BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese—a glorious mashup of two classic comfort foods that’s sure to become your next go-to favorite. Smoky, sticky barbecue chicken is blanketed with oozy melted cheese and tucked between golden, buttery slices of sourdough for the ultimate sandwich experience. What makes it irresistible? Every bite delivers gooey cheese pulls and a punch of sweet, tangy BBQ flavor, bringing you that perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weekday lunch, a family dinner, or even a midnight snack, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese guarantees smiles and full bellies, every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, powerhouse ingredients to create this showstopping BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. Each component plays its own unique role, delivering texture, flavor, and even a bit of color that makes each sandwich pop both in taste and looks.

• Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect and saves so much time, plus it soaks up BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite (smoky, sweet, or spicy), since this brings all the bold BBQ flavor to the table.
• Sourdough or hearty sandwich bread: These sturdy slices stay crispy and golden on the outside, holding up to all that delicious filling.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix): Cheddar melts with plenty of flavor, while adding mozzarella makes it extra stretchy and gooey.
• Red onion (optional): Thinly sliced, they add a fresh, zippy crunch that’s irresistible in contrast to the rich cheese and chicken.
• Butter (softened): Spreading this on the bread gives you that deeply golden, crunchy exterior—skip this and you’ll regret it!
• Pickled jalapeños or fresh cilantro (optional): Use as garnish for a little heat or a shot of green freshness to finish things off.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Toss the Chicken with Barbecue Sauce

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combining your cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Take your time to mix—make sure every piece is thoroughly coated. This is where your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese gets all its big, bold, saucy flavor, so don’t skimp on tossing until every shred glistens.

Step 2: Prep Your Bread and Pan

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium so it’s hot and ready for the magic. While that’s warming, generously butter one side of each bread slice. This butter is your ticket to crisp, golden exteriors that are rich and just a little bit decadent, making every bite of your sandwich unforgettable.

Step 3: Build the Sandwich Layers

Place four slices of bread, buttered side down, onto the skillet. Sprinkle each slice with about 1/4 cup of cheese—don’t be shy, since cheese is the foundation of every great grilled cheese. Follow with a scoop of your BBQ chicken, then, if you love a bit of crunch, add some thin red onion slices. Top with another 1/4 cup of cheese (the more, the merrier for those cheese pulls!), and crown each stack with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

Step 4: Toast to Golden Perfection

Cook the sandwiches for around 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing down with a spatula to get everything nice and melty. You’re aiming for deep golden crusts and gooey cheese oozing out of the edges. If you find the bread browning too quickly, lower the heat—patience pays off with the best BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese.

Step 5: Slice and Serve Your Masterpiece

Once the cheese is fully melted and the bread is gorgeously toasted, transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board. Give them a minute to cool, then slice in half for that glorious reveal. Serve right away—maybe with extra barbecue sauce, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cilantro for that fresh pop!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

Great grilled cheese sandwiches are always better with a finishing touch. Top your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with a scattering of pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick or a handful of chopped cilantro for herby brightness. If you love a little color, thinly sliced green onions work beautifully too, and a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce brings even more saucy goodness.

Side Dishes

When it comes to sides, you have endless possibilities. Classic potato chips, a crunchy slaw, or a dill pickle spear make for effortless and satisfying companions. If you want something lighter, a simple mixed green salad brightens up the meal and balances out the rich sandwich beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese into sliders by using smaller bread slices for party-ready bites, or cut each sandwich into dippable strips for a fun snack platter. Stack halves on a big wooden board with dips like ranch or more barbecue sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer display that will have everyone reaching in for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese (a rarity!), wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, though the bread may lose some of its initial crispiness—nothing a quick re-toast can’t fix!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these sandwiches! Simply wrap fully cooled sandwiches tightly in foil and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the crispiest leftovers, warm BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese in a skillet over medium heat until hot and crunchy again. You can also use a toaster oven, which works great for restoring that just-made feel. Microwaving is quick but may make the bread a bit soft.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Sourdough holds up wonderfully, but any hearty bread—think rustic Italian, multigrain, or even ciabatta—works well. Just avoid breads that are too soft or thin, since the filling is quite hearty.

What type of barbecue sauce is best?

Choose a sauce you love, as its flavor really shines through. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—it’s totally up to you. Homemade sauces or store-bought both work great!

Can I prep the chicken in advance?

Definitely! You can mix the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce up to a day ahead, then store it in the refrigerator. Come sandwich time, everything goes together in a flash.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese in a panini press?

Yes, a panini press works perfectly! It will press the sandwich a bit flatter and get those gorgeous grill marks. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

What cheese works besides cheddar?

Feel free to get creative—mozzarella brings stretch, pepper jack adds heat, and Monterey Jack melts beautifully. Try a mix for the best of all worlds!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food mashup, give BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese a spot on your table—you’ll be hooked from the very first oozy bite. Make it your own, serve it up with your favorite fixings, and let this cheesy, barbecue-sauced wonder become an instant family favorite!

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