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Lunch / BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese – Easy & Delicious

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese – Easy & Delicious

by Lunch

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Oh, yes. You heard that right. We’ve taken two of the most comforting, undeniably delicious things in the culinary universe and fused them into one epic creation. Imagin extracte this: tender, smoky shredded chicken drenched in your favorite tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled between gooey, melted cheese and two perfectly golden-brown slices of toasted bread. It’s the ultimate mashup, a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to backyard cookout heaven, even if you’re stuck inside on a rainy day. Why do we love this dish so much? Because it’s pure, unadulterated joy in sandwich form. It’s the perfect marriage of sweet, savory, and cheesy, offering a satisfying crunch followed by that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. This isn’t just any sandwich; this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is an experience, a hug in food form, and frankly, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Get ready for a flavor explosion that takes the humble grilled cheese to a whole new level! We’re talking about a symphony of smoky BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly toasted bread. This isn’t your average weeknight dinner; it’s a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. The combination of sweet, tangy BBQ sauce with savory chicken and the creamy richness of Havarti cheese is pure magic. And when it’s all pressed between slices of buttery, crispy sourdough? You’ve got a sandwich that’s truly unforgettable. I love making these for a casual lunch or a fun dinner when I’m craving something a little more indulgent. The best part is, you can customize the BBQ sauce to your liking, making each sandwich uniquely yours. Let’s dive in!

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, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
  • 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

    • Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

    The first step to achieving grilled cheese greatness is to create a delicious and flavorful BBQ chicken filling. This is where the magic really begin extracts!

  • In a large skillet or pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced red onion. Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become translucent. Don’t rush this step; allowing the onions to caramelize slightly will add a wonderful depth of sweetness to our filling.
  • Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste, so keep an eye on it!
  • Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: the 2 ½ cups of shredded roasted chicken. Stir the chicken into the onions and garlic, breaking up any large clumps. Cook for a couple of minutes to warm the chicken through.
  • Sprinkle in the ½ teaspoon of paprika and stir to combine. Paprika adds a lovely smoky note that complements the BBQ flavors beautifully. Then, add the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, which brings a touch of umami and tang.
  • Pour in the 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and infused with the BBQ goodness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, remove from heat and set aside. This filling is so good, you might be tempted to eat it straight from the pan!

    • Assembling and Grilling the Sandwiches

    With our delicious BBQ chicken filling ready, it’s time to build and grill these magnificent sandwiches. This is where the Havarti cheese and buttery bread come into play, creating that irresistible crispy exterior and gooey interior.

  • While the chicken filling is cooling slightly, prepare your garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of softened butter with the 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of minced parsley. Mix it all together until well combined. This seasoned butter will give our grilled cheese an incredible flavor and a perfectly golden-brown crust.
  • Now, let’s build our sandwiches. Lay out 6 slices of sourdough bread or sturdy white bread. On each of these slices, layer 2 slices of Havarti cheese. Then, generously spoon about ¼ cup of the prepared BBQ chicken filling over the cheese on each slice. Top the chicken filling with another 2 slices of Havarti cheese. Finally, place the remaining 6 slices of sourdough bread on top, creating 6 complete sandwiches. Make sure not to overstuff them, or the filling might escape during grilling.
  • Generously spread the prepared garlic herb butter on the top side of each sandwich. You want an even coating for optimal browning and flavor.
  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This lower heat is crucial for allowing the cheese to melt perfectly without burning the bread. Place the sandwiches butter-side down onto the hot skillet. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
  • Butter the top side of the sandwiches now facing upwards. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the Havarti cheese is completely melted and gooey. Gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula occasionally to ensure even cooking and to help the cheese melt. Keep an eye on them; cooking times can vary. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Once perfectly golden and melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet.

    • These BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are best served immediately while they are hot and gooey. The combination of the sweet and smoky chicken, the rich, melted Havarti, and the crispy, garlicky bread is an absolute dream. Enjoy every single bite!

    BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    Conclusion:

    And there you have it! This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe is a game-changer for any casual meal or cookout. It takes a beloved classic and injects it with smoky, savory BBQ goodness, creating a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting. The combination of tender shredded chicken coated in your favorite BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly grilled bread is simply irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. I truly encourage you to give this fantastic recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

    To elevate your sandwich experience, consider serving it with a side of creamy coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or some crispy potato wedges. For variations, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like sharp cheddar, pepper jack for a bit of heat, or even a touch of mozzarella for extra stretch. You can also add thinly sliced red onion or pickles for an extra layer of crunch and tang. Get creative and make it your own!

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Can I make the BBQ chicken ahead of time?

    Absolutely! Cooking your chicken and tossing it with BBQ sauce in advance is a great way to save time. You can shred cooked chicken breasts or thighs and mix them with your preferred BBQ sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then, when you’re ready to make your sandwich, simply reheat the chicken mixture.

    What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

    While many breads will work, a sturdy bread like sourdough, challah, or a thick-cut white bread holds up best to the fillings and grilling. These breads also develop a beautiful golden-brown crust when grilled, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the gooey cheese and tender chicken.

    Is it possible to make this recipe without a grill pan or outdoor grill?

    Yes, definitely! You can achieve the same delicious results using a regular non-stick skillet or a cast-iron pan on your stovetop. Just make sure to keep the heat at a medium-low setting to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread. You’ll still get that wonderful crispy exterior!

    BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    A flavorful and cheesy grilled cheese sandwich loaded with shredded roasted chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce.

    Prep Time
    15 Minutes

    Cook Time
    20 Minutes

    Total Time
    35 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

    1. Step 1
      In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
    2. Step 2
      Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the shredded roasted chicken, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken.
    3. Step 3
      Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
    4. Step 4
      In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and minced parsley. Mix well to create a garlic-herb butter.
    5. Step 5
      Spread the garlic-herb butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
    6. Step 6
      Assemble the sandwiches: Place a slice of bread, butter-side down, in a clean skillet over medium heat. Layer with 2 slices of Havarti cheese, a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture, and another 2 slices of Havarti cheese. Top with the remaining slice of bread, butter-side up.
    7. Step 7
      Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
    8. Step 8
      Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

    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.

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