This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese brings a tasty twist to a classic favorite! It combines juicy BBQ chicken with gooey cheese, all grilled to golden perfection!
Who knew a grilled cheese could be this exciting? I love making this for a quick lunch or dinner. Just toss in your favorite toppings, and you’re ready to impress! 🧀🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I recommend using sourdough or brioche for their rich flavors and nice textures. If you prefer something lighter, feel free to use white or whole wheat bread instead. Gluten-free bread works too if you have dietary restrictions!
Chicken: Shredded chicken is key for this sandwich. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s already cooked and packed with flavor. If you have leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken, those will work well too.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor. I like a tangy sauce, but if you prefer sweet or spicy, go for it! You can also make your own sauce if you want to get creative!
Cheese: A combo of mozzarella and sharp cheddar gives a great balance of creaminess and flavor. If you want a little kick, add pepper jack cheese, or for a milder taste, try Monterey Jack. Vegan cheese is a good alternative for a plant-based option.
Butter: Butter is fantastic for grilling the bread, giving it that golden crust. If you want a healthier option, try using olive oil or vegan butter!
How Do You Grill a Perfect Grilled Cheese?
Grilling cheese sandwiches to perfection takes a bit of attention. The goal is a crispy, golden crust and melted cheese inside. Here are the steps:
- Heat your skillet on medium—this ensures even cooking without burning the bread.
- Butter one side of the bread generously; this helps it crisp up nicely. Avoid skimping on the butter!
- Once the first side is in the skillet, layer your cheese carefully; this helps prevent it from slipping out when flipping the sandwich.
- Cook until you see golden brown color; check after 4-5 minutes. Patience is key here to let those flavors meld together.
- When flipping, use a spatula to help lift the sandwich; this makes it easier and avoids any mishaps!
Letting the sandwich cool for a minute before slicing allows the cheese to set a little, making it easier to eat!
Delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, preferably sourdough or brioche)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner. Just gather your ingredients, mix the chicken, and grill – it’s that simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until the chicken is well coated. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet over medium heat to warm it up. While the skillet is heating, take the butter and spread it evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This will give it that nice golden brown color while grilling!
3. Assemble the First Layer:
Once your skillet is nice and warm, place one slice of bread buttered side down in the skillet. Then, layer half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese right on top of the bread. Yum!
4. Add the BBQ Chicken:
Now, spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the layer of cheese in the skillet. This is where all the deliciousness comes together!
5. Finish with More Cheese:
Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up. You want it to be nice and cozy!
6. Grill to Perfection:
Cook the sandwich for about 4-5 minutes or until the bottom slice is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula to toast the other side for another 4-5 minutes, until it’s golden brown and the cheese is melting.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once both sides are toasted and the cheese is all melty and gooey, take the sandwich out of the skillet. Let it cool for a minute and then slice it in half.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve it warm and enjoy your delicious, cheesy BBQ chicken treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. You can also use pulled pork or turkey as an alternative. Just ensure the meat is cooked and shredded for the best texture!
What Bread Works Best for This Sandwich?
Sourdough and brioche are fantastic choices for their flavor and texture, but you could also use whole grain, white, or even gluten-free bread if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different breads may toast differently!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix the BBQ chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to grill, just assemble the sandwich and cook as directed. You can also assemble it and then refrigerate it, but be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for even heat distribution.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, a skillet is best to maintain that crispy texture—just warm it on low heat until heated through. Avoid the microwave as it can make the bread soggy!
