Easy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! Let’s be honest, who doesn’t adore the comforting embrace of a perfectly grilled cheese? Now, imagin extracte that gooey, cheesy goodness elevated with the smoky, tangy allure of barbecue chicken. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion, a nostalgic trip to backyard cookouts, and a satisfying meal all rolled into one. We’re talking tender shredded chicken, slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce, nestled between slices of golden-brown, crispy bread, and oozing with melty cheese. What makes this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich so special? It’s the ingenious fusion of two beloved comfort foods, creating something familiar yet wonderfully new. It’s the perfect answer for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even an indulgent late-night craving. Get ready to transform your grilled cheese game!

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game with this incredibly delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! It’s the perfect fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, with the gooey, melted cheese taking center stage. This sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. We’re going to take a simple grilled cheese and pack it with some serious flavor using tender shredded chicken bathed in a rich BBQ sauce. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at a grilled cheese the same way again!

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Let’s get started on building this flavor-packed sandwich! The first step is to create our delicious BBQ chicken filling. This is where all the smoky, tangy goodness comes from, and it’s super easy to put together.

1. Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

In a medium skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced red onion. We want to sauté these onions until they’re softened and slightly translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Next, add the 3 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. Now, add the 2 ½ cups of shredded roasted chicken to the skillet. Toss it around to coat it with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the ½ teaspoon of paprika, which will add a subtle smoky and slightly sweet depth of flavor. Stir well. Pour in the 1 cup of BBQ sauce and the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. The Worcestershire sauce adds a complex savory and umami note that really complements the BBQ sauce and chicken. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the luscious BBQ sauce. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. You want the chicken to be moist and flavorful, not dry. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

2. Assembling the Sandwiches

Now for the fun part: assembling these beautiful sandwiches! We’re going to lay out our bread slices and get ready to layer on that cheesy, saucy goodness. Take your 12 slices of sourdough bread or sturdy white bread. Sourdough is fantastic because its slightly tangy flavor holds up beautifully to the rich BBQ chicken, but any good sturdy bread will work. We’re going to layer the ingredients generously. On 6 of the bread slices, begin extract by placing 2 slices of Havarti cheese. Havarti cheese is perfect here because it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients. Next, spoon a generous portion of the prepared BBQ chicken filling onto the cheese-covered slices. Don’t be shy – load it up! Make sure to distribute the chicken evenly across each slice. On top of the chicken, place another 2 slices of Havarti cheese. This creates a delicious cheesy layer on both sides of the chicken, ensuring maximum meltiness and flavor in every bite. Finally, top each sandwich with the remaining 6 slices of bread.

3. Preparing the Garlic Herb Butter

While we’re getting ready to grill, let’s prepare the most important element for that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior: our garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of softened butter, the 2 minced cloves of garlic, and the 2 teaspoons of minced fresh parsley. Use a fork to mash and mix everything together until it’s well combined. The garlic will infuse the butter with a wonderful savory aroma, and the parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. This herbed butter is going to be the key to achieving that irresistibly golden and flavorful crust on your grilled cheese. Make sure your butter is softened enough to spread easily, but not melted.

4. Grilling the Sandwiches

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to cook these sandwiches to golden perfection. Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Low and slow is the name of the game for grilled cheese; it allows the cheese to melt thoroughly before the bread burns. Spread a generous amount of the garlic herb butter on the outside of one slice of each assembled sandwich. Place the buttered side down onto the preheated skillet. Repeat with as many sandwiches as will comfortably fit in your skillet without overcrowding. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and toasted.

5. Flipping and Finishing

Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula. Now, spread more of the garlic herb butter on the newly exposed top side of each sandwich. Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the second side is also golden brown and the Havarti cheese is completely melted and gooey. You should be able to see some of the cheese oozing out the sides, which is a good sign! If your bread is browning too quickly, you can reduce the heat slightly. If the cheese isn’t fully melted, you can cover the skillet loosely with a lid for a minute or two to help it along. Once both sides are perfectly golden brown and the cheese is gloriously melted, carefully remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them rest for just a minute before slicing them in half. The resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to cut without all the filling spilling out. Serve immediately and prepare for a flavor explosion!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! This recipe is truly fantastic because it takes two beloved comfort foods and elevates them into something truly special. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ chicken, paired with gooey melted cheese and the satisfying crunch of perfectly grilled bread, creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. It’s incredibly versatile, making it a perfect weeknight meal, a delightful lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer when cut into smaller portions.

For serving, I love to pair this BBQ chicken grilled cheese with a crisp, refreshing coleslaw to cut through the richness, or some seasoned sweet potato fries for an extra layer of comfort. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra creamy kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses too – a sharp cheddar or a smoky gouda would be amazing additions. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try; I promise it won’t disappoint!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, or even make your own! A classic Kansas City-style sauce works wonderfully, but feel free to explore smoky, spicy, or sweet varieties to match your preference.

Can I make the BBQ chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cooking the chicken and shredding it in advance can save you a lot of time, especially on busy nights. Simply reheat it gently before assembling your sandwiches.

What if I don’t have a grill pan?

No problem at all! A regular non-stick skillet or a cast-iron pan will work perfectly for grilling your sandwich to golden-brown perfection.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A delicious and easy grilled cheese sandwich featuring shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce and melted Havarti cheese on toasted sourdough.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

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 or sturdy white bread

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Step 2
   Stir in shredded roasted chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
3. Step 3
   Pour in BBQ sauce and stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Step 4
   Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with 2 cloves of minced garlic and minced parsley.
5. Step 5
   Place half of the bread slices, butter-side down, in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Layer 6 slices of Havarti cheese on top of the bread.
6. Step 6
   Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Top with another 6 slices of Havarti cheese.
7. Step 7
   Place the remaining bread slices, butter-side up, on top of the sandwiches. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is 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.