Name: Grilled BBQ Chicken Cheese Sandwich - Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling if desired; 8 slices of bread (sourdough recommended); 8 slices of cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar and mozzarella); 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature; Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, cilantro

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwich; it’s a symphony of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that ignites pure comfort and joy. We all crave those dishes that transport us back to carefree summer days, and this elevated grilled cheese absolutely delivers. It’s the perfect marriage of familiar favorites: the undeniable appeal of a gooey, perfectly toasted grilled cheese and the irresistible allure of tangy, slow-cooked barbecue chicken. What truly sets this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese apart is the thoughtful balance of ingredients – the tender, shredded chicken bathed in your favorite barbecue sauce, complemented by melty, indulgent cheese and a hint of sharpness, all hugged between golden, buttery bread. Get ready to experience grilled cheese nirvana!

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling if desired
8 slices of bread (sourdough recommended)
8 slices of cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, cilantro

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

The foundation of our delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a flavorful chicken mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken with the 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken is well-coated in the sauce. This is where the magic begin extracts, infusing the chicken with that signature smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ flavor. If you prefer a saucier filling, feel free to add a little extra BBQ sauce here. Once combined, set this mixture aside. You can even prepare this part a little in advance, allowing the flavors to meld even further.

Assembling the Grilled Cheese

Now it’s time to build our masterpieces! Lay out all 8 slices of your chosen bread on a clean work surface. We’re using sourdough today because its tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the BBQ chicken, but your favorite bread will work just fine. On four of the bread slices, we’ll start layering our delicious components. First, evenly distribute about half of the BBQ chicken mixture onto these four slices. Don’t be shy with the filling; a generous amount is key to a satisfying grilled cheese. Next, arrange the thinly sliced red onion over the chicken. The red onion adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sharp sweetness that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce and cheese. Finally, top the onion with 4 slices of cheddar cheese. If you’re using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, this is when you’d add your mozzarella slices as well. Repeat this layering process on the remaining four bread slices with the rest of the chicken, onion, and cheese. This ensures each sandwich gets a hearty filling.

Butter and Grilling Preparation

With our fillings ready to go, it’s time to get the outside of our sandwiches perfectly golden brown and crispy. Take your 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Using a butter knife or a small spatula, spread a generous, even layer of butter on one side of each of the remaining four bread slices – these will be the outsides of our sandwiches that make contact with the pan. Equally important is buttering the side of the bread that will be facing outwards on the bottom half of the sandwich. So, essentially, you want one buttered side on each of the assembled halves. This butter is crucial for achieving that irresistible crispy crust and rich flavor. A good tip is to ensure the butter goes right to the edges to prevent any dry spots. Now, carefully place the other four bread slices, cheese-side down, on top of the already assembled halves, creating your complete sandwiches. You should have four fully constructed sandwiches, ready for the grill.

Cooking the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

We’re getting close to cheesy, saucy perfection! Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. It’s important not to rush this step by using too high of heat, as we want the cheese to melt thoroughly before the bread burns. Once the skillet is heated, carefully place the four sandwiches onto the hot surface. You’ll know the heat is just right when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly. Let the sandwiches cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on the first side. This allows the bottom bread to become beautifully golden brown and develops that perfect crisp. Resist the urge to peek too early; patience here will reward you with superior texture. Listen for a gentle sizzle – that’s the sound of pure grilled cheese joy.

Flipping and Finishing

Once the first side has achieved a beautiful golden-brown hue and feels slightly firm to the touch, it’s time to flip. Using a spatula, carefully lift each sandwich and gently flip it over to cook the other side. Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the second side is also golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is completely melted and gooey. You might see some delicious cheese oozing out the sides – that’s a good sign! If your sandwiches are browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t fully melted, you can reduce the heat slightly and cover the pan with a lid for a minute or two. This traps the heat and helps the cheese melt more evenly. Once both sides are perfectly grilled and the cheese is delightfully melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the top before serving, or even serve it on the side for dipping. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some optional pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick or fresh cilantro for a burst of herbaceousness before closing the sandwich. Serve immediately while they are hot and the cheese is at its most melty.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a truly delicious and satisfying BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese! This recipe brings together the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken with the gooey, melted cheese and buttery, toasted bread for a comfort food masterpiece. We’ve walked through each step to ensure you can achieve a perfectly golden-brown exterior and a warm, flavorful interior every time. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and enjoy this elevated twist on a classic sandwich. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is sure to become a favorite.

For serving suggestions, this sandwich pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, a bowl of creamy tomato soup, or even some crispy sweet potato fries. For variations, try adding a layer of caramelized onions for extra sweetness, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, or experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese:

Can I use leftover shredded chicken for this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?

Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or dice your chicken, toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce, and proceed with the recipe as written. It’s a quick and easy way to create a delicious meal.

What kind of bread works best for a BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?

While many breads work well, we recommend using sturdy breads like sourdough, challah, or even a good quality white or whole wheat loaf. These breads hold up well to the fillings and toast up beautifully to a golden crisp. Avoid very soft or delicate breads that might fall apart.