This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a tasty twist on the classic sandwich! It combines shredded BBQ chicken and melty cheese between two slices of golden, crispy bread. Yum!
Honestly, who can resist that gooey goodness? I love making these for a quick lunch, and they’re perfect with a side of chips. Just remember to keep a napkin handy—you’ll need it!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I like using sourdough for its tangy flavor and crusty texture, but any bread works. You can also opt for whole wheat or gluten-free bread if needed. Just consider how sturdy the bread is to hold up to the filling!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a winner here for its easy prep. If you don’t have chicken, cooked turkey or canned chicken would do in a pinch. For a vegetarian spin, try using black beans or grilled veggies instead.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor! Sweet or tangy BBQ sauces will shine here. If you’re low on BBQ sauce, mixing ketchup with a bit of Worcestershire sauce can be a quick substitute.
Cheese: I love a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for their meltiness. You can also try gouda or pepper jack for something different. If you’re dairy-free, there are great vegan cheese options available!
Butter: Regular butter is classic for grilling, but you can use margarine or olive oil if you prefer a lighter option or need it dairy-free.
How Do I Grill the Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
Grilling a sandwich may seem simple, but there are steps to get that perfect golden crust and melty cheese. Here’s how to master it:
- Preheat a skillet on medium; this is key to avoiding burning.
- Butter the outside of the bread for a beautiful crust.
- Don’t rush the grilling process. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Lowering the heat for a bit helps if the bread is browning too fast while the cheese remains unmelted.
- Press down gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt even better.
- Let it cool slightly after cooking before slicing. This helps avoid cheese spillout!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or your choice)
- ½ cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish – optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and simple, perfect for a tasty meal any time of day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken and BBQ Sauce:
Start by taking a small bowl and combining the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir well until all the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce. This will give your sandwich a delicious flavor!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet on the stove over medium heat. This will be the perfect temperature to grill your sandwich without burning it.
3. Prepare the Bread:
While the skillet is heating up, take your butter and spread it on one side of each slice of bread. This buttery side will be facing down when grilling, giving it a nice golden color.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
Once the skillet is warm, lay one slice of bread down in the skillet, buttered side down. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly on top. Then, add the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, followed by the rest of the cheese on top.
5. Finish Assembling:
Top off your sandwich with the second slice of bread, making sure the buttered side is facing up. This will help it brown nicely on both sides!
6. Grill the Sandwich:
Now it’s time to grill! Let the sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Use a spatula to check the color.
7. Flip and Cook:
Carefully flip the sandwich over to cook the other side. Grill for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the second side is also golden brown. The smell will be amazing!
8. Slice and Serve:
Once done, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing it in half. This helps prevent any oozy cheese burns!
9. Add a Garnish:
If you’d like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a bit of color and extra flavor. Then, serve your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese warm and enjoy!
Happy cooking! 🥪
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred the meat off the bone and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you want to switch things up, you can use marinara sauce for an Italian twist or a spicy hot sauce for some heat. Just keep in mind that different sauces may change the flavor profile of your grilled cheese.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled cheese, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to help melt the cheese again.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make your sandwich, just assemble it and grill as directed!
