If you are craving something juicy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is your new go-to comfort food. Picture tender shredded chicken bathed in tangy BBQ sauce tucked between two slices of golden, buttery bread, with melty cheese weaving all the flavors together. It’s a delightful twist on classic grilled cheese that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress friends or family. Every bite is a celebration of smoky, savory goodness that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe. The chicken brings protein and heartiness, the BBQ sauce adds a punch of flavor, while the cheese provides that irresistible gooey texture. And of course, buttery bread makes everything golden and crispy.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Adds smoky, sweet tanginess that defines the dish.
- 8 slices of bread: Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or country white to hold all the fillings without getting soggy.
- 4 tbsp butter, softened: For that golden, crispy grilled exterior you’ll crave.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend—pick your favorite melty cheese to create that signature stretch.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional): Adds a sharp bite and crunch, balancing the richness.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): A fresh herb lift that brightens the sandwich perfectly.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Mix the BBQ Chicken
Start by combining the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a bowl until every morsel is well coated. This ensures every bite bursts with smoky, tangy flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This little step is the secret to achieving that beautiful golden crisp on your grilled cheese.
Step 3: Heat Your Pan
Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat so it’s just right for melting cheese and toasting bread without burning it.
Step 4: Build Your Sandwich
Place one buttered slice of bread, butter side down, onto the skillet. Layer 1/4 cup shredded cheese, followed by 1/4 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture. Add a few thin slices of red onion and sprinkle fresh cilantro if using, then top with another 1/4 cup cheese for gooey goodness.
Step 5: Top and Cook
Place another slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up. Cook until the bottom slice turns golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until it matches the beautiful golden crunch of the first, and the cheese is completely melted, another 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 7: Repeat for Remaining Sandwiches
Repeat the layering and cooking steps with the remaining ingredients to make four delicious sandwiches in total, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Carefully slice and serve these warm, cheesy sandwiches that melt in your mouth with every bite. You’re in for an unforgettable flavor experience.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe with fresh chopped cilantro or a few extra red onion slices adds a fresh pop of color and flavor, making each sandwich feel even more vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this sandwich with classic coleslaw for crunch or a simple side salad to balance the richness. Crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries offer a perfect complement and keep the meal hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwich into fun, bite-sized sliders for parties or arrange on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, extra BBQ, or spicy mayo to elevate the experience. Adding a pickle spear on the side brings a tangy contrast that works wonders.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll stay tasty and ready for a quick snack or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze these sandwiches by wrapping each one individually in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month, perfect for meal prep or saving for a busy day.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sandwich and warm it in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and the bread re-crisps. Oven reheating at 350°F for 10-12 minutes also works great to preserve that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Cheddar and mozzarella are classics, but feel free to mix in pepper jack for a little kick or provolone for extra creaminess. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well.
What type of BBQ sauce works best in this recipe?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy. Each variation will give the sandwich a unique flavor, so pick one that suits your taste buds.
Is it necessary to use onions and cilantro?
Not at all! The red onion and cilantro are optional but highly recommended for added freshness and a little zing. If you prefer simplicity, just omit them without losing any of the core deliciousness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can try swapping the chicken for cooked jackfruit or your favorite plant-based chicken substitute, then toss it in BBQ sauce. This adjustment keeps the spirit of the recipe intact while making it vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prevent the grilled cheese from getting soggy?
Using sturdy bread and spreading butter on the outside of each slice creates a crispy barrier. Also, don’t overload the sandwich with too much filling, and cook over medium heat to ensure even toasting.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. It’s quick, flavorful, and downright comforting in the best possible way. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this warm, cheesy magic with your loved ones. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and comforting BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich combining shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and optional red onion and cilantro. Perfectly toasted with buttery bread for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until the chicken is thoroughly coated for flavorful filling.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread to achieve a crispy golden exterior when grilled.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place one slice of bread, butter side down, onto the skillet. Layer with 1/4 cup shredded cheese, 1/4 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture, optional thinly sliced red onions, fresh cilantro, and another 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Top with Bread: Add another slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up.
- Cook the Sandwich: Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, approximately 3-4 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted, another 3-4 minutes.
- Repeat: Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining ingredients to make additional sandwiches.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken sandwiches hot and enjoy the melty, savory flavors.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend for different flavors.
- Adding red onion and cilantro is optional but adds a fresh crunch and brightness.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the bread while allowing cheese time to melt.
- Use freshly cooked shredded chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Serve with pickles or a side salad for a complete meal.
