all in one glorious bite. What truly makes the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich special is its delightful fusion – it’s familiar yet exciting, simple yet incredibly satisfying. Get ready to elevate your sandwich game!

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

There are comfort foods, and then there are next-level comfort foods. This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich definitely falls into the latter category. It takes the humble grilled cheese and elevates it with the smoky, sweet, and savory goodness of BBQ chicken, all nestled between perfectly crispy, buttery bread. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a tall glass of iced tea and forget all your troubles. This recipe is surprisingly easy to put together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. We’re going to build layers of flavor here, from the sautéed aromatics to the tender chicken and that glorious, gooey cheese.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on building this flavor bomb! The first step is all about creating that delicious BBQ chicken filling.

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

1. In a medium skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and slightly translucent. The gentle cooking of the onion will bring out its natural sweetness. Next, add the 3 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can turn bitter, so keep a close eye on it.
2. Add the 2 ½ cups of shredded roasted chicken to the skillet. Stir it in with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the ½ teaspoon of paprika and stir to coat the chicken. The paprika adds a lovely subtle smokiness and a beautiful color. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through.
3. Now it’s time for the flavor powerhouses. Pour in the 1 cup of BBQ sauce and the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. You want a nice, saucy consistency that will coat the chicken beautifully without being too watery. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – maybe a pinch of salt or pepper, or a touch more BBQ sauce if you like it sweeter. Once it’s ready, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

Assembling and Grilling the Sandwiches

Now that our amazing BBQ chicken filling is ready, it’s time to build these magnificent sandwiches.

4. We’re going to make a garlic-parsley butter for the bread, which is going to take our grilled cheese to the next level of deliciousness. In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of softened butter with the 2 minced cloves of garlic and 2 teaspoons of minced parsley. Mash it all together with a fork until well combined. This infused butter will give our bread an incredible aroma and a rich, savory flavor as it grills.
5. Lay out your 12 slices of sourdough bread (or sturdy white bread – sourdough provides a fantastic tang that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully). Spread a generous amount of the garlic-parsley butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is the side that will hit the pan, so you want it evenly coated.
6. On the unbuttered side of 6 of the bread slices, begin extract assembling your sandwiches. Layer 2 slices of Havarti cheese on each of these bread slices. Havarti is a wonderful choice here because it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that won’t overpower the BBQ chicken.
7. Next, spoon a generous portion of the prepared BBQ chicken mixture over the Havarti cheese on each sandwich. Don’t be shy – load them up! You want a good amount of chicken and sauce in every bite.
8. Top each sandwich with another 2 slices of Havarti cheese. This ensures maximum cheese-pull potential and that delightful cheesy binding.
9. Carefully place the remaining 6 buttered bread slices, butter-side up, on top of the chicken and cheese layers to complete the sandwiches. You should now have 6 magnificent, ready-to-grill sandwiches.

Grilling to Golden Perfection

10. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. It’s important to use medium-low heat for grilled cheese so that the bread toasts to a perfect golden brown and the cheese has enough time to melt completely without the bread burning.
11. Carefully place 2 or 3 sandwiches onto the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. You’ll know it’s time to flip when you can easily slide a spatula underneath without resistance. Press down gently with your spatula a few times while grilling to ensure even browning and to help the cheese melt.
12. Remove the finished sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for just a minute before slicing them in half diagonally. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to cut and serve.

Serve these incredible BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches immediately. They are fantastic on their own, or you can pair them with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or even some crispy french fries for a complete meal. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the ultimate comfort food experience!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate guide to crafting a truly unforgettable BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! This recipe is a game-changer because it takes a beloved comfort food and injects it with the smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors of barbecue chicken. The combination of gooey melted cheese, tender shredded chicken coated in your favorite BBQ sauce, and perfectly toasted bread is pure culinary magic. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a backyard cookout.

For serving suggestions, consider pairing this masterpiece with a crisp coleslaw, a side of sweet potato fries, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Try different types of cheese, like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a flavor boost. Add some thinly sliced red onion or pickled jalapeños for a little extra kick. You could even swap out the grilled bread for toasted sourdough for a slightly different texture. I highly encourage you to give this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious way to elevate your sandwich game.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover pulled chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover pulled chicken is perfect for this recipe. Simply reheat it, toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce, and proceed with the sandwich assembly. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and create a delicious meal.

What kind of bread works best?

While many breads work well, a sturdy white bread or a brioche loaf holds up best to the filling and grilling process, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust. Sourdough is also a fantastic option for its slightly tangy flavor profile.

How do I make it spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the BBQ chicken mixture. You can also add a layer of sliced pickled jalapeños inside the sandwich before grilling, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes onto the cheese.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A flavorful and satisfying grilled cheese sandwich featuring tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, melty Havarti cheese, and perfectly grilled sourdough bread.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
6 sandwiches

Ingredients

• 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
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
• 12 slices sourdough bread

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Step 2
   Stir in shredded chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until chicken is heated through.
3. Step 3
   Add BBQ sauce and stir to coat the chicken mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4
   Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and parsley.
5. Step 5
   Spread the garlic-parsley butter on the unbuttered side of half the bread slices. Top these with Havarti cheese slices, then a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by more Havarti cheese.
6. Step 6
   Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered-side up. Grill sandwiches in a non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.