Best BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe – Easy & Delicious
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich – that’s the magic phrase, isn’t it? It conjures up images of smoky, savory chicken nestled between gooey, melted cheese, all embraced by perfectly grilled, crispy bread. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a culinary hug, a comforting classic elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness. Why do we all adore this particular creation? It’s the perfect marriage of familiar favorites: the nostalgic comfort of a grilled cheese and the irresistible, bold flavors of barbecue chicken. What truly makes the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich special is its incredible versatility and sheer satisfaction factor. It’s a meal that can satisfy a midday craving, a quick weeknight dinner, or even impress guests with its sophisticated yet simple appeal. Get ready to experience grilled cheese perfection like never before!
Ingredients:
Creating the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich takes the humble grilled cheese to a whole new level. We’re talking tender, savory shredded chicken, coated in smoky BBQ sauce, layered with melty Havarti cheese, all nestled between slices of perfectly grilled sourdough bread. It’s a comfort food classic with a delightful Southern twist that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping lunch, this recipe is a winner. Let’s get started!
Making the Flavorful BBQ Chicken Filling
The heart of this sandwich lies in its incredibly delicious filling. We’ll start by building a base of aromatics to really amp up the flavor.
1. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced red onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it softens and begin extracts to turn translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This gentle sautéing will bring out the natural sweetness of the onion without making it bitter. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart an unpleasant taste.
2. Now, it’s time to add our star ingredient: the shredded roasted chicken. Add the 2 ½ cups of shredded chicken to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together to coat the chicken. Sprinkle in the paprika for a touch of smoky color and subtle warmth, and add the Worcestershire sauce for that umami depth that makes everything taste better. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring to combine, allowing the chicken to heat through and soak up the flavors.
3. Pour in the BBQ sauce. I like to use a good quality, slightly sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, but feel free to use your favorite. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich BBQ sauce. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded beautifully. This creates a wonderfully moist and flavorful chicken filling that’s perfect for our sandwiches. Once it’s done, remove the skillet from the heat and set the BBQ chicken filling aside. You can even make this filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, which makes assembling the sandwiches even quicker!
Assembling and Grilling the Perfect Sandwich
Now that our flavorful filling is ready, it’s time to bring the grilled cheese magic to life. The key to a perfect grilled cheese is even browning and perfectly melted cheese, and we’ll achieve that with a little help from butter and garlic.
4. Lay out your 12 slices of sourdough bread or sturdy white bread. We’re going to prepare the “garlic butter” for grilling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic and the minced parsley. This garlic-parsley butter is what gives the outside of our bread that incredible golden-brown, crispy texture and a fantastic aroma. Spread a generous layer of this garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is the side that will be facing outwards and hitting the hot pan, so don’t be shy!
5. Now it’s time to assemble. On the unbuttered side of 6 of the bread slices, layer your Havarti cheese. Havarti is a fantastic choice here because it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that complements the BBQ chicken without overpowering it. Place about 2 slices of Havarti on each slice of bread. Then, spoon a generous portion of your prepared BBQ chicken filling over the cheese. Make sure to distribute it evenly so you get that delicious chicken in every bite. Top the chicken with another 1-2 slices of Havarti cheese. Finally, place the remaining 6 slices of bread, butter-side up, on top of the cheese to complete your sandwiches. You should have 6 beautifully constructed sandwiches ready for their close-up in the skillet.
6. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. It’s important to cook these on medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely before the bread burns. Once the skillet is heated, carefully place the sandwiches onto the hot surface. 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. You might need to adjust the heat slightly depending on your stovetop. Peek at the bottom of the sandwich as it cooks to ensure it’s achieving that perfect golden hue. Resist the urge to press down too hard on the sandwiches, as this can squeeze out the delicious filling and make them dense.
7. Once both sides are perfectly golden and the cheese is oozing out, carefully remove the sandwiches from the skillet. For the best experience, let them rest for just a minute or two before slicing them in half. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle and preventing all that goodness from spilling out. Serve immediately and prepare for a symphony of flavors. The crispy, buttery bread, the sweet and tangy BBQ chicken, and the creamy, melted cheese create an irresistible combination that’s pure comfort in every single bite. Enjoy!
Conclusion:
You’ve just discovered how to elevate your grilled cheese game with this incredible BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe! This isn’t your average grilled cheese; it’s a flavor explosion that combines the smoky, sweet tang of barbecue sauce with tender shredded chicken and gooey melted cheese, all nestled between perfectly grilled bread. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. I truly believe this recipe is fantastic because it’s incredibly versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a weekend treat.
For serving suggestions, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a cbeef hampion on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp coleslaw, a simple side salad, or some crispy oven fries. Looking for variations? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for extra cheesiness. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a dollop of ranch dressing for a creamy counterpoint. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use leftover BBQ chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover shredded chicken that’s already been tossed with BBQ sauce. It saves time and reduces food waste.
What kind of bread is best for this sandwich?
While many breads work, a sturdy sourdough or a thick-cut country white bread holds up well to the fillings and gets wonderfully crispy when grilled. Brioche can also be a delightful, slightly sweeter option.
Can I make the BBQ chicken filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the BBQ chicken mixture a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the sandwiches even quicker.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A delicious and hearty grilled cheese sandwich featuring shredded roasted chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, layered with Havarti cheese and grilled to golden perfection on sourdough bread.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
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½ teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 cup BBQ sauce
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12 slices Havarti cheese
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¼ cup butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons parsley, minced
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12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
Instructions
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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 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. -
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the shredded roasted chicken, cooked onions and garlic, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated. Set aside. -
Step 3
Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic and minced parsley. Mix this into the butter. -
Step 4
Place six slices of bread, butter-side down, in a clean skillet or on a griddle. Layer 3 slices of Havarti cheese on each slice of bread. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. -
Step 5
Top the chicken mixture with another 3 slices of Havarti cheese on each sandwich. Place the remaining six slices of bread on top, butter-side up. -
Step 6
Grill the sandwiches over medium heat for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently with a spatula as they cook. -
Step 7
Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
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.
