This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic sandwich! Packed with tender chicken and melty cheese, all brought together with a tangy BBQ sauce, it’s sure to please.
Honestly, what’s better than cheese dripping from a toasty bread? Plus, you can easily whip this up for lunch or a quick dinner. Just don’t forget to share… or maybe not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Choose your favorite bread like sourdough or brioche for a tasty base. Whole grain or gluten-free bread can also work well if you prefer a healthier or gluten-free option.
Shredded Chicken: This calls for cooked chicken, which is great for using leftovers. If you don’t have chicken, shredded rotisserie or even a plant-based chicken substitute can be fantastic for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: The flavor of the BBQ sauce is key. You can use your favorite brand or even make homemade sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. For a healthier choice, opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and cheddar create a nice melty mix. Feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little kick, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Butter: Butter adds richness to the grilled cheese. If you want a healthier option, consider using olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for spreading.
How Do I Get My Grilled Cheese Perfectly Golden?
The key to a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich is the cooking technique. Start by cooking on medium heat to avoid burning while still allowing the cheese to melt. Here’s how:
- Butter one side of each bread slice generously for that crispy texture.
- Add the first slice butter-side down, layer with cheese and the BBQ chicken mixture, then top with more cheese.
- Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. If it’s browning too fast, reduce the heat.
- Press down slightly to help the cheese melt and stick together.
- Let it cool for a minute before slicing to keep everything intact.
Remember, patience is key! Don’t rush it, and you’ll love the delicious results.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, such as sourdough or brioche)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook! You’ll be enjoying your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese in no time. Just a few simple steps, and it’s ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in BBQ sauce. This will be the tasty filling for your sandwich!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet on the stove and set the heat to medium. Give it a minute to warm up, which will make your sandwich nice and crispy.
3. Butter the Bread:
Take the butter and spread it on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the bread get a lovely golden color as it cooks.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
Put one slice of bread in the skillet, butter-side down. Then, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the bread. Follow this by adding the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese on top. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
5. Cook the Sandwich:
Let the sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown. Then, carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula.
6. Finish Cooking:
Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Press down gently on the sandwich with the spatula to help the cheese melt nicely. The second side should also be golden brown when done!
7. Serve:
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. This will make it easier to slice. Cut it in half and if you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese! It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick meal or snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If mozzarella and cheddar aren’t your favorites, feel free to swap them out with other melty cheeses like provolone, gouda, or pepper jack, which will add a nice kick. Just make sure to stick with cheeses that melt well to ensure that gooey texture you want!
How Can I Use Leftover Chicken or BBQ Sauce?
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any BBQ sauce you have on hand! Just shred the cooked chicken and mix it with your BBQ sauce before layering it into the sandwich. You can adjust the amount based on how saucy you like your grilled cheese!
What Bread Works Best for This Recipe?
You can use any bread you love, but thicker slices like sourdough or brioche work best, as they hold up well and give a nice crispy outside while keeping the inside gooey. If you prefer something lighter, whole wheat or sandwich bread will also work just fine!
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the BBQ chicken mixture and assemble the sandwich ahead of time! Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. To reheat, just give it a quick toast in the skillet on low heat, ensuring that the cheese melts without burning the bread. Enjoy your delicious and quick meal!
