If you are looking for a delightfully gooey, smoky, and comforting treat, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender, saucy shredded chicken with melted cheddar cheese, all hugged by crispy buttery bread, balancing savory and tangy flavors in every bite. Whether you want a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this sandwich brings simple ingredients together in an irresistibly satisfying way that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in crafting the perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe. Each brings its own magic—from richness to zest to crunch—mixing textures and flavors that make this sandwich shine.
- Bread (2 slices): Go for a sturdy, thick bread that crisps well and holds all the fillings without getting soggy.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): This ensures the bread toasts up golden and crispy, adding rich flavor.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (1/2 cup): A great source of protein and the wonderful base for that BBQ goodness.
- BBQ sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a smoky, tangy kick that makes the grilled cheese unforgettable.
- Cheddar cheese slices (2 slices): Melts beautifully, offering creamy sharpness that complements the BBQ chicken.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4 cup): Brings a subtle crunch and a touch of pungency to balance the richness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve a perfectly golden and slightly crisp skillet toast.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Start by warming up your skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes—this preheating ensures the sandwich cooks evenly and develops that perfect crust.
Step 2: Butter Your Bread
Spread one tablespoon of butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This buttery layer is key to achieving that golden, crispy texture on the outside.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Place the buttered side of one bread slice down on a clean surface—it’s the foundation for your BBQ chicken filling and cheeses to come.
Step 4: Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce
In a bowl, toss your shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce, making sure every bit is covered in that smoky, tangy flavor that defines this recipe.
Step 5: Spread the BBQ Chicken
Now layer the BBQ-coated chicken evenly over the bread, spreading it all the way to the edges so every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Add Cheddar Cheese
Lay down the cheddar slices across the chicken. This cheese melts into a luscious, gooey layer that perfectly complements the BBQ’s boldness.
Step 7: Top with Red Onions
Scatter the thinly sliced red onions on top of the cheese evenly to introduce a mild crunch and a hint of sharpness that cuts through the richness.
Step 8: Close the Sandwich
Cover your masterpiece with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing up, locking in all those layers of deliciousness.
Step 9: Oil the Skillet
Swirl a tablespoon of olive oil in your preheated skillet. This helps the bread toast crispily without sticking and adds a subtle fruity depth to the crust.
Step 10: Cook One Side
Place the sandwich in the pan and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until that bottom bread is perfectly golden brown and crunchy.
Step 11: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Gently flip the sandwich, cooking for another 3-4 minutes so both sides achieve that crispy texture and the cheese inside melts into ooey-gooey perfection.
Step 12: Remove and Rest
Take the grilled cheese out of the skillet and place it on a cutting board, giving it a minute to rest so the filling settles and won’t spill out when you slice it.
Step 13: Slice and Serve
Cut the sandwich in half and get ready to indulge in every cheesy, smoky, crunchy bite of your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro or a few slices of jalapeño on top for extra color and a spicy zing that amplifies the BBQ flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh coleslaw. The crunch and brightness from sides balance the richness of the grilled cheese, making your meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or serving it with a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dipping—fun and finger-friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days to enjoy the flavors and textures at their freshest.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, ungrilled sandwich by wrapping it tightly in freezer-safe paper. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then grill fresh for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy, melty magic, reheat your sandwich in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This method revives the golden crust and warms the filling evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor and meltability, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda to add a unique twist to your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe.
What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?
No problem! You can quickly poach, roast, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken to get the shredded chicken needed for this recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?
You can swap the chicken for hearty grilled mushrooms or jackfruit and pair them with BBQ sauce and cheese for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still hits the same comfort notes.
How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe?
The spice level depends on the BBQ sauce you choose—mild sauces are sweet and smoky, while spicy ones add a kick. Customize it to your heat preference!
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time and cook it later?
Yes! Assemble the sandwich completely, wrap it tight, and refrigerate it up to a day before cooking. This makes it easy to prepare in advance and grill fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is one of those comforting dishes you will want to make again and again. It’s quick, simple, and utterly satisfying, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the perfect balance of melted cheese, smoky chicken, and crispy bread in every bite!
Print
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich combining tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce with melted cheddar, crispy buttered bread, and a hint of red onion for added crunch and flavor, all cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 2 slices bread
- 2 tablespoons butter
Filling
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes to prepare for cooking the sandwich.
- Butter the bread: Spread one tablespoon of butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
- Prepare base bread slice: Place one slice of bread butter-side down on a clean surface as the sandwich base.
- Mix chicken and BBQ sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until the chicken is fully coated for a flavorful filling.
- Assemble chicken layer: Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the bread, covering the entire surface to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Add cheese: Lay two slices of cheddar cheese over the BBQ chicken, ensuring full coverage to achieve a melty, cheesy texture.
- Add onions: Distribute the thinly sliced red onions on top of the cheese evenly for a subtle crunch and sweetness.
- Top with second bread slice: Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing upwards to crisp while cooking.
- Prepare skillet for cooking: Pour the olive oil into the preheated skillet and swirl around to coat the bottom for even cooking and added flavor.
- Cook first side: Carefully place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and cook second side: Gently flip the sandwich with a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Remove and rest: Take the sandwich out of the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board to rest for one minute to help keep the filling intact.
- Slice and serve: Slice the sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately while warm to enjoy the gooey, flavorful BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken that’s either leftover or quickly grilled/boiled before shredding.
- Choose your favorite BBQ sauce variety for different flavor profiles—smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy.
- Butter the bread generously to ensure a crisp, golden crust and avoid sogginess.
- Resting the sandwich for a minute before slicing prevents filling from spilling out.
- Red onion can be omitted or substituted with caramelized onions for a sweeter taste.
