BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky barbecue chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crispy, buttery bread. With just a few simple ingredients, this sandwich is a quick and delicious meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day. The tangy BBQ sauce adds a smoky-sweet depth, while the crispy golden bread and melty cheese create a perfect contrast in textures. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or freshly shredded rotisserie chicken, this sandwich comes together effortlessly in under 20 minutes!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken:

  • 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sandwich:

  • 8 slices sourdough or thick-cut bread
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

  1. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
  2. Warm up: If the chicken is cold, heat it in a skillet over low heat for 3 minutes until warmed through.

Assembling the Sandwich:

  1. Butter the bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
  2. Layer the fillings: Place one slice of bread butter-side down, then sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  3. Add BBQ chicken: Spoon BBQ chicken evenly over the cheese.
  4. Top with extras: Add red onion and cilantro if using, then sprinkle more cheese before placing the second slice of bread, butter-side up.

Grilling the Sandwich:

  1. Heat a skillet: Warm a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook: Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Flip and press: Carefully flip the sandwich, pressing gently, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until crispy and cheese is melted.
  4. Rest: Remove from heat and let sit for 1 minute before slicing.

Serving:

  1. Cut in half: Slice diagonally for a classic presentation.
  2. Serve immediately: Enjoy with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

  • Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
  • Choose the Right Bread: Sourdough, Texas toast, or ciabatta hold up well and get extra crispy.
  • Low and Slow: Cooking over medium-low heat ensures crispy bread and gooey cheese without burning.
  • For Extra Flavor: Use smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

Creative Variations

  • Spicy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
  • Bacon Lover’s Version: Add crispy bacon strips for an extra savory bite.
  • Hawaiian Twist: Add pineapple slices for a sweet and tangy contrast.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the BBQ chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Can I freeze these sandwiches? Yes! Assemble the sandwich (without grilling), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Grill straight from frozen. What’s the best cheese for this sandwich? A mix of cheddar and mozzarella provides the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is crispy, cheesy, smoky, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, dinner, or a game-day snack, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it today!

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