This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich. It combines juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese for a yummy meal!
You can take this to a whole new level by dipping it in ranch dressing. Trust me, it’s a game changer! I love making it for a quick dinner and enjoying every cheesy bite! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I love using sourdough for its tangy flavor, but Texas toast is a great choice for extra thickness. If you’re looking for something lighter, whole grain or gluten-free bread can also work well.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to. It’s super convenient and full of flavor. If you prefer, you can use leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey!
BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different kinds of BBQ sauce! A sweet variety balances well with the cheese, while a spicy one can add a kick. Honey BBQ is my favorite, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Cheese: I recommend a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a nice stretch and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you could use Monterey Jack or gouda for a different taste.
Butter: Butter adds a rich flavor and helps achieve that golden crust. You could use olive oil or a non-dairy butter alternative if you prefer.
How Can I Make Sure My Grilled Cheese Is Crispy and Cheesy?
Getting that perfect grilled cheese can be tricky, but a few tips can make a big difference! The key is to cook slowly at medium heat. This allows the bread to toast without burning, while the cheese melts perfectly.
- Always spread butter evenly on the bread to ensure a consistent golden crust.
- Layer cheese on both sides of the chicken for maximum melty goodness.
- Don’t rush the cooking process—give it 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- If your cheese isn’t melting as fast as you’d like, you can cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to trap heat.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, such as sourdough or Texas toast)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 10 minutes to cook, for a total of about 20 minutes. Just a quick and delicious sandwich perfect for a tasty lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Mix it well until the chicken is nicely coated. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste—you want that flavor to shine!
2. Butter the Bread:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, spread 1 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will make it nice and crispy when cooking.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on the hot skillet. Start layering! Add half of the shredded cheese on top of the bread, then spoon on the BBQ chicken mixture. Top it off with the remaining cheese.
4. Cook the Sandwich:
Cover the sandwich with the second slice of bread, making sure the buttered side is facing up. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, watching for that golden brown color on the bottom. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes, until it’s crispy and the cheese is all melty.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, take the sandwich out of the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. Slice it in half and serve warm, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping if you like!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar work wonderfully together, you can switch them up. Try gouda for a smoky flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just ensure the cheese melts well for that perfect gooeyness!
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can use a mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, a spicy buffalo sauce can give it a nice kick, keeping the dish deliciously flavorful.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until the outside is crispy again and the cheese melts.
Can I Make This Recipe with Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred the chicken, mix it with the BBQ sauce, and you’re ready to go! This can also be a good way to use up leftover chicken from another meal.
