This Easy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a fun twist on a classic. With juicy BBQ chicken and gooey cheese nestled between crispy bread, it’s downright delicious!
You can’t go wrong with gooey cheese melting everywhere! I love making this for lunch, and it’s perfect for using up leftover chicken. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. If you’re looking for a healthier option, grilled chicken breast or even canned chicken will work. For a vegetarian twist, substitute with shredded jackfruit mixed with BBQ sauce.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce; sweet, smoky, or spicy—whatever you prefer. You can make your own or even use a store-bought variety. If you want a lighter version, try a vinegar-based BBQ sauce or even a homemade yogurt sauce for a tangy taste.
Bread: Sourdough gives a great crunch and flavor, but any bread you have will do! White, whole wheat, or even a gluten-free option works just fine. I personally love using Texas toast for extra thickness!
Cheese: Mozzarella melts wonderfully, but you can switch it up! Cheddar adds nice sharpness, and provolone gives a mild taste. You might even add a mix for more flavor. Pepper jack would add a spicy kick!
How Can You Make Sure Your Grilled Cheese is Golden and Crispy?
The secret to a perfect grilled cheese is managing the heat and cooking time. You don’t want to rush it! Here are some tips:
- Start with medium heat. If it’s too high, the bread will brown too fast while the cheese won’t melt.
- Butter the bread evenly. The butter not only adds flavor but helps with that golden crust.
- Press gently with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning and melting.
- Flip carefully, and if needed, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt faster.
Let the sandwich sit a minute after removing it from the skillet; it will make slicing easier. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Easy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 slices sourdough or white sandwich bread
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, provolone, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 8-10 minutes to cook. So, in just about 20-25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious sandwich ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by taking your cooked chicken and shredding it into bite-sized pieces. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until the chicken is well coated. This will give it that smoky, sweet flavor that complements your sandwich.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Next, place a skillet over medium heat. You want it to be hot enough to grill but not so hot that it burns the bread. This is key for getting that perfect golden-brown crust.
3. Butter the Bread:
Take your slices of bread, and spread softened butter on one side of each piece. This will help achieve that delicious crispy exterior. The buttered side will go down in the skillet.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place two slices of bread in the skillet with the buttered side facing down. On top of each slice, add a slice of cheese, followed by a generous helping of the BBQ chicken mixture, and then top it off with another slice of cheese for that melty goodness. Finally, cover it with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
5. Grill the Sandwich:
Let your sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, gently pressing down with a spatula. Once the bottom slice is golden brown, carefully flip the sandwich over and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When both sides are perfectly grilled, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly (this helps with cutting). If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top before slicing it in half. Serve warm and enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe as it saves you time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce as directed!
What Type of BBQ Sauce Works Best?
Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce! Sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces all work well. For a healthier option, consider using a vinegar-based sauce or a homemade version with less sugar.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the sandwiches, assemble and grill them fresh for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, so the bread stays crispy.
