BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken with creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled between crispy, garlicky bread. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these sandwiches are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Mixture
• For the Sandwiches
• How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Step 1: Prepare the Filling
• Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
• Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• With a Side Salad
• Accompanied by Sweet Potato Fries
• Served with Pickles
• Paired with Coleslaw
• Enjoyed with Tomato Soup
• How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Reheating BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different cheeses in my BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
• What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
• How do I make my BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich more spicy?
• Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these sandwiches in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ chicken and melted cheese creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Versatile Meal: Great for lunch, dinner, or even entertaining guests at a weekend barbecue.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun and hearty dish.
• Comfort Food Classic: A delicious way to elevate your grilled cheese game.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: Essential for achieving that perfect golden crust on the bread while allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
• Spatula: Helps you flip the sandwiches without making a mess, ensuring even cooking on both sides.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, (thinly sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic, (minced)
• 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

For the Sandwiches

• 12 slices Havarti cheese
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, (minced)
• 2 teaspoons parsley, (minced)
• 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Add olive oil and heat up.
2. Sauté red onion until translucent (about 3 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Mix well and cook until heated through.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. On the unbuttered side, place two slices of Havarti cheese.
3. Spoon some BBQ chicken mixture onto one slice and top with another slice of cheese.
4. Close the sandwich with another slice of buttered bread on top.

Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place sandwiches in the skillet (buttered side down).
3. Cook until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Flip carefully using a spatula and cook until the other side is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Step 4: Serve

Once cooked, remove from skillet and let cool for a minute before slicing in half. Garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches warm!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are delicious and versatile. They can be paired with various sides and drinks for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

With a Side Salad

• A light mixed greens salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the sandwich. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for extra crunch.

Accompanied by Sweet Potato Fries

• Crispy sweet potato fries are a great complement. Their natural sweetness enhances the BBQ flavors while providing a satisfying crunch.

Served with Pickles

• Tangy pickles cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken. They offer a refreshing contrast and are easy to prepare.

Paired with Coleslaw

• Creamy coleslaw brings a nice texture and tanginess. It’s perfect for adding a crunchy element that pairs well with the sandwich.

Enjoyed with Tomato Soup

• Dipping your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese into warm tomato soup is comfort food at its finest. The soup’s acidity balances the sandwich’s savory flavors.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

To make the best BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich, pay attention to these simple tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance flavor significantly compared to older or frozen options.
• Choose high-quality cheese: Havarti melts beautifully, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
• Toast your bread: Lightly toasting your bread before assembling makes it crispier and helps prevent sogginess from the BBQ sauce.
• Control heat carefully: Cook on medium heat to ensure even melting without burning the bread. This allows for perfect golden color.
• Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to add spices or herbs, like smoked paprika or fresh basil, to elevate your sandwich.
• Serve immediately: Enjoying your sandwich right after cooking keeps it hot and melty, ensuring the best experience.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Potato Chips: Crunchy chips provide an extra texture contrast that’s hard to resist.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit mix offers sweetness and balance, making it a light addition to your meal.
3. Vegetable Sticks: Carrot and celery sticks add crunch and freshness, making them a healthy choice alongside your sandwich.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors; grill or boil it for an easy side.
5. Baked Beans: Rich and savory baked beans complement the sandwich’s taste while adding heartiness to your meal.
6. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is filling and delicious, providing another layer of comfort food alongside your sandwich.
7. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a unique flavor that contrasts nicely with the grilled cheese.
8. Garlic Bread: For true cheese lovers, garlic bread can serve as an indulgent side that complements all those savory flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Neglecting the Bread Choice: Using the wrong type of bread can lead to a soggy or burnt sandwich. Opt for sturdy options like sourdough or thick white bread that can hold the filling well.

• Overcooking the Chicken: If you cook the chicken too long, it can dry out. Use pre-cooked roasted chicken and just warm it through in your pan.

• Skipping the Seasoning: Not seasoning your BBQ chicken mixture can result in bland flavors. Be sure to add spices like paprika and Worcestershire sauce for an extra flavor boost.

• Not Using Enough Cheese: A grilled cheese sandwich should be cheesy! Don’t skimp on the Havarti cheese; make sure each sandwich has enough for a gooey melt.

• Failing to Butter Properly: Skipping butter or garlic butter on the outside of the bread can affect crispiness. Generously spread a mixture of butter and minced garlic for a delightful flavor and crunch.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Wrap sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for freezing.
• These sandwiches can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, until heated thoroughly.

• Microwave: Place a sandwich on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 1 minute, checking every 20 seconds to avoid sogginess.

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, adding extra butter if desired for crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches that might help you out!

Can I use different cheeses in my BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great alternatives that also melt well.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Shredded roasted chicken works best because it adds flavor without needing additional cooking time. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken as well.

How do I make my BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich more spicy?

To add spice, mix chopped jalapeños into the BBQ chicken mixture or use spicy BBQ sauce instead of regular sauce.

Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just remember to keep them wrapped properly.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various cheeses and toppings based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving them at dinner or enjoying them as a quick lunch, they bring joy and comfort to any meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, cheesy delight!