BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Looking for a sandwich that’s packed with bold flavors and guaranteed to hit the spot?
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is your answer! With juicy BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and perfectly crispy bread, this recipe takes the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level.
It’s quick, easy, and packed with all the flavors you crave – a true crowd-pleaser!
Ready in just 18 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy days or when you’re craving something delicious.
For BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese:
- Sourdough, Tiger, or Giraffe Bread – Thick slices are perfect for grilling and hold up well with the filling.
- Cooked Chicken (shredded) – Shredded chicken provides the tender, savory base for the BBQ flavor.
- BBQ Sauce – Adds sweetness, smokiness, and a bit of tang to the chicken. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese – Offers a sharper flavor contrast to the Monterey Jack.
- Red Onion – Adds a touch of sharpness and crunch to the sandwich.
- Pickled Jalapeños – For a bit of spice and tang. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Butter – For spreading on the bread to get that golden, crispy exterior.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Coriander/Cilantro – For a fresh, herbaceous touch.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food? This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a game-changer! Packed with tender, flavorful BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly crisp bread, it's a mouthwatering twist on the classic grilled cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 large or 8 small thick slices of sourdough, tiger, or giraffe bread (UK)
- 2 packed cups (250g-300g) of cooked, shredded chicken (see notes)
- ⅔ cup (160g) BBQ sauce, or to taste
- 4 slices of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or your preferred second cheese)
- ¼ - ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, finely diced (adjust for spice level)
- Butter, for spreading on bread
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, diced jalapeños, and red onion. Set aside.
- Place two slices of bread in a large frying pan with the heat off. Butter one side of each slice, then flip them so the buttered side is facing down. Top one slice with two slices of Monterey Jack cheese, followed by half of the BBQ chicken mixture. Add two slices of cheddar cheese on top, then place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
- Turn on the heat to medium and cook the sandwich, flipping carefully once the first side is golden and the cheese begins to melt. Continue cooking until both sides are golden and crispy, with the cheese fully melted in the middle.
- If making large sandwiches, be cautious while flipping to prevent spilling the filling. Slice the sandwich in half and enjoy!
Notes
Cooked Chicken:
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, or cook your own by pan-frying seasoned chicken breasts (around 14 oz/400g). After frying both sides, add water or chicken stock, cover, and simmer for 8-12 minutes, until cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Choose any high-quality BBQ sauce you like, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. For extra flavor, try a specialty sauce, like Heinz Korean Style Sticky BBQ Sauce.
1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and add extra flavor to the sandwich. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce for a quick filling!
2. What bread works best for this recipe?
Go for thick slices of sourdough, tiger, or giraffe bread. These types of bread hold up well to the BBQ chicken filling and give that perfect crispy texture when grilled.
3. Can I make the chicken mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the sandwiches to make the process quicker.
4. How do I ensure the cheese melts properly without burning the bread?
Cook over medium heat and flip the sandwich carefully. If needed, reduce the heat slightly to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread. This way, you’ll get that perfect golden crust!
5. What can I add to make the sandwich even more flavorful?
Feel free to get creative! Add crispy bacon, fresh cilantro, or caramelized onions to amp up the flavor. You can also switch up the cheese varieties to suit your tastes.
