Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: A Hearty Sandwich Recipe

Comfort meets bold flavor in this mouthwatering bbq chicken grilled cheese sandwich that promises to redefine your lunch game.

Crispy bread, melted cheese, and smoky pulled chicken create an irresistible combination that sparks instant hunger.

Juicy meat gets tossed with tangy sauce, then nestled between golden-brown slices of perfectly toasted bread.

Gooey cheese melts into every delicious crevice, adding richness to each incredible bite.

Sharp cheddar provides a delightful contrast against sweet and spicy barbecue notes.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a quick and satisfying meal that takes minimal effort.

Hungry?

This sandwich waits to become your new favorite go-to lunch solution.

FAQs on BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap Havarti with cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the BBQ chicken flavor.

• Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. The recipe uses smoked paprika for depth, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want more heat.

• Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Prepare the BBQ chicken mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and grill the sandwiches just before serving to maintain the crispy bread texture.

• What can I do with leftover BBQ chicken?

Use the leftover BBQ chicken in salads, wraps, tacos, or as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s a versatile filling that works in many dishes.

Why BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Is a Crowd Pleaser

• Transform Comfort Food: Elevate the classic grilled cheese by adding tangy BBQ chicken, creating a mouthwatering twist that turns an ordinary sandwich into a flavor-packed meal.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Prepare the entire dish using just a skillet, minimizing cleanup and making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Craving: Swap ingredients easily by using different cheeses, changing BBQ sauce flavors, or adding extra toppings like crispy bacon or fresh coleslaw to match your personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for casual gatherings, game day events, or quick weeknight dinners where you want something satisfying that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar yet exciting flavor profile.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Chicken: Shredded meat seasoned with smoky and tangy flavors for the sandwich filling.

• Havarti Cheese: Soft and melty cheese that provides creamy texture and rich flavor.

• Bread Slices: Sturdy white bread that serves as the foundation of the grilled sandwich.

• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that adds signature barbecue flavor to the chicken.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the chicken mixture.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky and slightly spicy seasoning to enhance the chicken.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide savory base notes and aromatic depth to the chicken mixture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a light, clean flavor to the garlic butter.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing onions and preventing sticking.
• Butter, Garlic: Create a flavorful garlic butter for coating the bread's exterior.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Sizzle Onions and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a delicious aroma.

Step 2: Create Tangy Chicken Mixture

• Smoked paprika
• Worcestershire sauce
• BBQ sauce

Stir everything together and let the mixture warm through for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the flavors blend perfectly.

Step 3: Whip Up Garlic Butter

• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley

Microwave briefly to create a smooth, fragrant spread.

Step 4: Build Flavor-Packed Sandwiches

• Havarti cheese
• BBQ chicken mixture
• Another slice of Havarti cheese

Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Place sandwiches in a preheated non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bottom turns a beautiful golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwiches and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and the second side becomes equally golden.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool slightly, then slice diagonally. Serve warm and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of tangy BBQ chicken and melted cheese.

Pro Tips for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts for consistent, tender texture that absorbs BBQ sauce evenly.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer BBQ chicken mixture briefly to thicken sauce and prevent soggy sandwich bread during grilling.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Place cheese directly on bread before adding chicken to help it melt smoothly and create a barrier preventing bread from getting wet.
• Balance Butter Application: Spread garlic butter thinly and evenly to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without greasy residue.
• Low and Slow Grilling: Reduce heat after initial browning to allow cheese to melt completely while preventing bread from burning.

Variation Ideas for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Vegetarian BBQ Jackfruit Grilled Cheese: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit, using the same BBQ sauce and spice blend for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Grilled Cheese: Swap BBQ sauce with chipotle sauce, add pepper jack cheese, and mix in diced green chiles for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free, maintaining the same cooking technique and ingredient proportions.
• Mediterranean Fusion Grilled Cheese: Substitute chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, add roasted red peppers, and use za'atar seasoning instead of smoked paprika for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Pairing Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Crisp Coleslaw Companion: Prepare a tangy, crunchy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to cut through the rich, cheesy sandwich and provide refreshing contrast.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that complements the smoky BBQ flavors and stands up to the sandwich's robust cheese and chicken profile.
• Cool Dipping Delight: Whip up a zesty ranch or chipotle aioli for dipping, enhancing the sandwich's southwestern barbecue notes and adding an extra layer of creamy excitement.
• Pickle Side Kick: Serve quick-pickled vegetables or classic dill pickle spears to introduce a bright, acidic element that balances the sandwich's hearty richness.

Storage Advice for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Transfer leftover BBQ chicken grilled cheese to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Carefully wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, allowing the cheese to melt and bread to crisp without burning.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 21-24 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich brings together smoky, tangy flavors that dance on your palate. Melted cheese and tender chicken nestled between golden, crispy bread promise a mouthwatering experience you won’t soon forget.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups shredded roasted chicken
• 12 slices sourdough bread
• 12 slices Havarti cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Aromatics and Butter:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 small red onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Caramelize onions in olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes until softened, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
2. Introduce shredded chicken into the skillet, incorporating smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly and simmer for 2-3 minutes until ingredients are heated and well-integrated.
3. Prepare garlic butter by blending melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley until smooth and fragrant.
4. Arrange bread slices and generously spread garlic butter on one side of each piece. On unbuttered sides, layer Havarti cheese, top with warm BBQ chicken mixture, and complete with another cheese slice.
5. Preheat non-stick skillet to medium heat. Carefully place assembled sandwiches in pan, grilling for 3-4 minutes until bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low, flip sandwiches, and continue cooking 3-4 minutes until second side achieves similar golden color and cheese melts completely.
7. Transfer grilled sandwiches to cutting board, allow brief cooling, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

• Customize BBQ sauce intensity by adjusting the amount to suit personal taste preferences.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra convenience during preparation.
• Achieve crispy golden exterior by using cast iron skillet or ensuring even medium heat distribution while grilling sandwiches.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 11-14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 825 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 1080 mg
• Fat: 52 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg