BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the perfect comfort food with a smoky, savory twist. Packed with tender shredded chicken, melted Havarti cheese, and a flavorful garlic butter crust, it’s an easy meal that feels special.

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: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine butter, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and minced parsley. Microwave until the butter is melted and mixture is combined.
5. Step 5: Lay out 12 slices of bread on a work surface. Brush each slice evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
6. Step 6: On 6 of the bread slices (butter side up), place a slice of Havarti cheese, divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, then add another slice of cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Top each with the remaining 6 slices of bread, butter side facing out.
8. Step 8: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until bottoms are golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
9. Step 9: Carefully flip the sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking until the other side is browned and the cheese is melted, another 3-5 minutes.
10. Step 10: Remove from skillet, let rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor, or substitute with regular paprika if unavailable.
• Try swapping Havarti for sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile.
• Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for some heat.
• For easier cleanup, use a cast iron skillet and wipe it clean after cooking.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy and melt the cheese, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast both work well. Just be sure to shred the chicken before mixing it with the sauce.

What type of bread is best for grilled cheese sandwiches?

A sturdy bread like sourdough or a good-quality white sandwich bread holds up well to buttery grilling and fillings without becoming too soggy.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 94 reviews

A savory BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich combining tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with melted Havarti cheese, all layered between buttery, garlic-infused sourdough bread and grilled to golden perfection. This sandwich offers a flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

BBQ Chicken

• 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

Garlic Butter Bread

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken Mixture: Add the shredded roasted chicken to the skillet, then sprinkle in smoked paprika and pour in Worcestershire sauce along with the BBQ sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and the flavors meld together. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, and minced parsley. Microwave the mixture just until the butter is melted, then stir to blend the flavors.
4. Butter the Bread: Lay out all 12 slices of sourdough bread on a flat surface. Using a brush or spoon, spread the melted garlic butter evenly over one side of each slice of bread.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place 6 of the buttered bread slices butter-side down. Top each with a slice of Havarti cheese, then evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture among them. Add another slice of Havarti cheese on top of the chicken, then cover each with the remaining 6 slices of bread, butter-side facing up.
6. Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the prepared sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwiches over, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the other side is browned and the cheese inside is fully melted.
7. Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

• Use sturdy sourdough or a similar hearty bread to prevent sogginess from the BBQ sauce.
• For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste preference for spiciness and sweetness.
• If you prefer a different cheese, sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack can be good substitutes for Havarti.
• To melt the butter safely, microwave in short intervals to avoid burning the garlic.
• Press sandwiches lightly with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning and melting.

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Cheese, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, Sourdough Sandwich, Cheese Sandwich, Comfort Food