Why Make This Recipe

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. It combines the savory flavors of BBQ chicken with the creamy goodness of melted cheese, all nestled between two crispy slices of bread. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a late-night snack. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also comes together quickly, making it a brilliant option for busy days.

Whether you are a BBQ lover or simply enjoy cheesy goodness, this grilled cheese recipe will surely satisfy your cravings. It’s adaptable too, allowing you to tweak it to meet your tastes and dietary needs. Let’s delve into how you can whip up this delicious sandwich right at home!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

BBQ sauce
Cooked chicken, shredded
Havarti cheese, sliced
Sourdough bread, sliced
Garlic butter

Directions:

Preheat the Skillet: Begin by preheating a skillet over medium heat. This step is important because a properly heated skillet ensures that your grilled cheese cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown color.
Prepare the Bread: Take your sourdough bread slices and generously spread garlic butter on one side of each slice. The garlic butter not only adds flavor but also helps create a crispy outer layer when you cook the sandwich.
Layer the Filling: Once your bread is prepared, position the slices in the skillet with the unbuttered side facing up. On one slice, add a layer of shredded BBQ chicken. Make sure to evenly distribute the chicken so every bite has delicious flavor.
Add the Cheese: Next, layer the havarti cheese on top of the BBQ chicken. Havarti melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy BBQ.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place another slice of sourdough bread on top, buttered side facing out. This will be the top of your sandwich.
Cook the Sandwich: Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown. Make sure to watch it closely—you want the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
Finish and Serve: Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted, carefully remove the sandwich from the skillet. Slice it in half and serve it while warm. Enjoy the gooey, deliciousness!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is best served fresh from the skillet. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crispy potato chips for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of pickles or coleslaw for an extra crunch. For a dipping option, consider offering a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing on the side. This enhances the flavor and adds a fun element to your meal.

How to Store BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe!), you can store your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the sandwich is fully cooled before placing it in the container to maintain its flavor and reduce sogginess. It’s best to consume it within 1-2 days for optimal taste and freshness.

When you’re ready to reheat, you can place the sandwich back on a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or pop it in the toaster oven for a crispy finish.

Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Choose Quality Ingredients: The quality of your bread and cheese significantly impacts the taste. Opt for fresh sourdough and good-quality havarti cheese for the best results.
Experiment with BBQ Sauces: There are countless BBQ sauce flavors and styles available. Try different sauces like honey BBQ, smoky BBQ, or spicy variants to mix up the flavor profile.
Customize the Fillings: Feel free to add extra ingredients such as caramelized onions, jalapeños for spice, or even avocado slices for creaminess.
Adjust Cooking Temperature: If your skillet is too hot, the bread may burn before the cheese melts. Don’t hesitate to adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking.
Serve with a Twist: Give your grilled cheese a fun twist by adding some apple slices for a sweet crunch, or a handful of spinach for added nutrients.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few variations to consider:

Vegetarian Option: Swap out the shredded chicken for grilled veggies, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Combine with BBQ sauce for a flavorful vegetarian sandwich.
Different Cheeses: If you can’t find havarti, other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack work well too. Each cheese brings a unique flavor and texture.
Add Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, switch out the BBQ sauce for a spicy variant or add hot sauce into the chicken mixture.
Make it Breakfast-Style: Incorporate scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top of the chicken filling for a hearty breakfast grilled cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

It is best to use cooked chicken for this recipe. If you have raw chicken, you’ll need to cook it first by grilling, baking, or boiling.

2. Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?

Yes, you can! However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to freeze before cooking. Assemble the sandwich without cooking it, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your cooking time.

3. What can I serve with BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?

Great side options include chips, a fresh side salad, coleslaw, or pickles. You can also enjoy it with a warm bowl of tomato soup for a classic pairing.

4. How do I ensure the cheese melts perfectly?

Make sure the heat is set on medium, and give the sandwich enough time to cook on each side. Pressing down gently with a spatula can help with even melting.

5. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough adds great flavor and texture, you can use any bread you like. Whole grain, rye, or even brioche are all fantastic options that can change the flavor of the sandwich.

The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun, tasty meal that anyone can whip up in their kitchen. With its easy preparation steps and room for customization, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Enjoy!

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Print Recipe

A delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring BBQ chicken, melted havarti cheese, and crispy sourdough bread.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

BBQ sauce
Cooked chicken, shredded
Havarti cheese, sliced
Sourdough bread, sliced
Garlic butter

Instructions

Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
Prepare the sourdough bread by spreading garlic butter on one side of each slice.
Layer the shredded BBQ chicken on one slice of bread, with the unbuttered side facing up.
Add the havarti cheese on top of the BBQ chicken.
Assemble the sandwich by topping it with another slice of sourdough, buttered side facing out.
Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Finish by removing the sandwich from the skillet, slicing it in half, and serving warm.

Notes

Best served fresh with sides like salad or chips. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: grilled cheese, BBQ chicken, comfort food, quick lunch