Name: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 12 slices Havarti cheese; ¼ cup butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons parsley, minced; 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Oh, yes, you read that right. We’re taking two of the most comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes and mergin extractg them into a culinary masterpiece. Forget everything you thought you knew about grilled cheese. This isn’t your average bland, cheese-and-bread affair. We’re talking about tender, shredded chicken coated in your favorite smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, layered between slices of perfectly grilled bread and ooey-gooey melted cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both familiar and excitingly new. People adore this dish because it hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, smoky, and delightfully cheesy. It’s the ultimate comfort food upgrade, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a special occasion if you’re feeling adventurous. Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this incredible BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken

½ teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup BBQ sauce

12 slices Havarti cheese

¼ cup butter, softened

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons parsley, minced

12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

Get ready to elevate your sandwich game! We’re talking about a BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, a symphony of smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness all wrapped up in perfectly grilled bread. This isn’t your average grilled cheese; it’s a flavor explosion that will have you ditching the bland lunches for good. The combination of tender, saucy chicken and melty Havarti cheese is truly something special. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

The heart of this sandwich is the flavorful BBQ chicken. We’ll start by building a rich flavor base to coat our shredded chicken.

First, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the thinly sliced red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and are starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. This gentle cooking will bring out their natural sweetness.

Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can turn bitter, so keep an eye on it!

Now, it’s time to introduce our star ingredient: the shredded roasted chicken. Add the 2 ½ cups of shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir it around to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture.

Sprinkle in the paprika and stir to combine. This will add a lovely color and a subtle smoky depth to our chicken. Then, add the Worcestershire sauce, which provides a wonderful umami kick and a touch of tang.

Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This isn’t about cooking the chicken further, but rather infusing it with that delicious BBQ flavor. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed – maybe a pinch more paprika or a splash more BBQ sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling and Grilling Your Masterpiece

With our flavorful BBQ chicken ready, it’s time to assemble and grill these incredible sandwiches. We’re going to take a little extra step to ensure our bread is perfectly golden and infused with garlic and parsley flavor.

While the chicken is resting, let’s prepare the garlic-parsley butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, the minced garlic, and the minced parsley. Mix it well until everything is evenly distributed. This aromatic butter will be key to achieving that irresistible crispy, golden exterior on our bread.

Now, let’s build the sandwiches. Lay out 6 slices of your chosen bread. Generously spread a layer of the garlic-parsley butter on one side of each of these 6 slices. This will be the side that hits the pan, ensuring maximum flavor and crispiness.

On the unbuttered side of these 6 slices, start layering. Place two slices of Havarti cheese on each slice of bread. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s a grilled cheese, after all! Then, spoon a generous amount of the prepared BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Ensure you distribute it evenly. Top the chicken with another two slices of Havarti cheese. Finally, place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top, with the buttered side facing outwards.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. It’s important to use medium-low heat so that the bread can toast to a beautiful golden brown without the cheese burning before it’s fully melted. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches onto the hot skillet. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. You can gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula occasionally to help them cook evenly and ensure good contact with the pan. Peek under one to check for browning – once it’s perfect, carefully flip the sandwich to grill the other side. Repeat this process until all sandwiches are cooked.

Once grilled to perfection, let your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches rest for just a minute before slicing them in half. The cheese will continue to set slightly, and the flavors will have a moment to deepen. Serve immediately and prepare for a flavor experience that’s truly second to none. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy, delicious bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! This recipe is a true winner because it takes two beloved comfort foods and elevates them into something truly special. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ chicken, perfectly complemented by gooey, melted cheese and the satisfying crunch of grilled bread, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to make, making it a fantastic weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing option for your next backyard gathering. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and cheese choices to make it your own! I truly hope you give this delicious BBQ chicken creation a try; it’s a guaranteed hit!

For serving suggestions, this sandwich is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp coleslaw, a side of sweet potato fries, or a refreshing green salad. For variations, consider adding caramelized onions for an extra layer of sweetness, a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even using a different type of cheese like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. You could also experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect match!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken is a fantastic shortcut and works perfectly in this BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich. Just make sure to shred or dice it before tossing it with your favorite BBQ sauce.

What kind of bread is best for this sandwich?

While almost any bread will work, a sturdy bread like sourdough, brioche, or even a good quality white bread holds up best to the ingredients and grilling process. You want something that will get nice and crispy without falling apart.

Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?

Yes, you can! For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with pulled jackfruit seasoned with BBQ sauce. For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and your preferred vegan bread, along with the BBQ jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A delicious and savory grilled cheese sandwich loaded with BBQ chicken and melted Havarti cheese.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup BBQ sauce
12 slices Havarti cheese
¼ cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons parsley, minced
12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

Instructions

Step 1
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 2
Stir in the shredded roasted chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the BBQ sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is well coated and heated through.
Step 3
Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On the unbuttered side of six bread slices, layer Havarti cheese, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture, and then more Havarti cheese.
Step 4
Top with the remaining six slices of bread, buttered-side up. In a clean skillet or griddle, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and minced parsley to the melted butter for extra flavor.
Step 5
Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Slice 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.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese-Smoky-Cheesy Perfection