This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic! With tender chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, and melty cheese, it’s sure to please everyone.
If you’re like me, you’ll love how easy this is to whip up when you’re craving comfort food. Pair it with some crunchy chips for an extra treat—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Choose your favorite type like sourdough for a tangy bite, or whole grain for added nutrition. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free bread, and make sure to check any brand’s ingredients to ensure they meet your needs.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a hassle-free option. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if that’s what you have on hand. For a vegetarian twist, try using shredded jackfruit or a meat substitute.
BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is key for flavor. If you don’t have BBQ sauce, try mixing ketchup with a little honey and vinegar or using a store-bought sauce you really like. For a spicy kick, incorporate some hot sauce!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but a mix with cheddar gives extra flavor. You could also use pepper jack for spice or a dairy-free cheese if you want a non-dairy option.
Butter: A good spread is essential for a golden crust. If you need a healthier option, try using olive oil instead of butter for cooking, but keep in mind it may not give the same richness.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Grilled Cheese Texture?
Getting that perfect grilled cheese requires a little patience and technique. A good golden crust and melted cheese are key to pleasure in every bite.
- Always butter the outside of the bread generously to help it brown evenly. Soften the butter for easy spreading.
- Cook on medium heat. This prevents the bread from burning while ensuring the cheese melts inside.
- Keep an eye on it! Flip when one side is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 3-4 minutes.
- If you find the cheese is melting too slowly, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to help it along.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, e.g., sourdough, white, or whole grain)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend with cheddar for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened, for spreading)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 8 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 18 minutes to have this delicious sandwich ready to enjoy. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the BBQ Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is completely coated. Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences!
2. Prepare the Skillet:
Place a non-stick skillet on the stove and heat it over medium heat. While the skillet heats up, take your softened butter and spread it generously on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Once the skillet is hot, place one slice of bread in the skillet, buttered side down. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the bread, followed by an even layer of your BBQ chicken mixture. Top the chicken with the remaining mozzarella cheese, then place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
4. Grill to Perfection:
Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Gently flip the sandwich over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it turns golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Slice the sandwich in half if you like, and sprinkle with fresh parsley to garnish. Serve it warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your tasty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce as instructed. It adds great flavor and saves you time on cooking the chicken from scratch!
What Type of Bread Works Best for Grilled Cheese?
You can use any type of bread you like, but thicker slices such as sourdough or whole grain tend to hold up better with the filling. If you prefer a classic taste, white bread also works well! Just ensure it’s sturdy enough for grilling.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Also, make sure to use a dairy-free butter for spreading. The BBQ sauce you choose should also be dairy-free, so always check the label!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or pop it in a toaster oven for that fresh, grilled effect!
