Sizzling BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe Every Family Loves

Melty cheese and smoky barbecue chicken create a mouthwatering fusion that’ll rock your sandwich game.

This grilled cheese recipe blends classic comfort with bold flavors that dance on your palate.

Tender shredded chicken slathered in tangy BBQ sauce nestles between crispy, golden-brown bread slices.

Gooey cheddar and pepper jack cheeses melt into every delicious crevice, adding creamy richness to each bite.

The combination of charred chicken and crisp bread creates a perfect textural symphony that satisfies serious sandwich cravings.

Sharp cheese and sweet-smoky BBQ sauce elevate this grilled cheese from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to experience a sandwich that transforms your lunch into a culinary adventure.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Ingredient Checklist

• Chicken: Shredded and mixed with tangy BBQ sauce for a flavorful sandwich filling.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds moisture and signature barbecue flavor to the chicken.

• Cheese Slices: Melts to create a creamy, gooey texture between bread layers.
• Bread Slices: Provides a crispy, golden-brown exterior and sturdy base for the sandwich.

• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, fresh crunch and mild pungent flavor to the sandwich.
• Butter: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when grilled and adds rich flavor.
• Optional Toppings: Allows personalization and additional flavor complexity to the sandwich.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Easy Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up Tangy Chicken

Grab your shredded chicken and drizzle BBQ sauce over it.

Mix thoroughly until the chicken is coated evenly with the sauce.

Feel free to adjust the sauce amount for extra zesty flavor.

Step 2: Stack Your Sandwich Magic

Lay out fresh bread slices.

• Cheese slice
• BBQ chicken mixture
• Red onion slices
• Additional toppings (if desired)
• Another cheese slice

Top with remaining bread slices.

Step 3: Butter Up the Exterior

Generously spread butter on the outside of each sandwich.

Ensure both top and bottom surfaces are completely coated for golden crispiness.

Step 4: Sizzle to Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place sandwiches butter-side down.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden brown develops.

Flip sandwiches and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.

Gently press down to encourage even cooking and melty cheese goodness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow sandwiches to rest momentarily.

Slice diagonally and serve hot.

Optional: Provide extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Tips To Know

• Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to match your preferred moisture level, ensuring the chicken isn't too dry or overly wet for perfect sandwich consistency.
• Choose melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or monterey jack that create gooey, stretchy textures when grilled.
• Use room temperature butter and spread evenly on bread's exterior for consistent golden-brown crunch and even toasting.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions to the BBQ chicken mixture for an extra layer of freshness and complexity.
• Cook sandwiches on medium-low heat to prevent burning while allowing cheese to melt completely and bread to achieve perfect golden color.

Creative Takes For BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Pulled Pork Paradise: Replace BBQ chicken with tender pulled pork for a rich, smoky alternative that delivers a robust flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a plant-based version that maintains the sandwich's heartiness.
• Spicy Southwest Swap: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and use a chipotle BBQ sauce to create a fiery version with southwestern flair.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free bread and ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Serving BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Hot

• Picnic Perfect: Pack these grilled cheese sandwiches in a cooler for an outdoor lunch adventure with friends or family.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside ranch dressing, extra BBQ sauce, or a zesty coleslaw for added flavor and texture contrast.
• Side Companion: Pair with crispy sweet potato fries, fresh garden salad, or tangy pickles to complete the meal and balance the rich sandwich.
• Crowd-Pleaser Platter: Slice sandwiches into smaller triangles for easy sharing during game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings with quick finger-food appeal.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Storage For Later

• Store any remaining BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
• Warm sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes on each side to restore crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy and compromise the sandwich's texture.
• Wrap uncooked assembled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as directed in the original recipe.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar or monterey jack cheese melts perfectly and complements the BBQ chicken’s tangy flavor, creating a delicious combination.

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option that shreds easily and absorbs BBQ sauce wonderfully, making the sandwich preparation quick and simple.

• How do I prevent the bread from burning while achieving a crispy exterior?

Use medium heat and keep an eye on the sandwich. Butter helps create a golden-brown crust, and gentle pressing ensures even cooking without scorching the bread.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwiches just before cooking to maintain the bread’s crispness.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Flavor Explosion

• Flavor Explosion: Combines tangy BBQ chicken with gooey melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering fusion that satisfies comfort food cravings.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Easily customizable with optional toppings, making it a hit for picky eaters, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends.
• No-Fuss Cooking: Uses basic kitchen equipment like a skillet, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy sandwich with minimal culinary skills.

Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken transforms classic grilled cheese into a mouthwatering comfort meal that blends smoky, tangy flavors with gooey melted cheese. Crispy bread, tender chicken, and zesty barbecue sauce create an irresistible sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken)
• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 8 slices cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Aromatic and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

Optional Toppings:

• Pickled jalapenos
• Cilantro

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by shredding and mixing thoroughly with BBQ sauce until every strand is evenly coated, creating a rich and tangy filling.
2. Arrange bread slices on a clean surface, strategically layering cheese, sauced chicken, thinly sliced red onions, and any additional desired toppings to build robust flavor profiles.
3. Generously coat exterior of each sandwich with softened butter, ensuring complete and even coverage for optimal golden-brown crispiness.
4. Preheat skillet to medium heat (around 350°F), carefully placing sandwiches butter-side down and cooking for 3-4 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown crust.
5. Gently flip sandwiches, applying light pressure with spatula to promote even melting and uniform browning, cooking an additional 3-4 minutes until cheese becomes perfectly melted and bread turns crispy.
6. Remove from heat, allowing sandwiches to rest momentarily for cheese to set, then slice diagonally and serve immediately with optional extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top for enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Customize sauce intensity by adjusting BBQ sauce quantity to match personal flavor preferences.
• Select sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor complexity and meltability.
• Swap traditional bread with gluten-free options for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Transform recipe into lighter version by using low-fat cheese and lean chicken breast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg