This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic sandwich! It’s packed with tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all between crispy buttery bread.
You can’t go wrong with this tasty treat, especially on a lazy afternoon. I love serving it with a side of crunchy pickles—it’s like a party in my mouth! 🥳
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: You can use sourdough or Texas toast. However, any bread you have on hand works well—try whole grain or even a gluten-free option!
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you’re in a rush. Canned chicken or even cooked tofu can be good substitutes for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: There’s a wide variety of BBQ sauces out there. Use your favorite! If you want a different taste, try a hot sauce or teriyaki sauce instead.
Cheese: Mozzarella is creamy and melty, but you can mix it up with other cheeses like gouda or provolone. If you want a kick, pepper jack cheese is a fun choice!
Butter: While butter gives a rich flavor to grilled cheese, you can substitute with olive oil or even margarine if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How Can I Ensure My Grilled Cheese Is Perfectly Golden Brown?
Getting that perfect golden crust requires attention to temperature and technique. Start with a medium heat to slowly melt the cheese without burning the bread.
- Butter one side of the bread generously. This helps it brown nicely and adds flavor.
- Use a skillet or griddle that conducts heat well—cast iron is a good choice.
- Watch the sandwich as it cooks. If it browns too quickly, reduce the heat.
- When flipping, use a spatula to ensure everything stays in place and flips neatly.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, e.g., sourdough or Texas toast)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’re looking at around 20 minutes to enjoy this delicious sandwich!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
In a bowl, take your shredded chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce until it’s all well combined. Set this tasty mixture aside; it will be the star of your sandwich!
2. Heat Your Skillet:
Put a skillet on the stove over medium heat. This will help your sandwich get nice and crispy.
3. Butter the Bread:
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will make your sandwich golden and delicious while it cooks. Place one slice of bread butter-side down into the hot skillet.
4. Layer the Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the bread in the skillet. This cheesy layer will help keep everything together.
5. Add the BBQ Chicken:
Spread your BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the layer of cheese. Make sure to cover it well so every bite has that tasty BBQ flavor!
6. Finish with More Cheese and the Top Slice:
Add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken to ensure it’s super cheesy. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
7. Cook the First Side:
Let your sandwich cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, which will take about 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
8. Flip and Cook the Other Side:
Carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula, and continue cooking until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted—this should take another 4-5 minutes.
9. Slice and Serve:
Once both sides are perfectly toasted, remove your sandwich from the skillet. Let it cool slightly, then slice it in half.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese hot and enjoy every cheesy, BBQ bite!
## FAQ Section for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce as directed. It adds amazing flavor and cuts down on prep time!
What Bread Works Best for Grilled Cheese?
You can use any bread you like! Sourdough or Texas toast give a nice crunch and flavor, but feel free to try whole wheat, white bread, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings!
Can I Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with a hearty veggie option, like grilled vegetables or black beans mixed with BBQ sauce. You could also try using pulled jackfruit for a similar texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover grilled cheese sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat, or in the oven for a few minutes, to help retain that crispy texture!
