The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Delight Recipe

BBQ chicken grilled cheese tantalizes taste buds with its mouthwatering fusion of smoky and savory flavors.

Crispy bread cradles tender, juicy meat smothered in rich, tangy sauce.

Melted cheese creates a gooey, irresistible centerpiece that elevates this classic comfort food.

Unexpected combinations reinvent ordinary sandwiches into extraordinary culinary experiences that surprise and delight.

Layers of carefully selected ingredients work harmoniously to create a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Home cooks love reinventing traditional dishes with creative twists that spark excitement at the dinner table.

Each bite promises a symphony of robust flavors that dance across your palate.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Here’s Why It Works

• Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering combination of smoky BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and garlic-infused bread that creates an irresistible taste sensation.
• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this delicious grilled cheese in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger pangs when you need a satisfying meal fast.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Transform leftover chicken into a gourmet sandwich that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Texture Triumph: Experience the incredible contrast between crispy, golden-brown bread and the creamy, melted cheese that creates a delightful crunch with every single bite.

What You’ll Need for This Cheesy Delight

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that forms the main filling of the sandwich, preferably shredded or pulled.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to enhance the chicken's taste.

• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky, rich flavor that complements the BBQ chicken.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that gives the chicken a classic barbecue taste, choose a high-quality brand for best results.
• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the chicken mixture, provides a soft texture when cooked.
• Garlic: Brings a robust, aromatic flavor to both the chicken mixture and bread, fresh garlic is recommended.

• Bread: White or sourdough bread works best, sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
• Cheese Slices: Melty cheese like cheddar or American cheese that creates a creamy texture and binds the sandwich together.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy bread exterior.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a light, fresh note to the garlic butter mixture.

• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing onions and ensuring even cooking.

Putting Together BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat
• Cook onions until soft and translucent
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant

Step 2: Create Flavorful Chicken Mixture

• Add shredded chicken
• Sprinkle smoked paprika
• Pour Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce
• Stir and heat mixture thoroughly for 2-3 minutes

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Spread

• Combine butter, garlic, and minced parsley
• Microwave until completely melted

Step 4: Assemble Sandwich Layers

• Arrange 12 bread slices on work surface
• Spread melted butter mixture evenly over each slice
• Flip bread slices
• Layer 6 slices with cheese
• Add BBQ chicken mixture
• Top with remaining cheese
• Cover with remaining 6 bread slices

Step 5: Grill Sandwiches

• Place sandwiches in large non-stick skillet
• Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes
• Flip sandwiches
• Reduce heat to medium-low
• Continue cooking until golden and cheese melts

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Remove from skillet
• Cut sandwiches diagonally
• Serve immediately while hot and crispy

Tips to Avoid Soggy Sandwiches

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken for the most tender and even texture throughout the sandwich.
• Balance BBQ Flavor: Choose a balanced BBQ sauce that's not too sweet or tangy to complement the cheese and chicken without overpowering other ingredients.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Place cheese both under and over the BBQ chicken mixture to create maximum melting and ensure every bite has gooey goodness.
• Control Skillet Heat: Start with medium heat to crisp the bread's exterior, then reduce to medium-low for even melting and preventing burning.
• Butter Coverage Matters: Spread garlic butter evenly across bread's surface to guarantee a golden, crispy, and flavorful grilled cheese sandwich exterior.

Save BBQ Sandwiches the Right Way

• Refrigeration: Store leftover BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and sandwich is heated through. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp the bread.
• Skillet Reheating: Revive crispy texture by using a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.

Great Matches for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

• Sip a Tangy Sidekick: Pair this BBQ chicken grilled cheese with a crisp, cold amber ale or a light pilsner. The beer's maltiness complements the smoky BBQ sauce while cutting through the rich, cheesy goodness.
• Crunch with Fresh Contrast: Serve alongside a zesty coleslaw or cucumber salad. The cool, crunchy vegetables provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, melty sandwich, balancing out the intense flavors.
• Cool Down the Heat: Whip up a quick ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce. These creamy dressings help temper the BBQ's spiciness and add an extra layer of indulgent flavor to each bite.
• Brighten the Plate: Add a small side of pickled jalapeños or quick-pickled red onions. Their tangy, acidic punch will wake up the palate and add a vibrant note to the hearty sandwich.

Fun Ways to Change It Up

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace BBQ sauce with chipotle salsa, add jalapeños, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Chicken Melt: Swap BBQ sauce for tzatziki, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Greek-inspired sandwich.
• Smoky Ranch Chicken Melt: Use ranch dressing instead of BBQ sauce, add crispy bacon bits, and blend cheddar and monterey jack cheeses for extra creaminess.
• Hawaiian Tropical Grilled Cheese: Mix BBQ sauce with pineapple chunks, layer with smoked gouda, and add thin ham slices for a sweet and savory combination.

Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

BBQ chicken grilled cheese brings together smoky pulled chicken and melted cheddar between crispy sourdough slices. Layered with tangy barbecue sauce and caramelized onions, this sandwich delivers a mouthwatering blend of comfort and bold flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2.5 cups shredded roast chicken
• 12 slices havarti cheese

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Bread Ingredients:

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
• 0.25 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons parsley, minced

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Instructions

1. Sauté finely chopped onions in vegetable oil over medium heat until translucent and softened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until aromatic, ensuring it does not burn.
3. Incorporate shredded cooked chicken into the skillet, then sprinkle smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
4. Pour Worcestershire sauce and barbecue sauce over the chicken, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating and heating.
5. Warm the chicken mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together completely.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine unsalted butter, crushed garlic, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
7. Microwave the butter mixture for 20-30 seconds until completely melted and well-integrated.
8. Arrange 12 bread slices on a clean work surface, creating 6 sandwich bases.
9. Generously brush the melted garlic herb butter across each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Layer one slice of cheese on each buttered bread piece as the first foundation.
11. Distribute the warm barbecue chicken mixture evenly across 6 bread slices.
12. Top the chicken with additional cheese slices for extra richness.
13. Complete each sandwich by placing the remaining buttered bread slices on top, butter side facing outward.
14. Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat for even cooking.
15. Carefully place assembled sandwiches in the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until bottom turns golden brown.
16. Gently flip sandwiches, reducing heat to medium-low, and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and second side browns.
17. Remove from heat, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.

Notes

• Perfectly balance bold BBQ chicken flavors with melty cheese for a gourmet grilled sandwich experience.
• Crisp butter-toasted bread creates a golden, crunchy exterior that complements the juicy, smoky chicken filling.
• Customize your sandwich by experimenting with different BBQ sauce styles or adding extra spices like smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Prep the chicken mixture ahead of time to streamline cooking and create a quick, delicious meal in minutes.
• Use a non-stick skillet and medium heat to achieve an even, golden-brown crust without burning the bread.
• Serve immediately while cheese is hot and melted for maximum taste and textural enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg