This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a tasty twist on a classic! It’s packed with juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce, all grilled to perfection between crispy bread.
Who can resist melty cheese and smoky BBQ flavors? I love this sandwich for lunch or a quick dinner. Don’t forget to serve with extra napkins—things might get a bit messy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: You can use any bread you love! Sourdough adds a nice tanginess, while whole wheat gives you more fiber. If you want gluten-free, look for your favorite gluten-free bread option.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! If you don’t have any, leftover cooked chicken or turkey works too. For a vegetarian option, try using shredded jackfruit or mushrooms instead.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you’re trying to cut sugar, look for low-sugar varieties or make your own with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. For a twist, a spicy sauce can give a nice kick!
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect for that melty goodness! However, feel free to swap it for cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor. Mixing different kinds adds a nice depth!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley is great for a fresh pop. If you don’t have it, try chives or cilantro for different taste profiles.
How Can I Get My Grilled Cheese Extra Crunchy?
To achieve that perfect crispy grilled cheese, follow these tips:
- Use enough butter! Ensure the skillet and bread are well-coated. Butter adds flavor and helps achieve that golden color.
- Cook on medium heat. This gives the bread time to get crunchy without burning.
- Don’t rush flipping. Wait until the first side is golden before turning—this will keep all that cheesy goodness intact!
- Try pressing down slightly with your spatula. This helps the cheese melt evenly and ensures a nice seal between the bread slices.
Following these tips will give you a wonderfully crunchy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh herbs (like parsley) for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese will take about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and tasty meal or snack that you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Mix it all together until the chicken is well-coated in the sauce. This will give your sandwich lots of tasty flavor!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a non-stick skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely. This will help make your sandwich nice and crispy.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Once the butter is melted, place one slice of bread in the skillet. On top of that slice, layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, add the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finally, add the second slice of bread on top, pressing down gently to hold everything together.
4. Cook the First Side:
Let the sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. Pour the remaining tablespoon of butter into the skillet. This will keep the second side just as crispy! Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is nice and melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing it in half. If you’d like, you can garnish with fresh herbs to make it look even better. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is great for melting, you can also use cheddar, pepper jack, or a combination of your favorites for more flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the taste slightly, so pick one that pairs well with BBQ sauce!
What if I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No worries! You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken. Just make sure to shred it before mixing with the BBQ sauce. If you prefer, you can also substitute with cooked beef or pulled pork for a different twist!
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches
If you have any leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over low heat to crisp up the bread again.
Can I Make This Sandwich Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free bread, and you’ll still enjoy all the flavors without the gluten. Make sure to check the BBQ sauce as well for any hidden gluten ingredients!
