Name: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 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; 12 slices Havarti cheese; ¼ cup butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons parsley, minced; 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic hug, a flavor explosion, and a testament to the simple joy of comfort food elevated. Imagin extracte this: tender, smoky shredded chicken, infused with your favorite tangy barbecue sauce, generously layered between slices of golden-brown, perfectly grilled bread. This isn’t your average grilled cheese. It’s a gourmet twist on a childhood favorite, mergin extractg the savory satisfaction of barbecue with the irresistible gooeyness of melted cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a leisurely weekend lunch, or even a fun backyard gathering. The symphony of textures – the crisp exterior, the soft interior, the tender chicken, and the stretchy cheese – is what makes this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich so utterly irresistible. Get ready to fall in love with this elevated classic!

Ingredients:

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

12 slices Havarti cheese

¼ cup butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons parsley, minced

12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

Get ready to experience grilled cheese like never before! This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes a classic comfort food and elevates it with smoky, savory flavors. Imagin extracte tender shredded chicken, tossed in a tangy BBQ sauce, nestled between gooey, melted Havarti cheese and perfectly toasted sourdough. It’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make and utterly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer if you cut them into smaller portions. The combination of sweet, smoky, and cheesy is truly irresistible.

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

Let’s start by creating the heart of our sandwich: the flavorful BBQ chicken. This step is crucial for infusing that delicious smoky essence that defines this dish.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced red onion. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and starting to caramelize. We want them to be tender and sweet, not burnt.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can lend a bitter taste to your filling, so keep a close eye on it.

Stir in the shredded roasted chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavors of the spices. The paprika will add a subtle smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue.

Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring it won’t make our sandwiches too soggy. You’re looking for a rich, saucy consistency that will hold its form within the sandwich. If it seems too thin, you can let it simmer a little longer; if it seems too dry, a splash more BBQ sauce can be added.

Assembling and Grilling the Sandwiches

Now for the fun part – assembling these flavor-packed sandwiches and grilling them to golden perfection. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a truly spectacular meal.

While the chicken mixture is simmering, prepare your garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic and minced parsley. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated. This herbed garlic butter is going to give our sourdough bread that irresistible crispy, buttery exterior and a hint of garlicky goodness.

Lay out your 12 slices of sourdough bread on a clean surface. Generously spread the prepared garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is the side that will be facing outwards as we grill the sandwiches, so be sure to get an even coating for consistent browning.

Now, it’s time to build these beauties. On the unbuttered side of 6 of the bread slices, layer 3 slices of Havarti cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese; it’s the glue that holds everything together and provides that essential gooey factor! Next, spoon a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese-covered bread slices. Aim for a good amount of chicken, but don’t overstuff it to the point where it’s difficult to close the sandwich.

Top the chicken mixture with another 3 slices of Havarti cheese. Finally, place the remaining 6 bread slices, butter-side up, on top to complete the sandwiches. You should now have 6 beautifully constructed BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwiches, ready for their transformation.

Heat a large griddle or non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Once the griddle is heated, carefully place the sandwiches onto it. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is completely melted and gooey. Press down gently with a spatula occasionally to ensure even cooking and optimal cheese melt. The key to a perfectly grilled cheese is to cook it low and slow, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat.

Serve these magnificent BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches immediately. They are best enjoyed hot, with that irresistible pull of melted cheese and the savory aroma of BBQ chicken. You can pair them with a simple side salad, some crispy fries, or even some coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is an absolute winner for a reason! It’s the perfect fusion of smoky, sweet BBQ chicken and the comforting, gooey cheesiness of a classic grilled cheese. The crispy, golden-brown bread cradles a delicious filling that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a fantastic option for your next cookout. I truly believe this recipe offers a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more.

For serving, consider pairing it with a crisp coleslaw to balance the richness, or a side of sweet potato fries for an extra treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheddar for Monterey Jack or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich your own! Give it a try; I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.

FAQs:

What kind of bread works best for this sandwich?

A sturdy, slightly thicker bread like sourdough, challah, or even a good quality country loaf holds up beautifully to the filling and grilling process. Avoid very soft, thin breads that might get soggy.

Can I make the BBQ chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pre-cooking your shredded BBQ chicken is a fantastic way to save time, especially on busy evenings. It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and reheats perfectly.

What if I don’t have a grill pan?

No worries at all! You can achieve that perfect crispy exterior using a regular skillet over medium heat. Just ensure you butter your bread evenly and cook each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A delicious and savory grilled cheese sandwich packed with BBQ chicken and melted Havarti cheese.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 2
Add the shredded roasted chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine. Pour in the BBQ sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is well coated and heated through.
Step 3
While the chicken simmers, butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Mix the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic and minced parsley into the softened butter, if desired, for extra flavor.
Step 4
Place half of the bread slices, butter-side down, in a clean skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Layer 2 slices of Havarti cheese on each bread slice.
Step 5
Spoon a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture onto the cheese. Top with another slice of Havarti cheese.
Step 6
Place the remaining bread slices, butter-side up, on top of the sandwiches. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Easy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe