This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese brings together the best of both worlds! Juicy BBQ chicken and melted cheese are sandwiched between golden, crispy bread. Yum!
If you’re anything like me, you might even add extra BBQ sauce for a flavor kick! It’s a fun twist on a classic that’s super easy to whip up for lunch or dinner. 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: You can use any bread you like! I enjoy sourdough for its tangy flavor, but white or whole grain works great too. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all that filling.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for speed! If you’re vegetarian, try using jackfruit or a hearty plant-based chicken substitute for a similar texture.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own if you have the time. For a twist, try using a spicy or honey BBQ sauce for added flavor. Don’t have any? A mix of ketchup and hot sauce can work in a pinch!
Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice sharpness while mozzarella adds stretch. If you want to switch things up, mix in gouda or pepper jack for a smokier taste or a bit of heat!
Butter: Butter adds richness, but you can substitute it with olive oil or margarine if you prefer a lighter option.
How Do You Ensure Your Grilled Cheese is Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that golden, crispy outside while keeping the inside gooey takes a little finesse. Here’s how to do it:
- Always butter the outside of your bread generously to enhance browning. Don’t skip this step!
- Cook on medium heat. If it’s too high, your bread might burn before the cheese melts.
- Use a lid on your skillet. It helps to melt the cheese faster while keeping the bread crispy.
- Keep an eye on the time—about 3-4 minutes on each side should get you that beautiful golden crust.
Let the sandwich cool for a minute before slicing—it makes for less mess and a better melting experience!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, such as sourdough or white)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes of prep and cooking time, making it a quick and tasty meal. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a warm, gooey sandwich ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the BBQ Chicken:
Start by taking a bowl and adding the shredded chicken. Pour in the barbecue sauce and mix it all together until the chicken is well coated with the sauce. This will make a flavorful filling for your sandwich!
2. Prepare the Skillet:
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. This will make it hot enough to toast the bread and melt the cheese nicely.
3. Butter the Bread:
Take your two slices of bread and spread butter on one side of each slice. This buttery side will go in the skillet to create a lovely golden crust.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread in the heated skillet, butter-side-down. Now, layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the bread. Then, spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the chicken layer, making it nice and cheesy!
5. Top and Grill:
Take the second slice of bread and place it on top of the stacked ingredients, butter-side-up. Let the sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese is starting to melt.
6. Flip the Sandwich:
Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwich over. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is nicely golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Yum!
7. Serve:
Once it’s cooked, carefully remove the sandwich from the skillet. Let it cool for about a minute before slicing it in half. This will keep all that cheesy goodness inside!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese immediately and enjoy every bite! It’s comfort food at its best!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mix it with the barbecue sauce, and proceed with the recipe as directed. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
What Can I Substitute for the Cheese?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use reduced-fat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese substitute. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary slightly, so check the package instructions for best results.
How to Store Leftovers
To keep leftover grilled cheese, wrap it tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispy texture, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
You can prep the barbecue chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the sandwich, just assemble it as per the instructions and enjoy a quick and delicious meal!
