This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic! It’s made with tender BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy bread that’s grilled to perfection.
You won’t believe how tasty this sandwich is! It’s like a BBQ party in each bite. I love enjoying it with a side of crispy fries. Yum! 🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken works best here. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or any leftover chicken you have. If you’re vegetarian, try a meat alternative like shredded jackfruit for a similar texture.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you prefer a healthier option, there are low-sugar BBQ sauces available. You can also make your own by mixing ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that lovely stretchy cheese effect, but feel free to mix in other cheeses you like! Monterey Jack or gouda can work too. If you’re lactose intolerant, look for lactose-free cheese options that melt well.
Bread: Sourdough and Texas toast are tasty choices. However, if you want a lighter option, consider whole grain or even gluten-free bread if you’re watching your diet. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings!
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Grilled Cheese?
Grilling cheese sandwiches to perfection can be tricky, but with a few neat tips, you can do it! The key is balancing heat and time.
- Start heating your skillet on medium to avoid burning the bread while waiting for the cheese to melt.
- Butter the bread generously; it helps achieve a crispy exterior. Don’t skimp here!
- Keep an eye on your cooking time—3-4 minutes per side should get you that golden brown look.
- When flipping, use a spatula to support the sandwich to prevent everything from spilling out.
Let the grilled cheese cool slightly before cutting to keep the cheese from oozing out. Enjoy your delicious creation!
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (your choice, e.g., sourdough or Texas toast)
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Garnish (optional):
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 8 minutes of cooking time. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
Start by combining the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Mix it well until all the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce. This mix is what makes your grilled cheese full of flavor!
2. Preheat the Skillet:
Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat to warm it up. This is where you’ll be making your sandwiches, so you want it nice and hot for that perfect crust!
3. Butter the Bread:
Take the butter and spread it on one side of each slice of bread. You want that buttery goodness on the outside for a golden finish. Now, lay down two slices of bread in the skillet with the buttered sides facing down.
4. Build the Sandwich:
On each slice of bread in the skillet, pile on a generous amount of your BBQ chicken mixture. Then, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Don’t hold back on the cheese; it makes everything better!
5. Add the Top Slice:
Now, place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side facing up. This helps to make the top crust deliciously crispy.
6. Cook the Sandwiches:
Let the sandwiches cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the bottom side to be golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwiches over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it’s golden and the cheese is all melty. Yum!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are cooked, take the sandwiches out of the skillet and let them cool for a minute. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a bit of color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the grilled cheese in half, serve warm, and enjoy every cheesy, BBQ-flavored bite of your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce as you would with cooked chicken. It will add extra flavor and save you time!
What Type of Bread Works Best?
You can use any bread you like! Sourdough and Texas toast are great choices for their sturdiness and flavor, but feel free to try whole wheat, rye, or even gluten-free options if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different breads may cook at varying rates!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Cheese?
If you have leftovers, let the sandwiches cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use the skillet on low heat to maintain their crispy texture, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your BBQ chicken filling. You can add sautéed onions, pickles, or jalapeños for an extra kick. Just be careful not to overfill the sandwiches, as this can make flipping them tricky!
