This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a tasty twist on a classic favorite! It combines tender, juicy chicken with gooey cheese and a hint of tangy barbecue sauce, all nestled between two slices of crispy bread.
Honestly, what’s not to love? If you’re like me, you’ll be tempted to eat the whole thing in one go—just make sure to have some napkins handy! 😄 I love pairing it with a side of chips for the perfect lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I love using sourdough for its tangy flavor and crispy crust, but you can choose any bread you like. White, whole wheat, or even gluten-free varieties all work well.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. If you have leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken, those make excellent substitutes too.
Barbecue Sauce: Go for your favorite brand; the flavor really makes this dish! Have a homemade barbecued sauce? That’s even better! In a pinch, you could use a spicy or sweet sauce for a twist.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives this grilled cheese its gooey texture. Feel free to mix in cheddar or pepper jack for a flavor boost. Just keep the total cheese amount around 1 cup.
Butter: Butter adds richness and helps brown the bread. If you want to reduce dairy, olive oil is a good alternative, while vegan butter works great too!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Golden Brown Grilled Cheese?
Getting that golden brown, crispy crust is key for a grilled cheese sandwich. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat. Too high, and the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
- Butter both sides if you want extra richness. Just remember, don’t skimp on the butter for that delicious flavor!
- Cook one side for 3-5 minutes until golden before flipping. A spatula helps you check without disturbing the sandwich.
- If the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, you can cover the skillet for a minute to trap heat.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, e.g., sourdough or white)
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. So, in roughly 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture:
Start by taking a medium bowl and combining the cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Use a spoon to mix it well, making sure all the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce. This will be the flavorful filling for your sandwich!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt and become bubbly, which will add that yummy flavor to your grilled cheese.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Now, lay one slice of your chosen bread in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the bread. Then, scoop the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, spreading it evenly to cover it all. Top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finally, place the other slice of bread on top to complete your sandwich.
4. Grill the Sandwich:
Cook the sandwich until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula. If you like, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet to help achieve that golden crust on the second side.
5. Finish Cooking:
Continue to cook the other side until it’s golden brown and the cheese is melted, which should also take about another 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once both sides are perfectly toasted and the cheese is melty, carefully remove the sandwich from the skillet. Slice it in half for easy eating, and if you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough and white bread work wonderfully, you can use whole grain, rye, or even gluten-free bread to cater to your taste or dietary needs. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the filling, so avoid overly soft or crumbly varieties.
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella or prefer something different, you can substitute with cheddar, gouda, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just keep in mind that the flavor and meltability may vary, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
To store leftovers, wrap the sandwich in foil or place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat to prevent the bread from getting too crispy while ensuring the cheese melts back into gooey goodness.
Can I Make This Sandwich with Pre-Packaged Rotisserie Chicken?
Definitely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken from the rotisserie and mix it with barbecue sauce as directed. It saves time and adds extra flavor!
