BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving a melty, savory, and utterly satisfying sandwich, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. It combines tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce with the perfect amount of gooey cheddar cheese, all nestled between buttery, crisp-toasted bread. Every bite bursts with smoky, rich flavors enhanced by a touch of sharp red onion crunch. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe delivers big on taste with simple ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly simple but each one plays a crucial role in bringing texture, harmony, and bright flavors to your sandwich. From the buttery bread to the zesty BBQ chicken, everything is designed to create a balanced and delicious bite.

• Bread: Choose your favorite sandwich bread for a sturdy yet soft foundation.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Spreading butter on the bread ensures a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
• Cooked chicken (1/2 cup, shredded): Tender shredded chicken is the hearty protein star of the sandwich.
• BBQ sauce (2 tablespoons): This adds a smoky, tangy kick that perfectly complements the chicken and cheese.
• Cheddar cheese (2 slices): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, bringing richness and that irresistible gooey texture.
• Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Thin slices add a gentle crunch and a subtle sharpness to balance the BBQ sweetness.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for grilling, it adds an extra layer of golden crispness to the bread.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Skillet

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Giving your pan a few minutes to warm up ensures that the sandwich will cook evenly and achieve that perfect, crispy exterior.

Step 2: Butter the Bread

While the skillet warms, spread one tablespoon of butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This little step is key for creating that irresistible golden crust that grills to perfection.

Step 3: Prepare the Base Slice

Place one slice of bread butter-side down onto a clean surface. This will be the base of your sandwich and the first layer to receive all the delicious fillings.

Step 4: Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce

In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with BBQ sauce, stirring until every bit of chicken is evenly coated. This mixture is the flavorful heart of your sandwich, bringing smoky, tangy notes that shine through.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Layers

Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bread, reaching all the way to the edges. Then, lay two slices of sharp cheddar cheese on top, fully covering the chicken to guarantee gooey meltiness. Finally, scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the cheese for a subtle crunch that brightens every bite.

Step 6: Top and Butter the Sandwich

Cover your sandwich with the second slice of bread, butter-side facing up. This locks everything inside and adds another crispy layer once grilled.

Step 7: Add Olive Oil and Grill

Pour the tablespoon of olive oil into the preheated skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Place the sandwich carefully in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the underside is golden and crunchy.

Step 8: Flip and Finish Cooking

Gently flip the sandwich using a spatula and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes. This ensures both sides are beautifully crisp and the cheese inside is perfectly melted and gooey.

Step 9: Rest and Slice

Remove your sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute on a cutting board. This short pause helps prevent the fillings from spilling out when you slice it in half, making your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe neat and easy to enjoy.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or a few cilantro leaves on top adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness that complements the smoky BBQ flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, or even some crunchy pickles to contrast the melty richness with a bite of acidity and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the sandwich into smaller fingers for easy sharing or serve alongside a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dipping, enhancing every cheesy, saucy bite even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep the flavors fresh and the bread from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze prepared but ungrilled sandwiches wrapped well in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to a month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling, to enjoy that same delicious flavor without any hassle.

Reheating

Reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat to revive the crispy crust and melt the cheese again, or toast them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warm and bubbly. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for grilled cheese, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese melts differently and changes the flavor profile slightly.

Is it better to use homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce?

Both work well, but using a BBQ sauce you love or make yourself can personalize the sandwich’s flavor. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy sauces all bring unique tastes, so pick one that suits your preference.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly here. Just shred it finely and mix with BBQ sauce, and you’ll have a quick, delicious filling ready for your sandwich.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Sure! Swap out the chicken for grilled vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit for a plant-based twist that still delivers hearty texture and flavor with all the classic BBQ and cheese goodness.

What’s the best bread choice for this sandwich?

A sturdy bread like sourdough, artisan white, or a country loaf holds up best to grilling and moist fillings. Avoid super soft breads that might get soggy before toasting through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to indulge in something simple yet packed with flavor, the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is your answer. It’s quick to make, satisfying on every level, and perfect for any day when comfort food calls your name. Grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a melty, crispy delight that’s sure to warm your heart and your taste buds.

Print