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

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich – are you ready for a flavor explosion that redefines comfort food? We’re talking about a harmonious marriage of smoky, tangy BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly grilled, buttery bread. It’s a dish that sparks pure joy, a culinary hug that banishes any bad day. This isn’t just another sandwich; it’s an experience. Think of the irresistible pull of perfectly charred chicken mingling with the rich, savory embrace of cheese, all encased in that golden-brown crust. It’s the ultimate upgrade to your grilled cheese routine, a delightful mashup that elevates humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Get ready to dive into a sandwich that will have you coming back for more, a true testament to the magic that happens when BBQ meets grilled cheese.

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 elevate your sandwich game! We’re about to dive into the creation of a BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, a symphony of smoky, sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite. This isn’t your average grilled cheese; we’re packing it with flavor, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and the sheer comfort it brings. Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or just looking for a seriously satisfying meal, this sandwich is your ticket to deliciousness. We’ll be building layers of flavor, starting with a quick and easy BBQ chicken filling, and then marrying it with perfectly golden, crispy grilled bread and gooey Havarti cheese.

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

The heart of our sandwich starts with creating a flavorful BBQ chicken mixture. This is where we build our smoky foundation.

Begin extract by heating the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your thinly sliced red onion. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it begin extracts to soften and turn translucent. We want them tender and slightly sweet, not burnt.

Next, add the first batch of minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste, so a gentle sauté is key here.

Now, it’s time to introduce the shredded roasted chicken to the skillet. Stir it in with the onions and garlic, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle in the paprika and the Worcestershire sauce. The paprika will add a subtle smoky depth, while the Worcestershire sauce brings a touch of umami and tang that complements the chicken beautifully. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb those initial flavors.

Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir it through the chicken mixture. Lower the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. You want a sticky, well-coated chicken mixture that’s bursting with BBQ flavor. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed – maybe a pinch more paprika or a dash more Worcestershire if you prefer. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. This is your incredible BBQ chicken filling.

Assembling and Grilling the Sandwiches

With our delicious BBQ chicken filling ready, it’s time to assemble and grill these beauties to golden perfection. We’re going for that irresistible crisp exterior and molten, cheesy interior.

Now, let’s prepare the garlic butter for our bread. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, the remaining minced garlic, and the minced parsley. Mix it all together until it’s well incorporated. This garlic-parsley butter will be our secret weapon for achieving that incredibly flavorful and crispy grilled bread.

Lay out your 12 slices of sourdough bread (or your sturdy white bread of choice). Generously spread the garlic-parsley butter on one side of each slice. This is the side that will make contact with the hot skillet, so don’t be shy with the butter!

On the unbuttered side of 6 of the bread slices, begin extract assembling your sandwiches. Place 2 slices of Havarti cheese on each of these slices. Then, spoon a generous portion of your prepared BBQ chicken filling over the cheese, distributing it evenly. Don’t overstuff, or it will become difficult to manage during grilling. Top each sandwich with another 2 slices of Havarti cheese. Finally, place the remaining 6 bread slices, butter-side up, on top of the cheese and chicken. You should now have 6 beautifully layered sandwiches ready for grilling.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. It’s important to use medium-low heat to ensure the bread toasts to a perfect golden brown and the cheese melts completely without burning the exterior. Carefully place 2-3 sandwiches in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is deeply golden brown and crispy, and the Havarti cheese is gloriously melted and oozing out the sides. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is irresistibly gooey.

Once grilled to perfection, carefully remove the sandwiches from the skillet. You can place them on a cutting board and slice them in half diagonally, if you like. This makes them easier to handle and allows you to admire that beautiful cross-section of melted cheese and savory BBQ chicken. Serve immediately and prepare for a flavor explosion! These sandwiches are best enjoyed piping hot, when the cheese is at its gooeyest and the bread is at its crispiest. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a recipe for the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! This isn’t just any grilled cheese; it’s a flavour explosion that combines the comforting ooey-gooeyness of melted cheese with the smoky, tangy goodness of barbecue chicken. It’s incredibly satisfying, surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. The crispy, golden-brown exterior of the bread perfectly complements the tender, flavourful chicken and melty cheese inside. It’s truly a winner in my book!

For serving, this sandwich is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of coleslaw for a classic BBQ experience, or a simple green salad to add some freshness. You can also serve it with some extra BBQ sauce for dipping. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! Consider adding caramelized onions for an extra layer of sweetness, or a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. You could even swap out the cheddar for provolone or Monterey Jack for a different cheese pull. I really encourage you to give this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover pulled chicken instead of grilling chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Leftover pulled chicken is an excellent shortcut. Simply warm it up with your favourite BBQ sauce before adding it to the sandwich. This makes the preparation even faster and is a great way to use up any pre-cooked chicken you might have.

What kind of bread works best for this grilled cheese?

A sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings is ideal. Sourdough, challah, or even a good quality white or whole wheat bread will work wonderfully. The key is a bread that toasts up nicely and gets wonderfully crispy on the outside.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! For a delicious vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, BBQ-seasoned firm tofu, or even some smoky roasted sweet potato. Just ensure your chosen substitute is well-seasoned and has a good texture to complement the cheese and bread.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A delicious and easy grilled cheese sandwich featuring shredded roasted chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, layered with melted Havarti cheese on buttery sourdough.

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 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 2
Add shredded roasted chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine. Pour in BBQ sauce and mix well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 3
While the chicken mixture simmers, prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and minced parsley. Mix until well combined.
Step 4
Spread the garlic butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
Step 5
Assemble the sandwiches. On the unbuttered side of 6 bread slices, layer 2 slices of Havarti cheese, followed by a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture, and then another 2 slices of Havarti cheese.
Step 6
Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up. Grill in a clean skillet or on a griddle over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown 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.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese-Ultimate Flavor Fusion