BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese- Easy Recipe

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Oh, what a glorious combination! If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of grilled cheese and BBQ chicken together sparks an immediate craving. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that hits all the right notes. We’re talking about the comforting, gooey embrace of melted cheese, perfectly complemented by the smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy essence of tender BBQ chicken. What makes this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich so utterly irresistible? It’s that beautiful marriage of childhood comfort food with a grown-up, savory kick. It’s the crispy, golden-brown bread, the juicy chicken, and the melty cheese all coming together in perfect harmony. Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game to legendary status with this incredible recipe.

Ingredients:

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game with this irresistible BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! Forget your basic cheddar and beef ham; we’re talking about a flavor explosion that’s smoky, savory, and utterly satisfying. This sandwich is perfect for a quick and delicious lunch, a fun dinner, or even a hearty late-night craving. The combination of tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, melty Havarti cheese, and the satisfying crunch of perfectly grilled sourdough bread is simply divine. Let’s dive into how we’re going to create this masterpiece.

Preparing the Flavorful BBQ Chicken Filling

Our journey begin extracts with crafting the star of the show: the BBQ chicken filling. This step is crucial for ensuring every bite of your sandwich is packed with deliciousness.

1. First, we’ll heat the olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, we’ll add our thinly sliced red onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begin extracts to soften and turn translucent. This process mellows the onion’s sharpness and brings out its natural sweetness.
2. Next, we’ll add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to your filling.
3. Now comes the chicken! Add the 2 ½ cups of shredded roasted chicken to the skillet. Stir it around to combine with the onions and garlic. We want the chicken to warm through.
4. Sprinkle in the ½ teaspoon of paprika. Paprika adds a beautiful color and a subtle smoky, earthy flavor that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly. Stir it in well.
5. Now, let’s introduce the liquid flavor. Add the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. This is a secret weapon for adding depth and umami to our chicken. Stir again.
6. Finally, pour in the 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a pinch of salt or a dash more Worcestershire sauce depending on your preferred BBQ sauce. Once done, remove the filling from the heat and set it aside.

Assembling and Grilling Your Perfect Sandwich

With our delicious BBQ chicken filling ready, it’s time to assemble and grill these glorious sandwiches to golden-brown perfection.

1. We need to prepare our bread for grilling. Take your 12 slices of sourdough bread or sturdy white bread. On one side of each slice, spread an even layer of the ¼ cup of softened butter. This buttered side will be the side that hits the hot skillet, creating that beautiful crispy exterior.
2. Now, let’s get cheesy! Take six of your buttered bread slices and place them butter-side down on your work surface. On top of each of these slices, layer 2 slices of Havarti cheese. The Havarti cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that won’t overpower the BBQ chicken.
3. Spoon a generous amount of the prepared BBQ chicken filling over the cheese on each of these six slices. Aim for an even distribution so every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Next, place another slice of Havarti cheese on top of the BBQ chicken mixture. This extra layer of cheese will help hold everything together and ensure maximum meltiness.
5. Now, take the remaining six buttered bread slices and place them butter-side up on top of the cheese-covered filling, creating your sandwiches.
6. It’s time to grill! Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. You want a nice, even heat that allows the bread to brown and the cheese to melt without burning.
7. Carefully place 2-3 sandwiches at a time onto the preheated skillet. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. Gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula occasionally to ensure even cooking and to help the cheese ooze out the sides just a little.
8. While the sandwiches are grilling, in a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and minced parsley. This will be our special garlic-parsley butter for the final touch.
9. Once the sandwiches are perfectly golden and the cheese is melted, remove them from the skillet. Immediately, spread a little of the garlic-parsley mixture onto the top of each hot sandwich. The residual heat will soften the butter and release the fragrant aroma of garlic and parsley, adding another layer of deliciousness.

Serve these BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches immediately and enjoy the incredible symphony of flavors and textures. They are fantastic on their own or paired with a side of coleslaw or some crispy potato chips for a complete meal. Happy grilling!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – the ultimate guide to crafting a truly sensational BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! This recipe isn’t just about slapping some chicken and cheese between bread; it’s a symphony of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, elevated by the satisfying crunch of perfectly grilled bread. It’s incredibly versatile, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer when cut into smaller portions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses – sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack for a kick can take this sandwich to new heights. And for an extra layer of deliciousness, try adding some caramelized onions or a sprinkle of your favorite chili flakes.

I truly encourage you to give this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to jazz up your grilled cheese game. Get ready for smiles all around!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience, or go the extra mile and make your own! A classic sweet and smoky sauce works wonderfully, but don’t hesitate to explore regional variations or spicier options depending on your preference.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While the grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, you can pre-cook the BBQ chicken and have your cheese sliced and bread buttered. This will significantly cut down on your cooking time when you’re ready to assemble and grill.

What are some good sides for this sandwich?

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a crisp coleslaw, a simple green salad, or even some classic potato chips or french fries. A cup of tomato soup is also a delightful companion.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A flavor-packed grilled cheese sandwich featuring shredded roasted chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce and melted Havarti cheese, all grilled to golden perfection on sourdough bread.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 12 slices Havarti cheese
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
• 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2
   Stir in the shredded roasted chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
3. Step 3
   Add the BBQ sauce to the chicken mixture and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4
   Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic and parsley.
5. Step 5
   Spread the garlic-herb butter on the unbuttered side of half of the bread slices. Top each with 2 slices of Havarti cheese, a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture, and another slice of Havarti cheese.
6. Step 6
   Place the remaining bread slices on top, butter-side up. Grill sandwiches in a non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.