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This BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich transforms an ordinary comfort food into something extraordinary. The combination of smoky-sweet BBQ sauce with tender shredded chicken and melty cheese creates a sandwich that's both familiar and exciting.
I created this recipe one night when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a craving for something comforting yet exciting. My family now requests these sandwiches weekly, and they've become our go-to quick dinner when time is tight but we still want something delicious.
Ingredients
- Shredded chicken creates the perfect protein base and absorbs all the BBQ sauce flavors
- BBQ sauce brings that sweet and smoky element that makes this sandwich special
- Sourdough bread provides a sturdy structure with a slight tang that balances the sweet BBQ
- Cheddar cheese offers sharp flavor while melting beautifully
- Red onion adds a slight crunch and sweet bite that cuts through the richness
- Butter creates that perfect golden crust that makes grilled cheese irresistible
- Optional jalapeños and cilantro bring freshness and heat for those who enjoy a kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ chicken mixture
- Combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl, stirring thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is coated. The chicken should be moist and flavorful but not swimming in sauce. This mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days for even more developed flavor.
- Assemble the sandwiches
- Begin with your bread slices laid out on a clean work surface. Layer in this specific order cheese slice, BBQ chicken mixture, red onion slices, and second cheese slice before topping with remaining bread. This cheese on both sides method creates a seal that prevents the BBQ sauce from making the bread soggy.
- Butter the exteriors
- Apply room temperature butter in a thin, even layer across the outside of each sandwich. Ensure complete coverage all the way to the edges for that perfect golden crust. The butter should be soft enough to spread without tearing the bread.
- Grill to golden perfection
- Cook sandwiches in a preheated skillet over medium heat, applying gentle pressure with a spatula occasionally to ensure even contact with the pan. Watch carefully for that perfect golden brown color, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Flip carefully using a spatula that supports the entire sandwich.
- Rest before serving
- Allow sandwiches to rest for about one minute after cooking. This brief rest helps the melted cheese set slightly so it doesn't immediately ooze out when you cut the sandwich, resulting in a neater eating experience.
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The real secret to this sandwich is finding the right BBQ sauce. I personally love using a slightly sweet Kansas City style BBQ sauce with smoky undertones. My family has a tradition of trying a different local BBQ sauce with each batch of sandwiches, which has become a fun way to explore flavors from across the country without leaving our kitchen.
Make-Ahead Options
These sandwiches can be partially prepared in advance to make weeknight cooking even easier. Prepare the BBQ chicken mixture up to two days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can even assemble the complete sandwiches without buttering them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before cooking. Just bring them close to room temperature before grilling for the best results.
Smart Substitutions
If you need to adjust this recipe based on what you have available, there are several easy swaps that work beautifully. Turkey works wonderfully in place of chicken. Brioche or Texas toast can substitute for sourdough if you prefer a different texture. For a lighter version, use a cooking spray instead of butter on the bread exterior. Plant based cheese alternatives can work, though they may not melt quite as smoothly as traditional cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this sandwich into a complete meal by pairing it with complementary sides. A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich. For a heartier meal, serve with sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup for dipping. To elevate the presentation for guests, cut sandwiches into quarters and serve as appetizers with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
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Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for BBQ chicken grilled cheese?
Sourdough bread is recommended for BBQ chicken grilled cheese as it has a sturdy texture that holds up well to the saucy filling and develops a beautiful golden crust when grilled. Other excellent options include Texas toast, brioche, or artisanal white bread. Avoid very soft breads that might become soggy from the BBQ sauce.
- → Can I make BBQ chicken grilled cheese ahead of time?
While the assembled sandwiches are best made fresh for optimal crispness, you can prepare the BBQ chicken filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply assemble and grill the sandwiches. This makes weeknight dinner prep much quicker.
- → What sides pair well with BBQ chicken grilled cheese?
BBQ chicken grilled cheese pairs beautifully with classic sides like potato chips, pickle spears, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve with sweet potato fries, tomato soup, or corn on the cob. The crisp, fresh sides balance the rich, savory sandwich perfectly.
- → How can I make this sandwich less messy to eat?
To make BBQ chicken grilled cheese less messy, let the sandwiches rest for 2-3 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly. Also, avoid overfilling with BBQ chicken, drain any excess sauce from the chicken mixture, and make sure to seal the edges well when assembling. Using sturdier bread also helps contain the filling.
- → Can I use a panini press instead of a skillet?
Yes, a panini press works excellently for making BBQ chicken grilled cheese! Preheat your press, assemble the sandwiches with buttered exterior bread slices, and grill until golden brown with gooey melted cheese inside. The press creates beautiful grill marks and ensures even cooking, typically in about 4-5 minutes total.
- → How can I make this sandwich spicier?
To add heat to your BBQ chicken grilled cheese, try using spicy BBQ sauce, adding pickled jalapeños or fresh sliced jalapeños, incorporating pepper jack cheese instead of or alongside the cheddar, sprinkling red pepper flakes into the chicken mixture, or adding a few dashes of hot sauce. You can adjust the heat level to your preference.