Print

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich. Featuring tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy toasted bread, this versatile recipe is perfect for quick lunches, satisfying dinners, or crowd-pleasing snacks. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it brings together smoky, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, your favorite variety
  • 4 thick slices sturdy bread (white, sourdough, or gluten-free if preferred)
  • 4 to 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese or cheese blend
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened for spreading

Optional Extras

  • Red onions, thinly sliced
  • Pickles, sliced
  • Jalapeños, sliced for added spice
  • Grilled bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms
  • Smoked paprika or chipotle powder for smoky twist

Instructions

  1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cooked shredded or chopped chicken with BBQ sauce until it is evenly coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful and tangy.
  2. Assemble the Sandwich: Lay two slices of bread flat. On one slice, pile a generous amount of BBQ-coated chicken, then cover evenly with a thick layer of cheese. Add any optional extras as desired. Top with the second slice of bread to close the sandwich.
  3. Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on the outer sides of both bread slices. This step is essential for achieving a golden, crispy crust when grilling.
  4. Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly to help the sandwich compact and the cheese melt. Grill until the bread is toasted golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  5. Serve Warm: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for about a minute to prevent fillings from spilling. Slice and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crispy.

Notes

  • Use thick, sturdy bread to prevent sogginess and hold the filling well.
  • Grill on medium to low heat to allow cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
  • Avoid overfilling the sandwich with chicken and sauce to keep it neat and balanced.
  • Preheat your skillet to ensure even toasting and crispiness.
  • Let the sandwich rest a minute after grilling to let fillings set before slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, grilled cheese, sandwich, comfort food, easy recipe, quick lunch, dinner, snack, melted cheese, toasted bread