BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

A BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich is the ultimate comfort food that fuses two beloved dishes: barbecue chicken and grilled cheese. With tender shredded chicken coated in rich BBQ sauce, layered with melty cheese between crispy, buttery slices of bread, this sandwich is bursting with flavor and perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a casual get-together, it hits all the right notes—smoky, cheesy, savory, and crispy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Shredded roasted chicken
• Paprika
• Worcestershire sauce
• BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
• Butter
• Parsley, minced
• Sourdough or white sandwich bread
• Havarti cheese (or your preferred melty cheese)

Directions

1. Make the garlic butter: Combine softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Microwave until melted and set aside.
2. Cook the BBQ chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté red onion until soft, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
3. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. On the non-buttered side, layer cheese, BBQ chicken, and more cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
4. Grill: Cook in a skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–5 minutes per side.
5. Serve: Let rest for a minute, slice, and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 sandwiches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mix.
• Different cheeses: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack.
• Alternative bread: Try ciabatta, French bread, or a hearty multigrain.
• Extra fillings: Add caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or pickles for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bread is crispy again and the cheese is melted. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make the bread soggy.

FAQs

How do I shred chicken quickly?

Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred cooked chicken breast easily.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe.

What’s the best cheese for grilled cheese?

Havarti, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella all melt well and pair nicely with BBQ flavors.

Can I make this sandwich in the oven?

Yes, assemble the sandwiches and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I freeze grilled cheese?

It’s not recommended as the texture may suffer, but you can freeze the BBQ chicken mixture separately.

What’s a good side dish?

Coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a green salad are excellent sides.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use BBQ jackfruit or plant-based chicken and vegetarian cheese alternatives.

Can I use different sauces?

Try spicy BBQ sauce, honey BBQ, or even buffalo sauce for variation.

Is it kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Just use a mild BBQ sauce and skip any spicy add-ins.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the BBQ chicken in advance and assemble/grill the sandwiches just before serving.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich is a quick, flavorful meal that everyone will love. It’s a fantastic twist on a classic grilled cheese, offering layers of smoky, saucy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving something indulgent, this sandwich is guaranteed to hit the spot.

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