I absolutely love BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese! It’s the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods – grilled cheese and BBQ chicken. Picture succulent pieces of grilled chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, sandwiched between layers of gooey melted cheese and perfectly toasted bread.

The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. Each bite is a delicious harmony of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet notes that are guaranteed to satisfy any craving. Be prepared for a taste sensation like no other!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (you can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade sauce)
8 slices of bread (sourdough or your preferred type)

8 slices of cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra meltiness)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature, for spreading on the bread

Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, cilantro, or extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions for Making BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until well combined. If you like your sandwich with a bit more sauce, feel free to add more to taste.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of bread on a clean surface. On each slice, place a slice of cheese, followed by a quarter of the BBQ chicken mixture, a few slices of red onion, and an additional slice of cheese. If using, add your optional toppings like pickled jalapeños or cilantro. Top with another slice of bread. Spread butter on the outside of each bread slice, ensuring both the top and bottom are buttered.

Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the skillet (buttered side down) and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Butter the top side before flipping, then flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, pressing down slightly to ensure even cooking. The sandwich is ready when both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them sit for a minute before cutting. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choosing the Right Bread: The foundation of any great grilled cheese sandwich is the bread. Opt for a sturdy variety like sourdough or ciabatta that can hold up to the filling and get crispy without burning. Thicker slices will provide a satisfying crunch, but be careful not to go too thick, as this can prevent the cheese from melting properly.

Shredding the Chicken: Shredded chicken absorbs the BBQ sauce better than chunks or slices, ensuring every bite is flavorful. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even cook some specifically for this recipe. The key is to make sure it’s moist and tender.

Mixing Cheeses: While cheddar provides a sharp, classic flavor, mixing in some mozzarella can add extra meltiness to your sandwich. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. Smoked gouda or pepper jack can add an additional layer of flavor.

The Right Amount of BBQ Sauce: Balance is crucial when adding BBQ sauce to your chicken. Too little, and the sandwich may lack flavor; too much, and it could become soggy. Aim for a coating that’s flavorful but not dripping.

Buttering the Bread: Spread butter all the way to the edges of the bread to ensure a perfectly golden and crispy exterior. Using softened butter makes this easier and prevents tearing the bread.

Cooking Technique: Cook the sandwiches over medium heat to allow the cheese to melt beautifully while the bread turns golden brown without burning. If you’re making multiple sandwiches, a large griddle can be more efficient than a skillet.

Adding Freshness: A little freshness goes a long way in a rich, savory sandwich. Consider adding thinly sliced red onions, cilantro, or even a small amount of coleslaw inside the sandwich for a crunch and a hint of acidity.

Serving Suggestions

The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to turn it into a full meal:

Coleslaw: A classic side that adds a crunchy, creamy texture and a tangy flavor to balance the smokiness of the BBQ sauce.

Pickle Spears: The acidity and crunch of pickles contrast nicely with the richness of the sandwich.

Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweet, crispy goodness complements the savory flavors of the sandwich.

Garden Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness and refresh your palate.

Tomato Soup: For a twist on the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combo, try dipping your sandwich in a bowl of creamy tomato soup.

Storage Tips

While the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, here are tips for storing leftovers:

Refrigerating: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, you might want to disassemble them if possible and store the components separately.

Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled sandwich, as the bread can become soggy when thawed and reheated. However, you can freeze the BBQ chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat to help the bread get crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, this recipe is versatile. Turkey, pork, and even beef can work well with BBQ sauce and cheese. Just ensure the meat is cooked and shredded or thinly sliced.

What if I don’t have a grill or griddle? No problem. A skillet works just fine for making grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also use a panini press if you have one.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely. Consider using a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms or a vegetarian chicken substitute. Make sure to coat your choice well with the BBQ sauce for flavor.

How do I prevent my sandwich from being too soggy? Be moderate with the BBQ sauce, and ensure your bread is sufficiently buttered and toasted on both sides. Using a thicker bread can also help absorb some of the moisture without getting soggy.

Can I add other ingredients to the sandwich? Definitely. Feel free to customize your sandwich with additional toppings like bacon, avocado, or different types of cheese. Just remember to balance the flavors and textures.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

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Indulge in the savory delight of a BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, a recipe that masterfully blends the rich, smoky essence of barbecue chicken with the irresistible melt of cheese, all nestled between slices of golden, butter-kissed bread.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken shredded (you can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite brand or homemade sauce
8 slices of bread sourdough or your preferred type
8 slices of cheddar cheese or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra meltiness
1/2 red onion thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter at room temperature, for spreading on the bread
Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños cilantro, or extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until well combined. If you like your sandwich with a bit more sauce, feel free to add more to taste.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of bread on a clean surface. On each slice, place a slice of cheese, followed by a quarter of the BBQ chicken mixture, a few slices of red onion, and an additional slice of cheese. If using, add your optional toppings like pickled jalapeños or cilantro. Top with another slice of bread. Spread butter on the outside of each bread slice, ensuring both the top and bottom are buttered.
Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the skillet (buttered side down) and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Butter the top side before flipping, then flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, pressing down slightly to ensure even cooking. The sandwich is ready when both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Serve: Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them sit for a minute before cutting. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.