This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic! It features juicy chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and lots of gooey cheese all melted between crispy bread. Yum!
Every bite is a flavor party that warms your soul. I love making this for a quick dinner. Pair it with some chips, and you’re all set for a tasty treat! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: You can use any bread you like! I often go for sourdough for its great texture and taste, but white, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread also work well.
Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver for this recipe. If you’re short on time or need a vegetarian option, shredded jackfruit can be a tasty alternative.
BBQ Sauce: A tangy BBQ sauce adds flavor, but feel free to use a sugar-free or homemade version if that fits your dietary needs. You can also experiment with different flavor profiles, like chipotle or honey BBQ.
Cheese: While mozzarella is delicious for its melting qualities, mixing in cheddar or pepper jack can give an extra flavor kick. Go with what you prefer!
Fresh Parsley: This is optional but adds a nice fresh touch. If you don’t have parsley, cilantro or green onions could provide similar brightness.
How Do I Make Sure My Grilled Cheese Gets Extra Melty?
You want your cheese to melt just right while keeping the bread golden and crispy. There are a few handy tricks for that perfect grilled cheese.
- Use medium heat. Too high and the bread may burn while the cheese stays firm.
- Preheat your skillet before adding the sandwich. This helps the first side start cooking evenly.
- Cover the skillet with a lid while grilling. This helps trap heat and encourages the cheese to melt faster.
Follow these steps, and your grilled cheese should come out gooey and delicious every time!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, such as sourdough or white)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. This will add a delicious flavor to your sandwich!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat to warm it up. This will help in grilling the sandwich perfectly!
3. Butter the Bread:
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Buttering the bread will give it that golden brown, crispy texture once grilled.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
Take one slice of bread and place it butter-side down on the heated skillet. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on the bread. Then, layer the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
5. Grill the Sandwich:
Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Be patient; the aroma will be incredible!
6. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the sandwich over and grill the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden brown crust and fully melted cheese.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked to perfection, remove the sandwich from the skillet and slice it in half. If you like, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, BBQ-flavored bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different bread types like whole wheat, rye, or even a hearty ciabatta. Just keep in mind that the grilling time may vary based on the thickness of the bread, so adjust accordingly for a perfect brown crust.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie turkey, pulled pork, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Just mix them with the BBQ sauce as you would with chicken to maintain that delicious flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use a skillet over low heat, flipping gently to crisp the bread without burning it.
Can I Make This Grilled Cheese Without BBQ Sauce?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of BBQ sauce, you can use a different sauce like buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, or even a creamy ranch dressing for a milder flavor. Just adjust the amount to suit your taste!
