This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic favorite! With tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and melty cheese all packed between crispy bread, it’s a tasty treat.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! I often whip this up for lunch, and the gooey cheese makes it feel like a party in your mouth. Perfect for sharing or just enjoying all by yourself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: You can use any bread you like! White and sourdough are great, but whole grain bread or ciabatta also work well. Just choose what you enjoy the most to make your grilled cheese special.
Chicken: Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver. If you’re looking for a healthier option, grilled chicken breast works fine. You can also try canned chicken if you’re in a pinch!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor. If you’re looking for something a bit different, try using teriyaki sauce or a homemade BBQ sauce. Just be aware of the sweetness level.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar are a classic combo, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, and gouda melts beautifully too. Use what you have on hand!
Butter: While the recipe calls for butter, you could substitute it with olive oil or non-dairy spreads if you prefer. Just keep that nice golden color in mind!
How Do I Ensure My Grilled Cheese Is Perfectly Golden Brown?
Getting that beautiful golden-brown crust is all about control! Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Preheat your skillet on medium heat. If it’s too hot, the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
- Melt butter in the skillet and make sure it’s bubbly. You want the bread to soak in that buttery goodness.
- Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side. If you’re worried about burning, you can cover the skillet with a lid for the first few minutes to help melt the cheese.
- If you find it’s browning too quickly, lower the heat. Patience will reward you with perfectly crispy bread and melty cheese!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a lunch or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture:
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce until everything is well combined. If you’d like, sprinkle in a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Set this mixture aside while you get everything else ready.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely, coating the bottom of the skillet.
3. Assemble Your Sandwich:
Put one slice of bread in the skillet. On top of that, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese layer, and then add the rest of the cheese on top before placing the second slice of bread to close the sandwich.
4. Cook the Sandwich:
Let the sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich over to cook the other side. If you wish, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet at this point for extra flavor.
5. Finish Cooking:
Cook the flipped sandwich for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and both sides have that lovely golden color.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the sandwich from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Use a knife to slice it in half, and garnish with some chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! You can use any bread you like, such as whole wheat, rye, or even gluten-free options. Just keep in mind that different breads may alter the texture slightly, but they’ll still taste great!
What if I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No worries! You can use canned chicken or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just shred it and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed. If you’re really short on time, shredded deli chicken works too!
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble the sandwich, just grate your cheese and follow the cooking instructions. It’ll save you some time!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or pop it in the toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.
