This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic! It’s filled with tender chicken and gooey cheese, all grilled to crispy perfection. Yum!
If you’re like me, you can’t resist that melted cheese! I love how the BBQ sauce adds a sweet kick—perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Grab your favorite bread and let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick bread like Texas toast gives a sturdy texture and holds the filling well. You can also use sourdough or whole grain bread for different flavors. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free bread brands available in stores.
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the star here. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch. For a vegetarian option, swap with shredded jackfruit mixed with BBQ sauce.
BBQ Sauce: The type of BBQ sauce you choose can change the whole flavor. I like a sweet and smoky sauce, but a tangy vinegar-based one works too. If you’re sensitive to sugar, consider sugar-free BBQ sauce or homemade sauce using tomato paste and vinegar.
Cheese: Mixing mozzarella and cheddar gives a great melty texture and flavor. If you have other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda, feel free to mix them in. Vegan cheese can be used as a substitute for a dairy-free option.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for grilling to control the saltiness. If you want to cut calories, try olive oil or a butter substitute, but keep in mind the flavor might change slightly.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Cheese Without Burning It?
Achieving the perfect golden crust on your grilled cheese is all about the heat. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat for your skillet. If it’s too hot, the outside burns before the cheese melts.
- Spread butter evenly on the bread to ensure a nice, golden brown color.
- Don’t rush flipping the sandwich. Wait until the first side is golden brown (about 3-4 mins) before turning it over.
- If you think it’s cooking too fast, lower the heat. You can cover the skillet for a minute to help the cheese melt more evenly.
Following these steps will help you achieve that perfect balance of crispy bread and gooey melted cheese! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of thick bread (like Texas toast)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 8-10 minutes to grill, making it a quick and delightful meal ready in around 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, take your shredded chicken and pour the BBQ sauce over it. Mix everything together well until the chicken is coated nicely with the sauce. Set this aside for a moment.
2. Prep the Bread:
Now, put a skillet on the stove and heat it over medium heat. While it’s warming up, take the butter and spread it on one side of each slice of bread. This will give your sandwich a nice golden crust.
3. Build the Sandwich:
When the skillet is hot, place one slice of bread in it, butter side down. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on the slice to start building your cheesy base.
4. Layer the Chicken and Cheese:
Now, take your BBQ chicken mixture and spoon it evenly over the cheese. Make sure it’s spread out, so you get a tasty bite in every mouthful! After that, add the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.
5. Top It Off:
Now, take your second slice of bread and place it on top of the cheese, butter side up. This will be the top of your grilled cheese sandwich.
6. Grill the First Side:
Let it grill for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and you can see the cheese starting to melt.
7. Flip and Grill the Other Side:
Carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula. Grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it’s also golden brown and your cheese is melty and gooey.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once both sides are done, take the sandwich out of the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing it in half. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While Texas toast is great for its thickness, you can use any bread you prefer. Sourdough, whole grain, or even brioche will work well. Just keep in mind that thinner bread may cook faster, so adjust your grilling time accordingly.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a substitute, feel free to use shredded pork or turkey instead. For a vegetarian option, try using shredded jackfruit or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious twist!
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat to get the bread crispy again, and ensure the cheese melts thoroughly, or pop it in the toaster oven.
Can I Add Extra Ingredients to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add extras like diced onions, jalapeños for heat, or even avocado slices for creaminess. Just make sure not to overload the sandwich too much, or it may be difficult to grill!
