Oh, honey, if you thought comfort food couldn’t get any better, wait until you try this mash-up! I’m talking about taking that smoky, tangy flavor of slow-cooked BBQ chicken and smashing it right inside the crispiest, gooiest grilled cheese you’ve ever made. Seriously, the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich is my secret weapon for those chaotic evenings when dinner needs to be out of the pan in under 15 minutes. I swear, I made this last week when my sister popped over unexpectedly, and she looked at me like I was a kitchen wizard. It’s so simple, yet it tastes like you slaved over it all day. Trust me, this is the easiest, cheesiest flavor explosion you’ll get today!
Why You Need This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Listen, I know you’ve got a million recipes bookmarked, but this one? This one actually delivers when you need it most. It’s the ultimate weeknight saviour.
- It’s incredibly fast—we’re talking under 15 minutes total, start to finish!
- It tastes like a gourmet pub sandwich, but uses leftovers or pre-cooked chicken.
- The flavor profile hits that perfect sweet, smoky, and tangy spot.
- You only dirty one pan, maybe two if you count the mixing bowl.
- The cheese-to-filling ratio is intentionally overstuffed—because why not?
- It’s the easiest way to make leftovers feel like a brand-new, exciting meal.
Ingredients for the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Listen, gathering your ingredients for this simple sandwich is half the battle. Since this is such a focused recipe, every component counts! You don’t need a long shopping list, but you do need the right stuff. Don’t worry about trying to make your own heavy cream for this one; we’re keeping it focused on that perfect melt! You can check out how to make heavy cream at home for other recipes, but for this grilled cheese, let’s stick to the basics.
Here’s what you need to pull this together:
- Two slices of your favorite bread (see my notes later on the best choice!).
- About 1/2 cup of perfectly cooked and shredded chicken.
- Two generous tablespoons of your go-to barbecue sauce. You know which one sings to you!
- Two slices of good cheddar cheese—go for the sharp stuff if you can handle it.
- One full tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened just right so it spreads easily.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
We’re not just making a grilled cheese here, we’re building a little flavor tank! If you want that perfect crunch without a soggy bottom from the BBQ sauce, you need to listen closely. The key is managing moisture and heat, which is easier than you think. If you’re looking for more secrets to nailing textures, you should definitely check out my thoughts on why I wish I read this steak secret—the principle of dry exterior/moist interior applies everywhere!
Choosing the Right Bread for Your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
You absolutely cannot use the thin, flimsy white bread for this. It will collapse under the weight of the chicken and that glorious melted cheese! For the best BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese experience, you need structure. I lean toward sourdough or a sturdy Texas toast because they stand up to the sauce without falling apart when you press down on them in the skillet.
Achieving Golden Brown Perfection on the Stovetop
The biggest mistake people make is cranking the heat way up! If you do that, the bread burns before the cheese even thinks about melting properly. Medium-low is your friend here. Spread that softened butter all the way to the edges of the bread, making sure you get full coverage. Low and slow gets you that even, rich, golden-brown crust every single time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
I’m going to walk you through this so quickly, you’ll be saying goodbye to sad desk lunches forever. Remember, the name of this game is gentle cooking. We want everything warm and melty, not scorched in the middle! If you’re looking for other great ways to use sauced chicken, you can check out my recipe for BBQ pulled pork sliders—the technique for mixing the filling is similar!
- First things first, grab a tiny bowl and mix up your filling! Combine that 1/2 cup of shredded chicken right into the sauce. I stir mine until every piece of chicken looks glossy and coated.
- Next, grab your bread slices. Butter one side of each piece—and I mean edge-to-edge butter coverage, that’s where the crunch comes from!
- Set your skillet over medium heat—remember what I said about medium-low? Don’t rush this part! Place one slice of bread butter-side down onto the warm pan.
- Time for layering! Place one slice of cheddar right on that bread. Then spoon all your saucy BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Then, put that second slice of cheese on top of the chicken. This traps the filling nicely.
- Top it off with the second slice of bread, making sure the buttered side is facing up!
- Now, you grill! Cook this masterpiece for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for that deep, golden brown color on the outside, and you should see the cheese just beginning to soften and ooze around the edges before you flip.
- Once it’s perfect on both sides, pull it out, let it rest for about thirty seconds—this keeps the filling inside—and then slice it diagonally. Dig in immediately!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
The basic recipe is fantastic, but switching up just one or two things can make this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese your own signature sandwich! As I mentioned, bread choice matters—if you like a little zing, sourdough is the way to go, but if you want pure, unadulterated comfort, use a thick-cut challah or brioche. Don’t be shy about adding that thinly sliced red onion; it gives you a little crisp bite that cuts straight through the richness of the cheese and sauce.
For cheese, cheddar is king here for that classic tang, but if you prioritize meltiness over that sharp flavor, grab some Monterey Jack or even Provolone. They turn into liquid gold! And speaking of sauce, if your usual go-to isn’t spicy enough, feel free to mix in a dash of cayenne or a little bit of that Carolina BBQ sauce you can find recipes for right here. A little heat really wakes this sandwich up!
Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Now that you’ve pulled this hot, gooey masterpiece off the skillet, you need something to accompany it! Since this sandwich is rich, smoky, and pretty substantial all on its own, it pairs best with something light and tangy to balance everything out. It’s all about balance, darling.
I always go for a crunchy side. A small bowl of crisp coleslaw is always my first choice—the tanginess just cuts through the cheese perfectly. A side of salty pickle spears also works wonders for that sharp, palate-cleansing crunch after a big bite. If you’re feeling ambitious and want something more substantial, a light pasta salad, like my classic Italian version, adds a nice, cool contrast to the heat of the sandwich!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Let’s be honest, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is 100% best eaten the second it leaves the pan—when that cheese is screaming hot and gooey! Life happens, though, so if you have leftovers, you need a plan to bring back that glorious crunch.
Never, ever try to bring a leftover grilled cheese back in the microwave. It turns instantly into a sad, rubbery tragedy. If you have a couple left, the air fryer is my absolute favorite trick. Just pop them in at about 350 degrees until the outside crisps up again, maybe three minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven or a toaster oven works almost as well! Lay them on a baking sheet and heat at 375 degrees for about five to seven minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
I get so many questions about this sandwich because once people try it, they want to make it all sorts of ways! It’s so versatile, but you have to respect the structure of the sandwich, or things get messy fast.
How long does it actually take to make one BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
Honestly, it’s quicker than ordering take-out! The prep time is basically just mixing your chicken and sauce, which takes about five minutes. The actual grilling time is just a quick 6 to 8 minutes total. It’s the perfect quick lunch!
Can I use leftover pulled pork instead of chicken in this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
Oh, absolutely! If you have leftover pulled pork sitting around, that works beautifully. Just make sure you mix it really well with the BBQ sauce so the filling holds together. This is a fantastic way to use up any slow-cooked meat you have on hand for a delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese variation!
What is the best cheese pairing besides cheddar?
If you want a smoother, gooier core that melts like lava, you really should try Pepper Jack—it adds a little warmth without too much heat. Monterey Jack on its own is also fantastic; it’s a great melter that won’t compete with your BBQ sauce flavor.
Is there a way to make this sandwich a little healthier?
Well, it is a grilled cheese, so we are aiming for indulgence, but you can certainly make swaps! Try using a whole-wheat bread, and be mindful of the amount of butter you spread on the outside. Also, using a lower-sugar BBQ sauce makes a difference! Speaking of other great BBQ handhelds, you should see how amazing my BBQ chicken quesadillas turn out!
Nutritional Information Estimate
Now, I’m certainly not a nutritionist, so please take these numbers with a big grain of salt! But for those of you who like to track—and I get it, who doesn’t want to know?—here is a rough estimate for one happy sandwich.
The numbers are approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind these are just estimates based on standard ingredients. If you use super thick Texas toast or go heavy on the sharp cheddar, those numbers are going to change slightly, so treat this as a general guide!
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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Total Time: 13 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for a grilled cheese sandwich featuring shredded chicken mixed with barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Mix the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce in a small bowl.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
- Layer one slice of cheese, the BBQ chicken mixture, and the second slice of cheese on the bread in the skillet.
- Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from skillet and slice in half.
Notes
- Use your favorite type of bread for this sandwich.
- You can add thinly sliced red onion for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 8 min
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 70
Keywords: BBQ chicken, grilled cheese, sandwich, quick lunch, comfort food