This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic. It combines juicy chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese all melted between crispy bread. Yum!
When I make this, I can’t resist taking a big, cheesy bite right away! It’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Just don’t forget the napkins—things can get a bit messy! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. It’s quick and already cooked! If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute with shredded jackfruit or a hearty meat alternative.
BBQ Sauce: This adds flavor, so pick your favorite! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a low-sugar BBQ sauce or make your own using tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. It’s quite simple!
Bread: I recommend using sourdough for its sturdy texture and flavor, but regular white bread works too. If gluten-free, there are great gluten-free bread options available today.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar blend nicely together; however, feel free to swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick. Or try gouda for a smoky flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Grilled Cheese is Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that crispy, golden crust is key to a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. Start by buttering the bread generously. Don’t skimp here!
- Heat your skillet over medium heat; too high will burn the bread before the cheese melts.
- Cook uncovered; this allows the steam to escape so the bread stays crispy.
- Keep an eye on it! After 3-4 minutes, when the first side looks golden, carefully flip it using a spatula.
- Make sure the cheese is melted before serving. It should ooze out when you take a bite!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 slices of bread (white or sourdough)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 7-8 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 20 minutes to enjoy a delicious twist on a classic sandwich!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken and BBQ Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and pour in the BBQ sauce. Stir well to make sure all the chicken is coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This will give the chicken a tasty flavor!
2. Prepare Your Skillet:
Place a skillet on the stove and heat it over medium heat. While the skillet is warming up, butter one side of each slice of bread. This will help make your sandwich nice and crispy!
3. Build the Sandwich:
When the skillet is ready, take one slice of bread and put it in the skillet, buttered side down. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the bread. Then, add a generous scoop of your BBQ chicken mixture on top of the cheese, followed by the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Finally, place another slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
4. Cooking the Sandwich:
Cook the sandwich in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt a bit. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula, so it doesn’t fall apart. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until it’s golden and all the cheese is melted!
5. Slice and Serve:
Once cooked, take the sandwich out of the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Then, slice it in half for easy eating. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your warm and delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar create a great flavor combo, feel free to mix it up. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, and gouda will lend a creamy richness. Just ensure the cheese melts well for that gooey grilled cheese experience!
What Can I Substitute for Cooked Chicken?
If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, you can use roasted vegetables or even canned chickpeas mixed with BBQ sauce for a hearty filling.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the sandwiches, just assemble and grill them as instructed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, wrap your sandwich tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through for the best texture.
