If you love the irresistible combination of smoky barbecue and ooey-gooey melted cheese, then you are going to fall head over heels for this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe. It’s a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, layered with melty cheese, and toasted to golden perfection. This sandwich is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness that comes together in just 20 minutes — making it a fantastic weeknight skillet supper or a crowd-pleaser any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is delightfully simple but packs a punch in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its part — from creamy butter creating a crispy crust to the BBQ sauce adding that sweet and smoky glaze that sings in every bite.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for tender, flavorful filling.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite brand or homemade sauce for that signature tangy sweetness.
- 8 slices of bread: A sturdy bread like sourdough or country white works best to hold up to the juicy filling and crisp nicely.
- 4 tbsp butter, softened: Softened butter ensures even spreading and helps achieve that irresistible golden crust.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella blend perfectly for a melty, stringy, and flavorful combination.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional): Adds a gentle crunch and a slightly sweet bite to contrast the BBQ chicken.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Brightens up the sandwich with fresh herbal notes and a pop of color.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Combine the BBQ Chicken Mixture
Start by tossing your shredded cooked chicken with half a cup of BBQ sauce in a bowl until every piece is luxuriously coated. This step infuses the chicken with luscious smoky flavor that forms the delicious base of your sandwich.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This makes all the difference by creating a beautifully golden, crunchy exterior when cooked. Make sure the butter covers edge to edge for the best results.
Step 3: Build Your Sandwich
Place one slice of bread butter-side down on a preheated skillet set to medium heat. Layer on about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, followed by 1/4 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture. If you’re using them, add thin slices of red onion and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Top it all off with another 1/4 cup of cheese before closing the sandwich with a buttered bread slice, butter side up.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Melty
Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on one side, until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes to melt the cheese completely and brown the other side. Patience here gives you that perfect crunchy texture paired with gooey cheese.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Make the remaining sandwiches in the same way, then slice and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and stretchy. You’re in for an unforgettable bite of BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe magic!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or a tangy slaw on the side elevates this sandwich by adding brightness and texture contrast. A little sprinkle of green onions or a light drizzle of ranch can also be fantastic companions.
Side Dishes
This delicious sandwich pairs wonderfully with crispy sweet potato fries, a zesty coleslaw, or even a simple mixed greens salad. The key is to balance the richness of the grilled cheese with something fresh or crunchy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe into fun shapes for a party platter or serve open-faced with multiple toppings for a shareable twist. Wrapping it in parchment and slicing it in half makes it perfect for packed lunches or picnics too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. As the flavors meld, the sandwich can become even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but ungrilled sandwiches by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, cook directly from frozen but add a bit more time on the skillet to ensure even reheating.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat leftover or frozen BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently with a spatula until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread crispy.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly and saves you cooking time. Just shred it up and mix with BBQ sauce.
What kind of cheese is best for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices because they melt beautifully and complement the BBQ flavors, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack or smoked gouda for a twist.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for BBQ jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version with all the smoky and cheesy goodness.
Is it okay to add other toppings?
Definitely! Red onion and cilantro are optional, but you could also add jalapeños for heat, pickles for tang, or even a little bacon for extra flavor crunch.
How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?
Spreading butter generously on the bread and cooking on medium heat helps create a crispy exterior that seals in moisture and prevents sogginess. Avoid overloading the sandwich with sauce too.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is a total winner whenever you want comfort food that feels special but comes together quickly. It’s one of those dishes you make, share with friends or family, and instantly want to make again. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to this melty, smoky delight — you won’t regret it!
Print
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and comforting BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and optional red onions and cilantro, all grilled to golden perfection between buttery slices of bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Sandwich
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until the chicken is thoroughly coated and flavorful.
- Butter the bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat to prepare for grilling the sandwiches.
- Assemble the sandwich on skillet: Place one slice of bread, butter side down, onto the heated skillet. Layer with 1/4 cup shredded cheese, 1/4 cup BBQ chicken mixture, optional red onion slices, fresh cilantro, and top with another 1/4 cup shredded cheese.
- Top the sandwich: Cover the fillings with another slice of bread, butter side up to complete the sandwich assembly.
- Grill the sandwich: Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese starts melting, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip and grill the other side until equally golden and the cheese is fully melted, another 3-4 minutes.
- Repeat the process: Continue assembling and grilling the remaining sandwiches using the leftover ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches hot for a cozy and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the BBQ sauce with your favorite brand or homemade variety for customized flavor.
- Use any combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for different taste profiles.
- Optional red onion and cilantro add extra freshness but can be omitted if preferred.
- For crispier sandwiches, cook on medium-low heat to allow cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
- Leftover sandwiches can be reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture instead of a microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
