Quick BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe: Smoky, Gooey Goodness

Melding smoky bbq chicken with gooey melted cheese creates a sandwich that defies ordinary expectations.

Crispy bread cradles tender, flavor-packed meat dripping with tangy sauce.

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this mouthwatering mashup.

Memories of backyard cookouts dance alongside classic deli vibes.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful flavor explosion.

Each bite tells a story of bold, unexpected combinations.

Pack your appetite and get ready to experience sandwich perfection that will leave you craving more.

What Makes BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Irresistible

• Flavor Explosion: This recipe combines the smoky, tangy goodness of BBQ chicken with the classic comfort of melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering fusion that'll make taste buds dance.
• Easy-Peasy Cooking: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this sandwich requires minimal cooking techniques and simple ingredients anyone can handle with confidence.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Transforms leftover chicken into a delicious meal in minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families needing a satisfying dinner without complicated prep work.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Delivers a crowd-pleasing twist on traditional grilled cheese that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Chicken Breast: Juicy and tender protein perfect for BBQ flavor.
• Bread Slices: Thick, sturdy bread for a hearty sandwich.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce for coating chicken.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese for classic grilled cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft cheese that creates amazing stretch.

• Garlic Butter, Butter: Rich, flavorful spread for crispy bread.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing chicken taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and prevent sticking.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Shred and Season Chicken

Cook chicken breasts in a skillet until fully done.

Use two forks to shred the chicken into small, tender pieces.

Mix the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, ensuring each strand is coated generously for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Create Garlic Butter Spread

• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Pinch of salt

Blend ingredients until smooth and evenly mixed.

This aromatic spread will elevate the bread’s taste and create a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Build Delicious Sandwich Layers

Grab slices of bread and spread garlic butter on one side of each slice.

• Shredded cheese
• BBQ chicken
• Additional cheese
• Optional sliced green onions

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Place sandwich carefully in the pan, buttered side down.

Press gently with a spatula to ensure even browning.

Cook until bottom turns golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Flip sandwich and repeat on the other side until cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy

Remove sandwich from heat.

Let it rest for a minute, then slice diagonally.

Serve immediately while cheese is melty and bread remains crisp.

Pair with a small side salad or extra napkins for messy enjoyment.

Pro Tips for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken for even, tender pieces that blend seamlessly with BBQ sauce.
• Drain excess sauce to prevent soggy bread and ensure a crispy, golden grilled cheese exterior.
• Spread cheese on both inner bread sides to create a melty barrier that locks in BBQ chicken and prevents bread from getting wet.
• Use medium-low heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning, allowing cheese to melt completely.
• Swap regular bread with gluten-free options and use dairy-free cheese for a versatile, inclusive sandwich that everyone can enjoy.

Storing and Warming Up BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Store leftover BBQ chicken grilled cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm sandwiches at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, which helps restore the crispy bread and melty cheese texture without drying out the chicken.
• Quickly reheat individual sandwiches in a preheated skillet with a touch of butter, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread turns golden brown.
• Skip microwave reheating as it can make bread soggy and cheese rubbery, compromising the sandwich's original delicious texture.

Great Pairings for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, smoky flavors of the BBQ chicken and melted cheese.
• Complement with Tangy Slaw: Create a refreshing coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a hint of honey to balance the sandwich's intense barbecue notes.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to enhance the smoky barbecue taste and provide a bold, refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy sandwich.
• Add Pickled Side: Serve quick pickled jalapeños or dill pickles to introduce a bright, acidic element that cuts through the sandwich's richness and adds a zesty crunch.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Flavor Twists

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace BBQ chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in smoky BBQ sauce for a meaty plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap bread with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas, using cauliflower-based BBQ sauce for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture, creating a fiery version for heat lovers who want extra excitement in their sandwich.

FAQs

• Is BBQ chicken grilled cheese a healthy meal?

While delicious, it’s a rich and indulgent sandwich high in calories and fat. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop the chicken and mix with BBQ sauce for a quick preparation.

• What type of cheese works best in this grilled cheese?

Cheddar and monterey jack are ideal because they melt smoothly and complement the tangy BBQ flavor. Sharp cheddar adds extra flavor complexity.

• Do I need special equipment to make this sandwich?

No special equipment needed. A standard skillet or griddle works great. A cast-iron pan can help achieve an extra crispy golden-brown exterior.

Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken meets melted cheese in this ultimate comfort sandwich. Juicy grilled chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese create a mouthwatering fusion you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups shredded roasted chicken
• 12 slices Havarti cheese
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in tangy barbecue sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated and infused with robust flavor.
2. Carefully shred the marinated chicken using two forks, creating tender, bite-sized fragments that will distribute evenly throughout the sandwich.
3. Generously brush slices of hearty bread with a fragrant mixture of minced garlic and melted butter, coating each surface for a rich, aromatic base.
4. Layer a generous portion of shredded monterey jack cheese on one slice of the garlic-buttered bread, creating a smooth, melting foundation.
5. Distribute the shredded barbecue chicken evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the bread surface.
6. Sprinkle additional monterey jack cheese on top of the chicken to create a perfect melting seal.
7. Crown the sandwich with another slice of garlic-buttered bread, pressing gently to secure the layers.
8. Place the assembled sandwich in a preheated skillet, cooking on medium-low heat until the bread turns golden brown and crispy.
9. Carefully flip the sandwich, allowing the opposite side to achieve the same beautiful caramelized appearance and ensuring the cheese melts completely.
10. Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while the cheese remains gloriously molten and the bread maintains its crisp texture.

Notes

• Choose tender, juicy chicken breasts for the most succulent BBQ chicken filling.
• Marinate chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor depth.
• Shred chicken while it’s still warm to ensure easier and more even distribution in the sandwich.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle for the crispiest, golden-brown bread exterior.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg