Name: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 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

The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Who doesn’t love the comforting embrace of melted cheese and the satisfying crunch of perfectly grilled bread? But we’re taking that beloved classic to a whole new level. Imagin extracte tender, smoky shredded chicken, coated in your favorite tangy BBQ sauce, layered between slices of golden-brown, buttery bread, all cradling a generous ooze of gooey, melted cheese. This isn’t your average grilled cheese; it’s a symphony of savory, sweet, and smoky notes that will have you coming back for more. It’s the ultimate comfort food upgrade, a quick weeknight wonder, or a weekend treat that’s guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience your favorite sandwich like never before with this incredible BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe.

The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game with this absolutely mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Forget your basic cheddar on white bread; this creation is a flavor explosion, a symphony of smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness all nestled between perfectly grilled sourdough. It’s the kind of sandwich that’s perfect for a lazy weekend lunch, a fun family dinner, or even an indulgent late-night snack. The combination of tender shredded chicken coated in rich BBQ sauce, melty Havarti cheese, and the satisfying crunch of grilled sourdough is simply irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

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

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

The heart of this sandwich is, of course, the flavorful BBQ chicken. We’re going to build a fantastic flavor base here.

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your thinly sliced red onion. We want to sauté these onions until they are soft and translucent, which will take about 5-7 minutes. This process sweetens them up beautifully and removes any harsh bite.

Now, add the first set of minced garlic to the skillet with the softened onions. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can turn bitter, and we definitely don’t want that!

Introduce the shredded roasted chicken to the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the paprika, which will add a subtle smokiness and a lovely reddish hue. Stir well to distribute the paprika evenly.

Pour in the BBQ sauce and the Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. You want the chicken to be moist and flavorful, not swimming in excess liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; you might want a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your BBQ sauce. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. This is your incredible BBQ chicken filling.

Assembling and Grilling the Sandwiches

Now that our delicious filling is ready, it’s time to assemble and grill these masterpieces. We’re going to get that perfect golden-brown crust and gooey cheese.

Before we start assembling, let’s prepare the garlic-herb butter for the outside of our bread. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, the second set of minced garlic, and the minced parsley. Mix it all together until it’s well incorporated. This herb butter will give our grilled cheese an amazing aroma and an even more delicious crust.

Lay out 6 slices of your sourdough bread. Generously spread the garlic-herb butter on one side of each of these slices. This will be the outside of your sandwiches.

On the unbuttered side of these 6 slices, start building your sandwiches. Evenly divide the BBQ chicken filling among them. Make sure you get a good amount of chicken on each slice.

Now, it’s time for the cheese! Place 2 slices of Havarti cheese on top of the chicken filling on each sandwich. We’re using Havarti because it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly. You can certainly add more cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent!

Take the remaining 6 slices of sourdough bread and spread the garlic-herb butter on one side of each. Place these butter-side-up slices on top of the cheese-laden sandwiches. You should now have 6 fully assembled sandwiches, ready for grilling.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This lower heat is key for getting the perfect grilled cheese. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt completely. Once the skillet is warm, carefully place the sandwiches onto it. You might need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

Grill each sandwich for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You can peek underneath with a spatula to check the browning. Gently press down on the sandwiches with your spatula as they cook to ensure even browning and melting. Once both sides are perfectly grilled and the cheese is oozing out, remove them from the skillet.

Serve these incredible BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and melty. They are fantastic on their own, but also pair wonderfully with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe! This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The combination of smoky, tangy BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly toasted bread creates a comforting yet exciting meal that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s wonderfully versatile, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even an impressive picnic treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this fantastic recipe!

I highly recommend serving this BBQ chicken grilled cheese with a side of crisp coleslaw to balance the richness, or perhaps some sweet potato fries for an extra layer of deliciousness. For variations, consider adding caramelized onions for sweetness, a sprinkle of jalapeños for a kick, or using a different cheese blend like cheddar and Monterey Jack for even more meltiness. Give this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover BBQ chicken for this sandwich?

Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover BBQ chicken. Simply shred or chop it and warm it up before assembling the sandwich. It’s a quick and easy way to create a delicious meal with minimal effort.

What kind of bread works best?

A sturdy bread like sourdough, challah, or a good quality country loaf holds up well to the fillings and toasts beautifully. However, feel free to use your favorite sandwich bread!

Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh and hot off the griddle, you can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture and shred the cheese in advance. Assemble and grill just before serving for optimal results.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
30 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

Step 1
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2
Stir in the shredded roasted chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 3
Add the BBQ sauce to the chicken mixture and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4
Butter one side of each slice of bread. In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic and parsley with the softened butter for spreading on the outside of the sandwiches.
Step 5
Assemble the sandwiches: Place 2 slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean surface. Layer with BBQ chicken mixture and Havarti cheese. Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 6
Grill the sandwiches in a preheated skillet or on a griddle over medium heat for 4-5 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.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese-Ultimate Flavor Combo

The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe