BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Who doesn’t love the comforting embrace of gooey melted cheese and the savory satisfaction of perfectly cooked chicken? We’re taking that classic grilled cheese experience and elevating it with the smoky, tangy sweetness of barbecue chicken, transforming it into a sandwich that’s both nostalgic and excitingly new. This isn’t your average lunchtime fare. It’s a vibrant fusion of comfort food and barbecue perfection, designed to make your taste buds sing. Imagin extracte tender, shredded chicken infused with your favorite BBQ sauce, nestled between two slices of golden-brown, buttery bread, with generous amounts of melted cheese oozing out. It’s the ultimate indulgence, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and my absolute go-to when I crave something truly satisfying. Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game with this incredible BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Forget your basic cheddar and beef ham; we’re talking about a symphony of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors all melted between perfectly toasted bread. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience, a culinary hug that will satisfy your deepest cravings. The tender shredded chicken tossed in a tangy BBQ sauce, combined with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Havarti cheese, all encased in buttery, golden-brown sourdough… it’s pure comfort food perfection.

I love this recipe because it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, especially if you have some leftover roasted chicken. It’s a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or even a fun appetizer for a gathering, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

Cooking the BBQ Chicken Filling

Let’s start by building the flavor foundation for our sandwich. This step is crucial for infusing that delicious BBQ essence into the chicken.

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

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 cook the onions until they start to soften and become translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Then, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This fragrant base will add a wonderful depth of flavor to our chicken.

Step 2: Incorporating the Chicken and Flavorings

Now, add the 2 ½ cups of shredded roasted chicken to the skillet. Stir it around to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture. Next, sprinkle in the ½ teaspoon of paprika. Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a lovely color. Stir it in well. Then, pour in the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Worcestershire sauce provides a complex savory and tangy note that really complements the BBQ flavors. Cook for another minute, stirring everything together.

Step 3: Simmering in BBQ Sauce

Pour in the 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the chicken is well-coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and for the chicken to absorb the delicious BBQ sauce. We’re looking for a thick, saucy consistency that will hold together well in the sandwich. Once it’s reached this point, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Assembling and Grilling the Sandwiches

With our flavorful chicken filling ready, it’s time to assemble these glorious sandwiches and get them perfectly grilled.

Step 4: Preparing the Garlic Butter and Assembling

In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of softened butter with the 2 minced cloves of garlic and 2 teaspoons of minced parsley. Mix it all together until well combined. This garlic-parsley butter is our secret weapon for achieving that irresistible golden-brown, crispy exterior on our bread. Now, lay out your 12 slices of sourdough bread. Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter evenly on one side of each slice. This is the side that will be facing outwards during grilling.

On the unbuttered side of 6 of the bread slices, layer your ingredients. Start with 2 slices of Havarti cheese, followed by a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture. Don’t be shy with the filling – we want a hearty sandwich! Top the chicken with another 2 slices of Havarti cheese. Finally, place the remaining 6 bread slices, butter-side up, on top of the cheese to complete the sandwiches. Ensure the buttered sides are facing outwards on all sandwiches.

Step 5: Grilling to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the assembled sandwiches onto the hot surface. You can cook 2-3 sandwiches at a time, depending on the size of your skillet, ensuring they have enough space. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. You’ll know they’re ready when you see that irresistible melted cheese oozing out the sides. Resist the urge to press down too hard with your spatula; a gentle press is okay, but too much pressure can push out the delicious filling. Once perfectly grilled on both sides, carefully remove the sandwiches from the skillet.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Let the sandwiches rest for just a minute or two after removing them from the skillet. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to cut. Slice each sandwich in half, either diagonally or straight down the middle. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is at its most melty. These BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for pure deliciousness with every bite!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful fusion of smoky BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly toasted bread. It’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend lunch. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is simply irresistible, and the textural contrast between the crispy bread and the tender chicken is pure comfort food perfection. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

For serving, consider pairing this delicious sandwich with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or even a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. You could also serve it with a bowl of your favorite tomato soup for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

Looking for variations? Feel free to swap out the cheddar for provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Add some thinly sliced red onion, pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing on top. The possibilities are truly endless!

I highly encourage you to give this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe a try. It’s a fun, flavorful, and incredibly rewarding dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover pulled chicken instead of grilling fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover pulled chicken is fantastic in this sandwich. Just make sure to warm it up and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce before layering it with the cheese and bread. This makes for an even quicker and easier preparation.

What kind of bread works best for this grilled cheese?

While I love using a sturdy sourdough or a good quality white bread that toasts up nicely, any bread you enjoy will work well. A brioche or challah bread can add a touch of sweetness, and a whole wheat bread offers a nuttier flavor. The key is to ensure it’s not too thinly sliced so it holds up to the fillings.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A delicious and savory grilled cheese sandwich featuring shredded roasted chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, melted Havarti cheese, and crispy sourdough bread.

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
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Step 2
   Add shredded roasted chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3
   Pour in BBQ sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken mixture is heated through and well coated.
4. Step 4
   Butter one side of each slice of bread. In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and minced parsley.
5. Step 5
   Spread the garlic-parsley butter on the unbuttered side of half of the bread slices. Place a slice of Havarti cheese on top of the buttered side of the remaining bread slices.
6. Step 6
   Divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly among the bread slices with cheese, spreading it over the cheese.
7. Step 7
   Top each with another slice of bread, butter-side up (the side with the garlic-parsley butter should be facing the chicken).
8. Step 8
   Grill sandwiches in a preheated skillet or on a griddle over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until 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.