This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a tasty melt that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s filled with gooey cheese and juicy BBQ chicken, all snug between crispy, buttery bread!
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love making it for a quick dinner or snack. It’s so easy to whip up, and it always hits the spot—perfect for those cheesy cravings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Sourdough or brioche gives this sandwich a wonderful texture and flavor. If you can’t find these, use any sturdy bread like whole grain or white bread. Just keep in mind that softer breads won’t hold up as well.
Shredded Chicken: You can use any pre-cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken. If you don’t eat chicken, try using shredded pork or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option. Both pair nicely with BBQ sauce!
Barbecue Sauce: The sauce is a key flavor component. Use your favorite brand or type! If you’re looking for something lighter, try a homemade version or a low-sugar option. For a little heat, use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Cheese: I love the combination of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey texture and rich flavor. You could swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or even fontina. Just keep that melty goodness!
Butter: This helps create that crispy crust. You can substitute with olive oil or vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free option. The key is to generously coat the bread.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grilled Cheese Without Burning It?
Getting that perfect golden brown crunch while ensuring the cheese melts can be tricky, but it’s all about the heat. Here are some tips:
- Use medium heat—not too hot! If it’s too high, the bread burns before the cheese melts.
- Keep an eye on the first side for about 4-5 minutes until it’s golden brown. Then, flip gently to avoid spilling.
- If after flipping, it’s cooking too quickly, lower the heat a notch. You can even cover the skillet for a minute to help melt the cheese without burning the bread.
Letting the sandwich cool for a minute before slicing helps prevent the cheese from oozing out too much. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (preferably sourdough or brioche)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy sandwich ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken:
In a bowl, take your cooked shredded chicken and pour in the barbecue sauce. Mix it all together until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. This is where the flavor starts!
2. Preheat the Skillet:
Grab a skillet and place it on the stove over medium heat. Let it warm up, so your sandwich gets a nice golden crust.
3. Prepare the Bread:
Spread the softened butter generously on one side of each slice of bread. This butter will help the bread toast up beautifully.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread in the skillet, buttered side down. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the bread in the skillet. This will create a delicious cheesy bottom layer.
5. Add the BBQ Chicken:
Next, spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Make sure it’s spread out nicely so every bite is filled with that yummy BBQ flavor!
6. Top it Off:
Now, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up, to complete your sandwich.
7. Cook the Sandwich:
Cook the sandwich for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom slice is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula.
8. Finish Cooking:
Cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes until it’s also golden brown and the cheese is melted. You might want to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once both sides are cooked to perfection, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Slice it in half, garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve it warm. Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the barbecue sauce as directed. It’ll add even more flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or pepper jack for a little kick. Just make sure the cheese melts well for that gooey texture!
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To enjoy, reheat in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes per side to avoid burning it.
Can I Make This Sandwich in the Oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Assemble your sandwich on a baking sheet and cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. This method will give you a crispy crust with perfectly melted cheese!
