This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a tasty twist on a classic favorite! Juicy BBQ chicken melts together with gooey cheese, all snugly tucked inside crispy bread.
If you’re like me, you can’t resist that cheesy goodness! It’s perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner. Pair it with some fries, and you’ve got a fun meal that feels like a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Sourdough has a nice tang and sturdy texture, perfect for grilled cheese. If you can’t find it, any bread like whole wheat, rye, or even a gluten-free option will do well.
Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is super easy! If you have leftover grilled or baked chicken, that works too. For a vegetarian twist, try using shredded jackfruit or mushrooms for texture.
BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky. If you want a lighter option, try using a homemade sauce or a vinegar-based one for tang.
Cheese: I love the combination of mozzarella and cheddar for that melty goodness. If you’re out of one, consider using provolone or pepper jack for an extra kick!
How Do I Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted and the Bread Crispy?
To get that gooey cheese and perfectly crispy bread, the right cooking temperature and timing are key. Here are some tips:
- Start by melting the butter in a preheated skillet over medium heat.
- Layer the cheese and chicken mixture carefully to ensure even melting.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, but keep an eye on the color of the bread—golden brown is what you want!
- If the bread is browning too fast, lower the heat slightly to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
Letting the sandwich sit for a minute after cooking helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to slice without spilling. Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (sourdough or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 8-10 minutes for cooking, so you can enjoy your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese in around 20 minutes total. It’s quick and super easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a bowl, take your shredded chicken and pour in the BBQ sauce. Mix it well until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, spreading it around the pan to cover the bottom.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread onto the skillet. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the bread to start building your cheesy base.
4. Add the BBQ Chicken:
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese layer. Then, add the rest of the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top for extra gooeyness.
5. Top it Off:
Add the second slice of bread on top of the cheese and chicken layers to create a sandwich.
6. Cook the First Side:
Cook the sandwich until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
7. Flip and Cook the Other Side:
Carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and cook the other side until it’s golden and the cheese is melted, another 3-4 minutes.
8. Slice and Garnish:
Once it’s nice and browned on both sides, take the sandwich out of the skillet and let it sit for about a minute. This helps the cheese set a bit. Then slice it into halves or quarters.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy it hot and melty!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and combine it with the BBQ sauce as directed. It adds more flavor without extra cooking time!
What If I Don’t Have Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute any cheese you prefer or have on hand. Pepper Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses can work wonderfully for this sandwich. Just aim for a cheese that melts well for that gooey texture!
How Can I Make This Sandwich Vegan?
You can easily make this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese vegan by using shredded jackfruit or a store-bought vegan chicken substitute. Replace the cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based butter for grilling!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet on low heat or in the oven until warmed through to maintain that crispy texture.
