This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining tangy, smoky barbecue sauce with tender shredded chicken and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch, this sandwich brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There is something undeniably satisfying about the combination of savory barbecue chicken and toasted, buttery bread. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare using leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings. The balance of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella ensures the perfect cheese pull, while the sweetness of the BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully against the golden-brown crust of the bread.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of sourdough or thick-cut white bread
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/3 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
- Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a cold skillet or on a griddle.
- Layer a small amount of cheese on the bread, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture and the sliced red onion.
- Top with the remaining cheese and the second slice of bread, butter-side facing up.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has completely melted.
- Remove from the heat, let sit for one minute, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To achieve the perfect golden crust, keep your heat on medium-low. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt through the center. Using a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet provides the most even heat distribution for a crispy finish. For an extra touch of flavor, brush the outside of the bread with a little bit of garlic butter before grilling.
Variations & Substitutions
If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap the cheddar and mozzarella for pepper jack to add a little heat. For those who enjoy a crunch, adding a few pickled jalapeños or crispy fried onions inside the sandwich works wonders. You can also use leftover pulled pork instead of chicken for a delicious variation.
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese pairs perfectly with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad. For a soup-and-sandwich combo, serve it alongside a cup of tomato basil soup to balance the smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the assembled (but ungrilled) sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Once cooked, it is best to eat them immediately as the bread will lose its crispness. To reheat, place your sandwich in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, covering it with a lid to help the cheese melt again while the bread regains its crunch.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken from the store?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips is a great way to save time and makes this recipe come together in less than 10 minutes.
What is the best bread for grilled cheese?
Sourdough is highly recommended because of its sturdy structure and tangy flavor, which complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce perfectly. However, thick-cut white bread or brioche also work very well.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread generously.
- Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean surface. Layer half of the cheddar cheese onto each slice.
- Top the cheese with the BBQ chicken mixture and the sliced red onions, then add the remaining cheese on top.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top, butter-side up. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook the sandwiches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.