This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic! It’s got juicy chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese all melted together between crispy bread. Yum!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this tasty sandwich! Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Plus, you can sneak some extra BBQ sauce in there, just because! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Choose your favorite, like sourdough for a hint of tang, sandwich bread for simplicity, or brioche for sweetness. If gluten-free is your need, try gluten-free bread, just ensure it’s sturdy enough for grilling.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this quick. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch. For a vegetarian option, try jackfruit or sautéed mushrooms.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or make it at home! For a tangier flavor, you can swap with a vinegar-based sauce. If you’re watching sugar intake, look for sugar-free BBQ or use hot sauce for a kick.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness, but feel free to mix in cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor. Dairy-free cheese options are available if you prefer a plant-based alternative.
Fresh Parsley: This is mainly for garnish, so if you don’t have parsley, try chives or cilantro for a different herb taste. They add a fresh touch to your sandwich!
How Do I Get My Grilled Cheese Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy outer layer is all about the butter and heat. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Use softened butter for easy spreading on the bread; it coats better and prevents tearing.
- Preheat your skillet well before cooking. A hot pan creates that immediate sizzle needed for a golden crust.
- Flip the sandwich carefully. Use a spatula and let it cook undisturbed to form a crust. Don’t rush it!
- If you prefer, you can add a light sprinkle of garlic powder to the butter before spreading for an extra flavor boost.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice: sourdough, sandwich bread, or brioche)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that brings together the delicious flavors of BBQ chicken and cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix it up well so the chicken is completely coated with the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavor.
2. Get Your Skillet Ready:
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. It’s important to have the right temperature so your sandwich cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy.
3. Butter the Bread:
Take your softened butter and spread it on one side of each slice of bread. This will help give your sandwich that golden brown color and delicious flavor when it’s cooked!
4. Build the Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet. On top of it, layer half of the mozzarella cheese. Then, add the BBQ chicken mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it out evenly. Finish it off by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
5. Top and Cook:
Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom of the sandwich is golden brown and you can see the cheese beginning to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula to cook the other side.
6. Finish Cooking:
Cook the flipped side for another 4-5 minutes until it’s golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If you want, you can lower the heat to let the cheese melt completely without burning the bread.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. This will make it easier to slice. If you like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is great for its meltiness, you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for extra flavor. Just remember to keep a total of around 1 cup of cheese for the best melting results!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese With Leftover Chicken?
Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe! Just shred it and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed. It’s a quick way to enjoy this sandwich without any extra cooking time!
Can I Cook This Sandwich in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Assemble the sandwich on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method is great for making multiple sandwiches at once!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover grilled cheese, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through and crispy again.
