Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

There’s something magical about the scent of barbecue sauce mingling with melted cheese on a hot griddle. This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich hits all the right notes – smoky, tangy, cheesy, and satisfyingly crisp with every bite.

I first whipped this up one lazy Sunday afternoon while trying to reinvent some leftover BBQ chicken from the night before. One sandwich turned into two, then four, and now it's a family weekend staple that never gets old. Best part? It’s quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly crave-worthy.

Whether you're looking for an easy lunch idea, a comforting dinner, or a crowd-pleasing game day snack, this grilled cheese delivers. Let’s dive into why it’s about to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

It’s hard not to love a gooey grilled cheese – but this one takes it to the next level with bold BBQ flavor and tender, shredded chicken. Here’s why you’ll be hooked from the first bite.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s the perfect solution when you need something delicious now. No fancy prep, no complicated steps – just straightforward, cheesy comfort.

It’s also a budget-friendly meal that makes smart use of leftovers. Got rotisserie chicken or extra grilled breasts from the night before? Mix it with a bit of BBQ sauce and you’ve got the filling done.

Another reason to love it? This sandwich is family-approved. Even picky eaters love the sweet-savory combo, and it’s simple enough to customize for different tastes (hello, spicy BBQ lovers).

Lastly, this recipe is endlessly versatile. Add caramelized onions, swap cheeses, or turn it into a melt with extra toppings. It’s a creative base you can play with again and again.

Ready to see how it all comes together? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese are as simple as they come – but each one plays a key role in making this sandwich next-level delicious.

Shredded chicken is the protein hero here. I often use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh works beautifully. Just make sure it’s not too dry – a little moisture helps the BBQ sauce cling better.

BBQ sauce brings bold, smoky-sweet flavor. Use your favorite brand or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. I prefer a slightly tangy, molasses-rich variety to contrast the creaminess of the cheese.

Now let’s talk cheese – arguably the heart of any grilled cheese. I like to use a combo of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. The cheddar gives depth and bite, while mozzarella provides that iconic stretch and melt. Feel free to mix and match based on what you love or have on hand.

Bread is your base, and I highly recommend something sturdy like sourdough or Texas toast. You need a slice that can hold up to the gooey filling without going soggy – and still crisp up beautifully on the outside.

You’ll also need a bit of butter (or mayo) for spreading on the outside of the bread. This ensures that golden, crispy finish you expect from the perfect grilled cheese.

No fancy equipment is needed – just a skillet or griddle, a spatula, and maybe a little patience while that cheese melts to perfection.

How To Make This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Making this sandwich is about layering flavors and cooking it just right. Follow these easy steps and you’ll be biting into grilled cheese heaven in no time.

Start by mixing your shredded chicken with your BBQ sauce in a small bowl. You want it well coated but not swimming – too much sauce can make the sandwich soggy. Set this aside while you prep the other ingredients.

Next, lay out your bread slices and butter one side of each piece. If you prefer, you can use mayo – it gives a rich, golden crust and some say an even better crunch. Flip the slices over so the unbuttered side faces up – this is where you’ll build the sandwich.

On the unbuttered side of one slice, add a generous layer of shredded cheese. Then spoon on a portion of your BBQ chicken mixture. Top it with a second layer of cheese (yes, double cheese!), then close the sandwich with another slice of bread, buttered side out.

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwich onto the hot surface and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. You’re looking for that signature golden crust and fully melted interior.

If the bread is browning too fast before the cheese melts, reduce the heat slightly and cover the pan loosely with a lid. This helps the cheese melt evenly without burning the bread.

Once the sandwich is perfectly crisp and the cheese is gooey, transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute (the cheese will be lava-hot!), then slice in half and serve.

Start to finish, the whole process takes around 15 to 20 minutes, making it a realistic option for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.

Storage Options

These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, but you can store leftovers if needed. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container.

In the fridge, they’ll keep for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, you might want to store the BBQ chicken mixture separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.

Freezing isn’t recommended for the assembled sandwiches due to the high moisture content from the cheese and BBQ sauce. However, you can freeze the BBQ chicken filling alone for up to 2 months.

To reheat, skip the microwave (which makes the bread rubbery) and instead use a skillet or toaster oven. Warm over medium-low heat until the sandwich is heated through and the cheese is melty again – about 5–7 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is that it’s a flexible base for creativity. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

For a smoky kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder to the BBQ chicken mixture. It gives the sandwich a spicy edge that pairs beautifully with melty cheese.

Swap out the protein for pulled pork if you’ve got some on hand. The flavors work just as well, and it makes a fantastic BBQ Pork Grilled Cheese without any extra effort.

Change the cheese to suit your mood – pepper jack, smoked gouda, or even blue cheese (in moderation) can all create new flavor profiles. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.

Add some extras like caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or even a handful of coleslaw for crunch. These additions bring extra texture and flavor to the sandwich without complicating the process.

Trying to go lighter? Use whole grain bread, reduce the cheese a bit, and opt for a leaner BBQ sauce or rotisserie breast meat. You’ll still get all the flavor with a slightly healthier twist.

Don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe – it's hard to go wrong when melted cheese and BBQ are involved. Make it yours, and you’ll never look at grilled cheese the same way again.

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