Name: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese-Ultimate Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 1/2 cups shredded roasted chicken; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 12 slices Havarti cheese; 1/4 cup butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter); 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. Oh, that glorious combination of smoky, sweet barbecue chicken nestled between perfectly toasted bread and gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated. Have you ever craved that perfect bite, where the tangy barbecue sauce coats tender shredded chicken, all embraced by crispy, golden-brown bread and strings of melted cheddar? This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s an experience that transports you straight to summer picnics and backyard gatherings, even on a chilly evening. What makes this particular BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese so special? It’s the thoughtful balance of flavors and textures – the savory chicken, the sweet and smoky sauce, the sharp tang of cheese, and the satisfying crunch of perfectly grilled bread. We’ve perfected a method that ensures every bite is an explosion of deliciousness, making this a recipe you’ll want to whip up again and again.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
½ tsp paprika
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup BBQ sauce
12 slices Havarti cheese
¼ cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter)
2 tsp parsley, minced
12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Let’s start by building the incredible flavor base for our BBQ chicken. Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced red onion. We want to cook these onions until they are softened and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step, as gently cooked onions add a wonderful sweetness. Next, add the 3 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. This quick sauté will infuse the oil with delicious onion and garlic notes.

Step 2: Combine Chicken and BBQ Flavors

Now, it’s time to bring the shredded roasted chicken into the mix. Add the 2 ½ cups of shredded roasted chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir everything together to coat the chicken. Sprinkle in the ½ teaspoon of paprika and the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. These spices will add depth and a touch of smokiness to our filling. Stir well to distribute them evenly. Pour in the 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir again until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich BBQ sauce. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. This delicious, saucy chicken mixture is the heart of our BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese.

Assembling the Grilled Cheese

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter

While our BBQ chicken filling is cooling slightly, let’s get our bread ready for grilling. In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of softened butter with the 2 minced cloves of garlic that are designated for the garlic butter, and the 2 teaspoons of minced parsley. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined. This fragrant garlic butter will be spread on the outside of our bread slices, creating a wonderfully golden and flavorful crust on our grilled cheese. Using softened butter is key here; it will spread much more easily and evenly than cold butter.

Step 4: Layering the Ingredients

Now for the exciting part – building these amazing grilled cheese sandwiches! Lay out 6 of your 12 slices of sourdough bread (or sturdy white bread) on a clean surface. Generously spread the prepared garlic butter on one side of each of these 6 slices. These will be the bottom slices of your sandwiches. On the unbuttered side of these 6 slices, start layering. Spoon a good amount of the BBQ chicken filling onto each slice, ensuring an even distribution. Don’t be shy with the filling; we want a hearty sandwich! On top of the chicken mixture, place 2 slices of Havarti cheese. The Havarti will melt beautifully and create a gooey, cheesy layer that perfectly complements the tangy BBQ chicken.

Step 5: Finishing the Assembly and Grilling

Take the remaining 6 slices of sourdough bread and spread the garlic butter on one side of each. Place these buttered-side-up slices on top of the cheese, creating your sandwich. Now, we’re ready to grill! Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Once the skillet is warm, carefully place the assembled sandwiches onto it. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is completely melted and gooey. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. You might need to adjust the heat slightly depending on your stove. The aroma of the toasting garlic butter and melting cheese will be irresistible. Once perfectly grilled, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing them in half. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to cut.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese! This recipe brings together the smoky, tangy goodness of BBQ chicken with the gooey, melty comfort of a classic grilled cheese sandwich. We’ve walked through how to prepare the flavorful chicken, build the perfect sandwich, and achieve that golden-brown, crispy exterior. This is more than just a sandwich; it’s a taste of summer and pure comfort food joy.

For serving suggestions, I love pairing this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with a side of crisp coleslaw to balance the richness, or some crunchy sweet potato fries. It also makes for a fantastic potluck dish or a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will devour.

Feel free to get creative with variations! You can switch up the cheese to include sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Gouda for added depth. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, simply grill or bake chicken breasts seasoned with your favorite BBQ rub and then shred them. For a spicier kick, add some thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your chicken mixture. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!

I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese as much as I do. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying creation that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the BBQ chicken ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Preparing the BBQ chicken ahead of time is a great way to make assembling the sandwich even quicker. You can shred or chop cooked chicken and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What type of bread works best for this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?

A: While many breads will work, a sturdy bread like sourdough, challah, or even a good quality white bread holds up well to the filling and buttering for grilling. The key is a bread that can get nice and crispy on the outside without becoming too soggy.