This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese packs a punch! It’s made with tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese, all melted between two crispy pieces of bread.
It’s that perfect blend of sweet and savory that makes me smile! I love making this for a quick dinner. Just pair it with some fries, and you’ve got a winner! 🍗🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Choose your favorite! Sourdough adds a nice crunch, while whole wheat is a healthier option. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free bread.
Shredded Chicken: Leftover chicken is fantastic here. If you don’t have any, you can shred a rotisserie chicken for quick prep. Canned chicken works too in a pinch!
BBQ Sauce: A tangy sauce complements the chicken well. You can adjust the amount for your preferred flavor. For a different twist, try honey mustard or buffalo sauce.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella melts beautifully. You could also blend cheeses for a more complex flavor. Vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free option.
Butter: While butter provides a rich flavor, you can use olive oil or another cooking oil if you prefer a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grilled Cheese Crust?
To achieve a golden, crispy crust on your grilled cheese, the cooking technique is essential. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium heat to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
- Start with half the butter melted in the skillet before adding the first slice of bread.
- Don’t rush the process; cooking for 3-4 minutes per side lets the crust form nicely.
- If needed, add more butter when flipping to ensure both sides are evenly coated.
A little patience goes a long way, and you’ll end up with a perfectly crispy sandwich every time!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice: sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- ½ cup cooked shredded chicken
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a bowl, mix the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Make sure to stir it well so that the chicken is evenly coated with the delicious sauce!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add half of the butter to the skillet and let it melt. This will make your sandwich extra tasty!
3. Build the Sandwich:
Place one slice of bread in the skillet. On top of it, layer half of the shredded cheese. Then, spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Finally, top it off with the remaining cheese and place the second slice of bread on top.
4. Cook One Side:
Let the sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the bottom slice is golden brown and you can see the cheese starting to melt.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. If needed, add the remaining butter to the skillet before cooking the other side. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it’s golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Then, slice it up, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy your warm and delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred it and mix it with BBQ sauce as directed. It adds great flavor and saves you time on cooking the chicken.
What Kind of Cheese Works Best?
You can use any melting cheese you like! Cheddar and mozzarella are great choices, but feel free to mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky flavor. The key is to ensure it’s shredded for even melting.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the sandwich, just assemble and grill as directed!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Cheese?
If you have leftovers, wrap the grilled cheese sandwich in foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, just pop it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and the cheese is melty again!
