Introduction:
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this smoky and savory BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese! This sandwich combines the delicious flavors of tender BBQ chicken with gooey melted cheese and crispy, buttery bread. It’s the perfect comfort food mashup—ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a game day snack. Packed with flavor and ready in minutes, this sandwich will become a family favorite.
Inspiration Behind BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese:
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese recipe is a creative twist on the classic grilled cheese, incorporating the smoky, tangy goodness of BBQ chicken. It’s a simple way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, transforming it into something truly mouthwatering. With its crispy edges and melty center, this sandwich is perfect for anyone craving a quick, satisfying meal with a BBQ twist.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- 2 slices of sourdough or your favorite sandwich bread: Provides a crispy and sturdy base.
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce: Adds smoky, tangy flavor to the chicken.
- 2-3 slices of cheddar cheese: For a rich, creamy melt.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For grilling the sandwich to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional): Helps achieve an extra crispy crust.
- 2 slices of pickles (optional): Adds a tangy contrast to the BBQ chicken.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
- In a small bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Assemble the Grilled Cheese:
- Butter one side of each slice of bread (or spread with mayonnaise for an extra crispy crust).
- On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, place a slice of cheddar cheese, then spread the BBQ chicken mixture on top.
- Add another slice of cheese over the BBQ chicken, and top with the second slice of bread (buttered side out).
- Grill the Sandwich:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Press down gently with a spatula for an even, crispy crust.
- Serve Hot:
- Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese:
- Use a Panini Press: For an evenly pressed and grilled sandwich, try using a panini press.
- Cheese Selection: For extra creaminess, mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Crispier Crust: Using mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread will create a crispier exterior.
Variations and Customizations:
- BBQ Ranch Grilled Cheese: Add a drizzle of ranch dressing for a creamy, tangy contrast to the BBQ chicken.
- Spicy BBQ Grilled Cheese: Mix some hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian BBQ Grilled Cheese: Substitute BBQ jackfruit for chicken to make a meatless version.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat bread and reduce the amount of cheese and butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
FAQ:
- Can I make this sandwich in advance?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture ahead of time and assemble the sandwich when ready to grill. - What’s the best cheese for a grilled cheese?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses work great for grilled cheese. - Can I use store-bought BBQ chicken?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought BBQ chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce.
bbq chicken grilled cheese
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese combines tender BBQ chicken with melty cheddar cheese and crispy bread for a comforting and delicious sandwich. It's quick, easy, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
BBQ Chicken
- 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
Garlic Butter Bread
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons parsley minced
- 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
Instructions
BBQ Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onions until soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shredded chicken, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce and bbq sauce. Stir to combine and cook until everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Garlic Butter Bread
- Add butter, garlic, and minced parsley in a medium bowl. Microwave until melted.
- Lay 12 slices of bread on work surface. Spread melted butter mixture over each piece.
- Turn each piece over and 6 of the bread slices with 6 of the cheese slices and the bbq chicken mixture, dividing evenly. Add the remaining cheese over the top of the chicken and top with the remaining 6 slices of bread (both the bottom and the top should have the buttered side exposed).
- Set buttered sandwiches in a large non-stick skillet. Place over medium heat and cook until the bottoms of the sandwiches are browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn sandwiches over, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the bottom is browned and the cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes longer.