Zesty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe for Cozy Nights

Melding smoky BBQ chicken into a classic grilled cheese creates an unexpectedly delicious twist on comfort food.

Crispy bread hugs tender, saucy meat between layers of melted cheese.

Southern kitchens often celebrate these flavor-packed combinations that spark instant hunger.

Our simple approach transforms standard sandwiches into something memorable and crave-worthy.

Juicy chicken pieces marinated in tangy sauce promise rich, complex tastes in every bite.

Quick assembly means you can satisfy serious sandwich cravings in minutes.

Hungry souls will definitely want to explore this mouthwatering culinary adventure.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich for Weeknight Comfort

• Customize Your Flavor: Swap BBQ sauce for different flavors like honey mustard or spicy sriracha to create unique sandwich variations that match your taste preferences.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this delicious sandwich in just a few minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Transform simple ingredients into a gourmet-style grilled cheese that rivals professional restaurant sandwiches, impressing family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for game day gatherings, casual lunch with friends, or a hearty dinner that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, saucy chicken goodness.

Ingredient Checklist for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Bread Slices: The foundation of the sandwich that holds all the delicious ingredients together.

• Shredded Chicken: The main protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the sandwich.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet flavor profile to the chicken mixture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the depth of flavor in the chicken mixture.
• Paprika: Provides a mild, warm spice and beautiful color to the chicken.

• Havarti Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich, smooth texture to the sandwich.
• Butter: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the butter mixture.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note to the garlic butter.

• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the chicken mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, pungent flavor to both the chicken mixture and butter.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and creating a non-stick cooking surface.

Steps for Assembling BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Gently cook onions until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle until its fragrant aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Paprika
• Worcestershire sauce
• BBQ sauce

Combine the chicken with spices and sauces, stirring thoroughly until the mixture is heated through and bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up Garlic Butter

Melt butter in a small bowl.

Stir in freshly minced garlic and chopped parsley to create a rich, aromatic garlic butter that will elevate your sandwich’s taste.

Step 4: Prepare Bread Canvas

Lay out bread slices.

Generously spread the homemade garlic butter on one side of each slice.

Flip the bread so the unbuttered side faces upward.

Step 5: Build Incredible Sandwiches

• Havarti cheese slices
• Prepared BBQ chicken mixture

Layer Havarti cheese on the unbuttered side of half the bread slices.

Spoon the zesty chicken mixture on top, add another cheese slice, and crown with the remaining bread slices (buttered side facing out).

Step 6: Grill to Golden Perfection

Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Carefully transfer the sandwiches and cook until the bottom turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Complete the Grilling Process

Flip the sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low.

Continue cooking until the cheese melts completely and the second side achieves a gorgeous golden color.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the sandwiches while they’re hot.

Pair with crispy chips, tangy coleslaw, or your favorite side dish for a truly satisfying meal.

Top Tips for Melty, Flavorful Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to intensify the BBQ chicken's smoky taste and depth.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature before assembling to ensure smooth, even melting and prevent cold spots.
• Press sandwiches gently with a spatula while cooking to create an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds delightful crunch.
• Store BBQ chicken mixture separately from bread to maintain sandwich crispiness when reheating or preparing in advance.
• Spread garlic butter sparingly to prevent sogginess and achieve a perfectly crisp, golden-brown sandwich exterior.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Variations for Every Palate

• Vegetarian BBQ Jackfruit Grilled Cheese: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit simmered in BBQ sauce for a plant-based alternative that mimics pulled meat texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Swap BBQ sauce with chipotle sauce, add pepper jack cheese, and mix in diced green chiles for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Style: Skip bread entirely and wrap the BBQ chicken and cheese mixture in large lettuce leaves for a carbohydrate-reduced option.

Plating BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese for Casual Meals

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Pack these sandwiches in foil for an outdoor lunch adventure with friends or family.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside ranch dressing, extra BBQ sauce, or tangy blue cheese for added flavor excitement.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair with crisp green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or zesty potato chips to balance the rich sandwich flavors.
• Game Day Winner: Slice sandwiches into smaller portions for easy appetizer-style bites during sports watching parties or casual gatherings.

Storing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese for Snack Time

• Store leftover BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Cover with a lid to help cheese melt evenly and restore crispy exterior.
• Place sandwiches on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp up the bread.
• Skip microwave reheating as it makes bread soggy and ruins the crispy texture. Stick to skillet or oven methods for best results.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work perfectly. Shred the chicken into small, uniform pieces for even distribution in the sandwich.

• Can I make this sandwich spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture to increase heat. Choose a spicy BBQ sauce for extra kick.

• Do I need special equipment to make this sandwich?

A regular non-stick skillet or griddle works great. No fancy equipment required, just a pan and spatula.

• How can I make this sandwich more nutritious?

Add sliced tomatoes or spinach leaves inside the sandwich. Use whole grain bread for extra fiber and nutrients.

Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwiches merge savory pulled chicken with melted cheese and tangy barbecue sauce between golden, crispy bread. Comfort meets flavor in this irresistible meal that delivers hearty satisfaction and delicious regional American charm you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2.5 cups shredded roasted chicken
• 12 slices Havarti cheese

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) minced parsley

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter)
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) butter
• 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

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Instructions

1. Caramelize onions in olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes until softened, then quickly sauté garlic until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
2. Incorporate shredded chicken with paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce, stirring until thoroughly heated and flavors meld, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Create garlic butter by melting butter and blending with minced garlic and fresh parsley until well combined.
4. Arrange bread slices and generously coat one side of each slice with prepared garlic butter, ensuring even coverage.
5. Layer sandwiches by placing Havarti cheese on non-buttered bread side, adding BBQ chicken mixture, topping with another cheese slice, and completing with remaining bread slice (buttered side facing outward).
6. Preheat non-stick skillet to medium heat, carefully positioning sandwiches and cooking until first side turns golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
7. Gently flip sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking until cheese melts completely and second side achieves desired crispness, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Transfer grilled sandwiches to serving plates, accompanied by preferred side dishes like crisp chips or tangy coleslaw, and enjoy immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker and more tender filling that adds extra depth to the sandwich.
• Customize the BBQ sauce by mixing different varieties or adding a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Try alternative cheese options like smoked gouda or pepper jack to create unique flavor combinations that match personal preferences.
• Prevent soggy bread by patting the chicken mixture dry and using a cast-iron skillet for achieving a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg