This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a warm and tasty sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines gooey cheese, seasoned chicken, and BBQ sauce all melted together!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up. Just grill it until crispy and golden, and you’ll have a cheesy treat that might just disappear in minutes—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I love using sourdough for its chewy texture, but Texas toast adds a nice thickness. Feel free to use any bread you like—whole grain, ciabatta, or even gluten-free bread works well too.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe. It’s convenient and tasty. If you need a vegetarian option, try using shredded jackfruit or tofu tossed in BBQ sauce instead.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a low-sugar or vinegar-based sauce that still packs flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but I often mix in mozzarella for stretchiness. You can also substitute with vegan cheese or try pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Butter: Butter gives the best flavor for grilling, but you could use olive oil or a plant-based spread if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How Do I Grill the Perfect Grilled Cheese?
Grilling the cheese sandwich to perfection may seem tricky, but focusing on the heat and timing makes all the difference. An even, medium heat helps melt the cheese without burning the bread.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread before grilling. This creates a nice golden crust.
- Start grilling with the buttered side down. Keep an eye on it; it should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Flip carefully using a spatula. If it sticks, let it cook a bit longer to release!
- For extra melty cheese, cover the skillet for a minute after flipping to trap heat.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, like sourdough or Texas toast)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for a tasty lunch or snack. Get ready for cheesy, BBQ goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, take the cooked shredded chicken and add the BBQ sauce. Stir the mixture until the chicken is well coated in the sauce. Set this tasty mixture aside while you prep the sandwich.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Let it warm up while you work on buttering the bread.
3. Butter the Bread:
Take one tablespoon of butter and spread it evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This will make the sandwich golden and crispy when grilling!
4. Build the Sandwich:
Put one slice of bread into the hot skillet with the buttered side facing down. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top of the bread.
5. Add the BBQ Chicken:
Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the layer of cheese. It should be spread out nicely so every bite is packed with flavor!
6. Top It Off:
Add the remaining cheese on top of the BBQ chicken. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up.
7. Grill the Sandwich:
Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for the bottom slice of bread to turn golden brown and for the cheese to start melting through. It should smell amazing by now!
8. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the sandwich over with a spatula and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes until that slice is golden brown and the cheese is gooey and melted.
9. Serve the Sandwich:
Once both sides are perfectly grilled, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. This helps the cheese set a little, making it easier to slice.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Now, slice your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese in half, grab a napkin, and enjoy the cheesy, BBQ goodness!
Have a great meal!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken from the bones and mix it with your BBQ sauce as directed in the recipe. It adds fantastic flavor and makes this recipe even quicker to prepare!
What Type of Bread Works Best for This Sandwich?
You can choose any bread you prefer, but thicker slices like sourdough or Texas toast work best to hold all the ingredients without getting soggy. A crusty bread will give a nice crunch and help keep the filling inside!
Can I Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the shredded chicken for a vegetarian alternative like shredded jackfruit mixed with BBQ sauce, or use a variety of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a tasty and hearty substitute.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best texture, reheat it in a skillet instead of a microwave to preserve the crispiness of the bread.
