This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a tasty twist on a classic! It combines juicy BBQ chicken with melted cheese, all sandwiched between perfectly toasted bread. Yum!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want this melty goodness in their lunch? I love adding a side of chips for crunch while I enjoy every cheesy bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken is key to this recipe. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover roast chicken. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or shredded jackfruit are great substitutes to mimic the texture.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor. Sweet, tangy, or smoky options work well. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider using a sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own by mixing tomato sauce with vinegar and spices.
Bread: Sourdough or Texas toast gives a nice texture, but you can swap in whole wheat or gluten-free bread for a healthier or dietary-friendly option. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar provide great meltiness. Feel free to mix it up with gouda or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. Dairy-free cheese alternatives can work if you need a lactose-free option.
Butter: Butter adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy crust. For a healthier option, use olive oil or avocado oil, but use slightly less than the butter called for.
How Do I Get My Grilled Cheese Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, follow these simple tips:
- Use medium heat instead of high to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. Let each side cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Add butter to the skillet for extra flavor, and make sure it melts before placing in the bread.
- If you like, add a little sprinkle of garlic powder on the butter for an extra flavor boost!
Letting your sandwich rest for a minute before slicing helps keep the melty cheese inside instead of spilling out when cut. Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken grilled cheese!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 4 slices of bread (preferably sourdough or Texas toast)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll be enjoying your delicious sandwich in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the BBQ Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated with that tasty BBQ flavor. It should be nice and saucy!
2. Heat Your Skillet:
Place a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, ensuring the pan is nice and warm for cooking.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Lay 2 slices of bread in the skillet. Top each slice with half of the BBQ chicken mixture, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Next, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese on top of the chicken. Then, add the other slices of bread on top to complete your sandwiches.
4. Cook the First Side:
Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slices become golden brown and crispy. Using a spatula, gently flip each sandwich over to cook the other side.
5. Cook the Second Side:
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet while the sandwiches are flipped. Let it melt and cook the other side until it’s golden brown, and the cheese is melted, which should take another 3-4 minutes.
6. Slice and Serve:
Once finished, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute to avoid burns. Slice each sandwich in half, and if you’d like, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar work great together for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for some heat, or gouda for a smoky flavor. Just keep the total amount of cheese around 2 cups for the best gooey results!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked shredded jackfruit or a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers and onions. Add your favorite BBQ sauce to keep the flavor profile intact!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, covering the pan to allow the cheese to melt while the bread crisps up again.
Can I Prepare the Chicken Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can! Combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the sandwiches. Just give it a good mix before using to ensure everything is well-coated!
