This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic! With tasty grilled chicken, rich BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to make your taste buds dance.
You can’t go wrong with crispy bread and melted cheese. I love making this for lunch—it’s quick, filling, and so good! Plus, who doesn’t love grilled cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I love using sourdough because it has great flavor and texture. If you prefer something softer, Texas toast is perfect. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free bread if you’re looking for alternative options.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. If you’re in a hurry, leftover chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, consider using shredded jackfruit mixed with BBQ sauce.
BBQ Sauce: The type of BBQ sauce you choose can change the flavor profile of the dish. I like a smoky sauce, but feel free to experiment with sweet, spicy, or tangy sauces to match your taste.
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for melting, while cheddar adds nice sharpness. You can swap cheddar for pepper jack for some heat or use any cheese you enjoy like gouda or provolone.
Butter: Butter enhances the toastiness of the bread. For a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or vegan butter. It will still give you that nice crisp texture!
How Can I Get the Perfectly Grilled Bread?
The secret to getting that perfect crispy golden bread lies in the heat and the butter. Here’s how to make sure you nail it:
- Heat your skillet on medium. If it’s too hot, the bread might burn before the cheese melts.
- Use enough butter! Coating the bread generously ensures a crispy crust.
- Watch the timer. Cooking for 3-4 minutes per side gives you a nicely toasted sandwich. If the cheese hasn’t melted, just lower the heat and give it a bit more time.
Feel free to cover the skillet with a lid when cooking to help the cheese melt faster. This way, you’ll have a perfectly gooey inside and a crispy outside!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, like sourdough or Texas toast)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 6-8 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have a delightful sandwich ready in just about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture:
Start by combining the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Mix well until all the chicken pieces are nicely coated with the tasty barbecue sauce. Set this mix aside while you get everything ready.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt, creating a lovely, buttery surface for your sandwich.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the bread. This will help create a gooey layer. Now, spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, then add the rest of the mozzarella and the cheddar cheese on top. Finally, place the second slice of bread over everything to complete your delicious sandwich.
4. Cook the Sandwich:
Let your sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom of the bread turns a golden brown color and you can see the cheese beginning to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula so that the other side can cook too. Add the remaining butter to the skillet around the sandwich to keep things nice and flavorful.
5. Finish Cooking and Serve:
Cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Check to see if the cheese is fully melted. Once done, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Slice it in half carefully. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a fancy touch!
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese right away! You deserve it!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to your sandwich. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed. You’ll have a delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese in no time!
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce on Hand?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and some spices like paprika and garlic powder. Mix the ingredients in a bowl to taste, then combine it with your shredded chicken as usual. Your grilled cheese will still be delicious!
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Definitely! While mozzarella and cheddar offer a great flavor, feel free to mix it up with your favorites. Gouda, pepper jack, or even some blue cheese can make for a unique and tasty sandwich. Just make sure you have a cheese that melts well!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat until the cheese melts again, or you can microwave it if you’re in a hurry!
