If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich will quickly become your go-to. This melty, savory creation combines juicy BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy, buttery bread – all the best parts of a backyard cookout and a childhood classic, packed into one ridiculously satisfying sandwich. You’ll love how a few simple ingredients transform into a flavor-packed meal that hits all the right notes: sweet, smoky, tangy, and cheesy!

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe has a key part to play, from creating layers of flavor to ensuring the perfect crunchy texture. Don’t skip on these essentials – they each bring something special to the table!

Sourdough or thick sandwich bread: Sturdy slices are important for holding in all that oozy cheese and BBQ chicken goodness without getting soggy.
Butter (softened): Spreading butter on the bread ensures a beautiful golden crust and irresistible richness.
Cooked shredded chicken: This is the star of the sandwich and soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully – rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful choice.
Barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite style for a sweet, smoky, and tangy kick that infuses every bite with big flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the sandwich that classic, robust melt that pulls perfectly with every bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds creamy stretch and rounds out the cheesy flavor profile.
Thinly sliced red onion (optional): For a fresh pop of zing and a little crunch; it’s a great way to balance the richness.
Pickled jalapeños or fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Turn up the heat or add an herbal brightness with these bold finishing touches.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Toss the Chicken with BBQ Sauce

Start things off by grabbing a small bowl and tossing your cooked shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until every piece is well coated. This isn’t just about flavor – you want every bite of your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich to be juicy, tender, and brimming with that sweet-smoky BBQ goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Butter one side of each bread slice generously with softened butter. This step is the secret to achieving that irresistibly crunchy, golden exterior that makes a grilled cheese so iconic. Don’t skimp – this is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Place one slice of bread buttered side down in a skillet preheated over medium heat. Layer on half the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, followed by the BBQ chicken, a scattering of red onion (if you’re using it), and then the rest of the cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Cook your sandwich for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Gently press with a spatula to help achieve an even, crispy crust. Flip carefully once the underside is golden brown and the cheese is starting to melt for maximum gooeyness in your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich!

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once both sides are gorgeously crisp and the cheese is fully melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Let it rest for a moment (if you can wait!), then slice in half for that perfect cheese pull. Enjoy it hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Garnishes

Bring your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich to life with a few tasty garnishes! Scatter some pickled jalapeños on top for spicy zing, or sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro for an herbal contrast to the cheesy richness. Even a dash of extra BBQ sauce drizzled over the finished sandwich will add a finger-licking finish.

Side Dishes

This sandwich can easily star as a meal on its own, but pairing it with tangy coleslaw, crispy sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad creates a well-rounded plate. Even a steaming cup of tomato soup makes a classic companion for dipping each decadent bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich into triangles, strips, or even bite-sized cubes for party platters or kid-friendly meals. Serve it open-faced with extra cheese melted under the broiler, or stack halves on a wooden board with extra BBQ sauce for dramatic, drool-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, wrap your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days, although it’s at its best fresh out of the skillet.

Freezing

To freeze, let your cooked sandwich cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a resealable freezer bag. It will keep for up to a month – just remember that the bread might lose a little crispness after reheating, but the flavors will still be fantastic.

Reheating

The best way to bring a leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich back to life is by reheating it in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently until the outside re-crisps and the cheese is gooey again. You can also use a toaster oven; avoid the microwave if possible to keep the bread from going soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While sourdough is a favorite for its structure and tang, any thick-sliced, sturdy bread like country white or multigrain will work beautifully for your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Is it possible to make this sandwich vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the chicken for shredded jackfruit or your favorite plant-based chicken substitute. Toss it with the same BBQ sauce and pile on the cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.

What cheeses work best besides cheddar and mozzarella?

Feel free to experiment! Swiss, gouda, pepper jack, or even a bit of smoked provolone can add interesting flavor and meltability to your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Mix and match according to your mood!

How do I prevent the inside from getting soggy?

Don’t forget to butter the bread fully and cook over medium heat rather than high – this allows the bread to crisp up while the cheese melts, keeping the inside of your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich perfectly gooey (but never soggy!).

Can I prepare the BBQ chicken in advance?

Definitely! Mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to make your sandwich, assembly is a breeze!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a new favorite, the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich promises a symphony of comfort and flavor in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and put your own spin on it – whether it’s loaded with jalapeños for heat or served alongside a bowl of soup. Dive in and savor every cheesy, barbecue-kissed moment!

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe. Packed with tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this sandwich is a flavor explosion perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

2 slices sourdough or thick sandwich bread

Additional Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter (softened)
1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion (optional)
pickled jalapeños or fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until coated.
Assemble the Sandwich: Butter one side of each bread slice. Layer ingredients between slices.
Cook: Grill the sandwich until golden and cheese is melted.
Serve: Slice and enjoy hot.