This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic sandwich! With juicy chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a treat every bite.
You won’t believe how good it is when the cheese melts perfectly with the flavors of BBQ. I love making this for a quick lunch or game day snack. Yum! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Choose your favorite bread; thick slices of sourdough or whole wheat give a delicious crunch. If you’re avoiding gluten, gluten-free bread can work just as well.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for this recipe. You can substitute with leftover turkey or even use canned chicken for a quick option!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to give it that tasty kick! If you want a healthier twist, consider homemade or low-sugar BBQ sauce. You can even use hot sauce if that’s more your style.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives gooeyness, while cheddar adds sharpness. Feel free to mix it up with pepper jack for a spicy kick or use dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for more control over saltiness. If you’re looking for a healthier fat, olive oil can be a great substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Grilled Cheese is Perfectly Golden Brown?
Getting that golden crust on your grilled cheese is key! Here are some tips to master this step:
- Always preheat your skillet on medium heat; this ensures even cooking.
- Use enough butter (or oil) to coat the skillet lightly, but don’t drown the bread.
- Press the sandwich down gently after adding the top slice. This helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Monitor closely as cooking times can vary; look for a golden color before flipping!
Let the sandwich cool for a minute after cooking. This helps the melted cheese set just enough to slice without spilling out too much. Enjoy your BBQ chicken grilled cheese!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy sandwich ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is completely coated in the sauce. Taste it and add salt and pepper to your liking. This will be the flavorful filling for your sandwich!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt and spread it evenly across the pan. This will help your bread get nice and crispy!
3. Build Your Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, then add all the BBQ chicken mixture. Spread it out evenly. Next, add the remaining mozzarella cheese followed by the cheddar cheese. Finally, top it off with the second slice of bread. Gently press down to help everything stick together.
4. Cook Until Golden:
Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip the sandwich over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it’s also browned and the cheese is melted. Be patient—this is what makes it delicious!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once both sides are golden and the cheese is gooey, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for about a minute. Slice in half, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot. Enjoy your awesome BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar work wonderfully together, feel free to mix it up. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, or you could use gouda for a smoky flavor. Just keep the total amount of cheese to about 1.5 cups for the best melt!
What Kind of Bread Works Best?
You can use any bread you like! Sourdough or whole grain bread provides great flavor and texture, but white or even a brioche will give you a nice, buttery taste. Just choose a bread that can hold up to the filling without getting soggy.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the sandwich, just assemble and cook as directed!
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
If you have any leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, which will help keep the bread crispy!
