BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Forget everything you thought you knew about grilled cheese, because this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich is about to redefine comfort food. Imagine tender, smoky BBQ chicken packed between slices of your favorite bread, oozing with melted Havarti cheese, and grilled to golden perfection with a fragrant garlic herb butter. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both nostalgic and incredibly exciting, perfect for a hearty lunch or a fun dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: The tangy, sweet BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with rich, melty cheese.
- Comfort Food Classic: Elevates a beloved sandwich to a gourmet level.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknights, especially if you have pre-cooked chicken.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour these cheesy, savory sandwiches.
- Versatile: Easy to adapt with your favorite cheeses or BBQ sauces.
- Satisfyingly Hearty: A filling meal that truly hits the spot.
Ingredients
To whip up these amazing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches, you’ll need a few key components.
For the BBQ Chicken Filling:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon or 15 g)
- 2 ½ cups (approximately 340-400 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) your favorite BBQ sauce
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons or 10 g)
- 2 teaspoons (3 g) fresh parsley, finely minced
For Assembly:
- 12 slices Havarti cheese (or your preferred melty cheese)
- 12 slices sourdough bread or other sturdy white sandwich bread
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe a breeze. You can also boil or bake chicken breasts and then shred them.
Havarti Cheese: This semi-soft Danish cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor. Other great melting cheeses include Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or even a smoked gouda for an extra kick.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a sauce you genuinely love! A sweet and smoky, or a tangy vinegar-based sauce will both work wonderfully, depending on your preference.
Sourdough Bread: The sturdy texture of sourdough holds up well to the filling and gets incredibly crispy when grilled. A good quality white bread or brioche can also be used.
Garlic & Parsley: Fresh is best for the garlic butter, providing the brightest flavor. In a pinch, you can use ½ teaspoon dried parsley.
Equipment
- Large skillet or non-stick pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
How to Make
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine Filling Ingredients
Add the shredded cooked chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic and fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of the garlic herb butter on one side of each bread slice. Place six slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean surface or cutting board. Layer two slices of Havarti cheese on top of each, followed by a generous portion of the BBQ chicken filling. Top with another two slices of Havarti, then place the remaining bread slices, butter-side up, on top to form the sandwiches.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place 2-3 sandwiches in the pan, depending on size, ensuring they fit without overcrowding. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted and gooey. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts through.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the pan, slice them in half (diagonally for extra flair!), and serve hot.
Pro Tips
- Low and Slow is Key: For the best grilled cheese, cook on medium-low heat. This ensures the bread gets perfectly golden and crispy without burning, giving the cheese ample time to melt completely.
- Even Butter Coverage: Don’t skimp on the garlic herb butter! Spreading it evenly to the edges helps create a beautifully golden crust and adds incredible flavor.
- Press Gently: While grilling, you can gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to encourage even browning and help the cheese melt. Don’t press too hard, though, or you’ll flatten them too much.
- Rotisserie Chicken Hack: A pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is your secret weapon for making this recipe even faster.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches are fantastic on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. Try serving them with a crisp coleslaw, a refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal. A side of pickles or extra BBQ sauce for dipping would also be delicious!
Storage & Reheating
While these sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftover BBQ chicken filling separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The assembled sandwiches don’t store well, as they can become soggy. To reheat the filling, simply warm it in a skillet or microwave until hot. Then, you can assemble a fresh sandwich!
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken filling for a bit of heat.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with other cheeses like smoked cheddar, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a different texture.
- Onion Options: If you’re not a fan of red onion, finely diced yellow onion or even a shallot can be used. For a milder flavor, try caramelized onions!
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some finely diced bell peppers or corn into the chicken filling for extra texture and nutrition.
- Different Meats: Leftover pulled pork or even shredded turkey would also be delicious in this recipe.
Nutrition Information
This hearty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich offers a satisfying meal, with each serving providing approximately 692 calories. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and dairy from the cheese, offering a flavorful and fulfilling experience that’s worth every bite.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of roasted chicken?
A: Absolutely! Simply cook and shred chicken breasts, then proceed with the recipe.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
A: You can omit it, or use about ½ teaspoon of dried parsley for the garlic butter, though fresh provides a brighter flavor.
Q: Can I make the BBQ chicken filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, the BBQ chicken filling can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making assembly even quicker.
Q: My grilled cheese isn’t getting crispy, what am I doing wrong?
A: Ensure your pan isn’t too hot (which burns the outside before the inside cooks) or too cold (which won’t get it crispy). Medium-low heat is ideal, and sufficient butter is key for a golden crust.
Q: Can I use different types of bread?
A: Yes, while sourdough is recommended for its sturdiness, a good quality white bread, challah, or brioche will also work beautifully.
Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game with this incredible BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, tangy bite!
Recipe Card
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- BBQ Chicken
- Garlic Butter Bread
