This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic! It features tender chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, all melted together with gooey cheese between crispy bread.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love biting into this cheesy, BBQ goodness? It’s a perfect mix for lunch or dinner, and I always have to resist making a second sandwich right away! 😄
Making this is super easy! Just grill it until golden brown and watch the cheese melt. Pair it with some chips or a salad, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Choose your favorite bread! Sourdough has a nice tang, while whole wheat adds a nuttier flavor. You can also use ciabatta, rye, or even gluten-free bread if needed. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold all that goodness inside!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe. If you’re short on time, leftover chicken is perfect too! For a vegetarian option, try using shredded jackfruit or a mix of mushrooms for a similar texture.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for this dish. If you like it spicier, try a chipotle BBQ sauce. You can even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! Just mix ketchup, vinegar, and your favorite spices.
Cheese: Cheddar is a popular choice for its sharpness, but mozzarella gives a lovely melt. Feel free to mix and match! A blend of both works wonderfully too. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan cheese that melts well.
Butter: Butter is key for that crispy outside. If you want a healthier option, you can use olive oil or avocado oil instead, but keep in mind it may alter the taste a bit.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Grilled Cheese Crunch?
Getting that golden, crunchy exterior is all about the cooking method. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat to allow the cheese to melt while the bread crisps up; too high and you risk burning the bread.
- Make sure to butter the outside of the sandwich generously. This helps with browning!
- After flipping, check if the bottom is golden by lifting it gently with a spatula. If it’s not, give it more time.
- Use a heavy skillet or press down slightly with your spatula for an even cook.
Let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking so the cheese can settle. This helps in keeping it from spilling out when you cut it!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, like sourdough or whole wheat)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 8-10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 18-20 minutes satisfying your sandwich cravings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
Start by grabbing a bowl and adding the shredded chicken. Pour in the barbecue sauce and mix everything until the chicken is well coated. If you like, sprinkle some salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. This mixture is the star of your grilled cheese!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Once it’s warm, melt half of the butter in the skillet. This will give your bread that tasty golden brown color.
3. Build the Sandwich:
Take one slice of bread and place it in the skillet. Layer half of the shredded cheese on top of the bread. Next, spoon the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, spreading it out evenly so every bite is delicious!
4. Add More Cheese:
Top the BBQ chicken with the remaining shredded cheese, and place the second slice of bread on top. You’ve got a fantastic sandwich building up!
5. Butter the Bread:
Gently spread the rest of the butter on the outside of the top slice of bread. This will make it extra tasty as it grills up.
6. Cook the Sandwich:
Now it’s time to cook! Let the sandwich cook in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom slice is golden brown and you can see the cheese starting to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich over, adding a bit more butter to the pan if needed.
7. Finish Grilling:
Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it’s golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. The smell will be irresistible!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once both sides are nicely browned, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two. Cut it in half and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just make sure to shred it finely before mixing it with the barbecue sauce for even distribution and flavor. It’ll save you cooking time while still giving you that delicious homemade taste!
What Type of Bread Works Best?
While sourdough and whole wheat are both excellent choices, you can also try using ciabatta, rye, or even brioche for a sweeter flavor. Just choose a bread that toasts well and can hold up to the filling without getting soggy.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy again, or you can use an air fryer for a quick warm-up!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or a plant-based chicken alternative. Just mix the veggies with barbecue sauce as you would the chicken, and proceed with the recipe as instructed. You’ll still enjoy that BBQ flavor!
