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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Looking for a sandwich that’s packed with bold flavors and guaranteed to hit the spot?
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is your answer! With juicy BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and perfectly crispy bread, this recipe takes the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level.
It’s quick, easy, and packed with all the flavors you crave – a true crowd-pleaser!
Ready in just 18 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy days or when you’re craving something delicious.
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Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
This BBQ chicken grilled cheese is one of those easy meals you’ll want to make again and again. It’s quick, filling, and packed with flavor!
The combination of BBQ chicken, melty cheese, pickled jalapeños, and crispy bread makes this sandwich so good. And since it only takes about 18 minutes to make, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
It’s also a great way to use leftover cooked chicken. Just shred it, mix it with the BBQ sauce, and you’re ready to make the sandwiches.
If you love easy comfort food, this one is definitely worth adding to your regular recipe rotation!
For BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese:
- Sourdough, Tiger, or Giraffe Bread – Thick slices are perfect for grilling and hold up well with the filling.
- Cooked Chicken (shredded) – Shredded chicken provides the tender, savory base for the BBQ flavor.
- BBQ Sauce – Adds sweetness, smokiness, and a bit of tang to the chicken. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese – Offers a sharper flavor contrast to the Monterey Jack.
- Red Onion – Adds a touch of sharpness and crunch to the sandwich.
- Pickled Jalapeños – For a bit of spice and tang. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Butter – For spreading on the bread to get that golden, crispy exterior.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Coriander/Cilantro – For a fresh, herbaceous touch.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
This sandwich comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1
Make the chicken mixture. Mix the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, diced jalapeños, and red onion in a medium bowl.
Step 2
Build the sandwiches. Place the bread in a large frying pan with the heat off. Butter the bread, then layer on the Monterey Jack, BBQ chicken mixture, and cheddar cheese.
Step 3
Cook. Place the second slice of bread on top and turn the heat to medium. Cook until the bread is golden and the cheese starts to melt.
Step 4
Flip. Carefully flip the sandwich and continue cooking until the second side is golden and crispy and the cheese is completely melted.
Step 5
Serve. Slice the sandwiches in half and serve while they’re hot and cheesy!
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Variations
You can easily switch up this sandwich depending on what you have on hand or how you like your grilled cheese.
- Make it spicy. Use Pepper Jack cheese or add a few extra pickled jalapeños for more heat.
- Add bacon. Crispy bacon is a delicious addition and goes really well with the BBQ chicken.
- Add cilantro. Fresh coriander/cilantro adds a little freshness to the rich cheese and BBQ chicken.
- Try different cheese. You can switch up the cheese and use another variety that melts well.
- Use leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and makes the sandwich come together even faster.
Expert Tips
Use thick bread. Sourdough, tiger, or giraffe bread works well because it holds up to the filling and gets nice and crispy.
Don’t turn the heat too high. Medium heat gives the cheese enough time to melt without burning the bread.
Butter the bread well. This is what gives the sandwich that golden, crispy outside.
Don’t overfill the sandwich. It can make the sandwich harder to flip and cause the filling to spill out.
Let the cheese melt. If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t melted yet, turn the heat down slightly and give it a little more time.
Be careful when flipping. These sandwiches are packed with filling, so use a large spatula and flip carefully.
Mistakes to Avoid
Using high heat. The bread can brown too quickly before the cheese has time to melt.
Using thin bread. Thin slices may not hold the BBQ chicken filling as well.
Adding too much BBQ sauce. The chicken should be coated in sauce, but you don’t want the mixture to become too wet.
Overfilling the sandwich. A little extra filling is tempting, but too much can make the sandwich difficult to flip.
Flipping too soon. Wait until the first side is golden and the cheese is starting to melt before flipping.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is best served right away while the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
If you have leftover BBQ chicken mixture, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be used to make another sandwich later.
I recommend making the sandwich fresh rather than storing the fully assembled sandwich. The bread will lose some of its crispiness as it sits.
If you do have a leftover cooked sandwich, store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in a frying pan over medium-low heat until warmed through. This helps bring some of the crispiness back.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is filling enough to serve on its own, but it also goes well with a simple side.
Serve it with a fresh salad, vegetables, or your favorite soup for an easy lunch or dinner.
You can also serve extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
For a casual meal, slice the sandwiches in half and serve them while they’re warm and cheesy. They make an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
If you loved this rceipe, you’ll want to try these reader-favorite recipes next!
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
They’re just as comforting, flavorful, and easy to make for any weeknight dinner.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large or 8 small thick slices of sourdough, tiger, or giraffe bread (UK)
- 2 packed cups (250g-300g) of cooked, shredded chicken (see notes)
- ⅔ cup (160g) BBQ sauce, or to taste
- 4 slices of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or your preferred second cheese)
- ¼ - ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, finely diced (adjust for spice level)
- Butter, for spreading on bread
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, diced jalapeños, and red onion. Set aside.
- Place two slices of bread in a large frying pan with the heat off. Butter one side of each slice, then flip them so the buttered side is facing down. Top one slice with two slices of Monterey Jack cheese, followed by half of the BBQ chicken mixture. Add two slices of cheddar cheese on top, then place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
- Turn on the heat to medium and cook the sandwich, flipping carefully once the first side is golden and the cheese begins to melt. Continue cooking until both sides are golden and crispy, with the cheese fully melted in the middle.
- If making large sandwiches, be cautious while flipping to prevent spilling the filling. Slice the sandwich in half and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, or cook your own by pan-frying seasoned chicken breasts (around 14 oz/400g). After frying both sides, add water or chicken stock, cover, and simmer for 8-12 minutes, until cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Choose any high-quality BBQ sauce you like, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. For extra flavor, try a specialty sauce, like Heinz Korean Style Sticky BBQ Sauce.
Nutrition
1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and add extra flavor to the sandwich. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce for a quick filling!
2. What bread works best for this recipe?
Go for thick slices of sourdough, tiger, or giraffe bread. These types of bread hold up well to the BBQ chicken filling and give that perfect crispy texture when grilled.
3. Can I make the chicken mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the sandwiches to make the process quicker.
4. How do I ensure the cheese melts properly without burning the bread?
Cook over medium heat and flip the sandwich carefully. If needed, reduce the heat slightly to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread. This way, you’ll get that perfect golden crust!
5. What can I add to make the sandwich even more flavorful?
Feel free to get creative! Add crispy bacon, fresh cilantro, or caramelized onions to amp up the flavor. You can also switch up the cheese varieties to suit your tastes.
