This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a mouthwatering twist on a classic! With tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s like a mini party in your mouth.
Who knew grilled cheese could be this fun? I love making it for a quick lunch, and the crispy bread makes every bite crunchy and satisfying. Perfect for sharing (or not)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I love using sourdough for its tangy flavor and crunch. Texas toast is also a great option for a thicker bite. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, whole grain or gluten-free bread works well too.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for this recipe. If you need a vegetarian option, consider substituting with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative. Both work well with BBQ sauce!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience. For a twist, try homemade sauce or a spicy variant if you like a kick. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for sugar-free brands.
Cheese: Mozzarella provides that gooey texture, while cheddar adds a sharp flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well.
Butter: Butter gives that nice golden crust. If you’re trying to cut calories, you can use olive oil or a butter substitute. Just remember, it won’t have the same rich flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Perfectly Crispy Grilled Cheese?
The key to crispy grilled cheese is all in the cooking method. Here are my steps to ensure a golden, crunchy exterior:
- Heat your skillet on medium heat. Too high, and you risk burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Use enough butter or oil to coat the skillet lightly. This ensures even browning.
- Press down gently on the sandwich with a spatula while it cooks. This helps everything meld together.
- Keep a close eye on the color of your bread. Flip it once you see a perfect golden brown.
- Let it cool for just a minute after cooking. This lets the cheese set slightly for easier slicing!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, such as sourdough or Texas toast)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick, filling meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce. Make sure all the chicken is fully coated in delicious BBQ goodness. This will be the tasty filling for your sandwich!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Put a skillet on the stove over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted and is nice and bubbly, you’re ready to start building your sandwich.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place one slice of your chosen bread in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then spread the BBQ chicken mixture over that. Next, add the rest of the mozzarella cheese and top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top to complete your sandwich.
4. Cook the First Side:
Let the sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the bottom slice of bread to turn golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula. If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, until it’s golden brown and the cheese has melted beautifully.
6. Serve it Up:
Remove your wonderful BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Cut it in half and garnish with chopped parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting sandwich!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheese varieties. You can use pepper jack for a kick, or gouda for a smoky flavor. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well!
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No worries! You can quickly sauté raw chicken in the skillet before mixing it with the BBQ sauce. Just chop it into small pieces, cook it until fully done, then shred or chop it further to mix with the BBQ sauce.
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version of this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, simply use gluten-free bread. There are plenty of tasty options available now, so you can still enjoy this delicious sandwich.
Can I Prepare the Chicken Mixture in Advance?
Yes! You can mix the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before assembling your sandwich!
