This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on your classic grilled cheese! It features tasty BBQ chicken stacked between gooey cheese on crispy bread. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I love using sourdough for its tangy flavor and sturdy texture. But you can swap it out for white or whole wheat bread based on your preference. Gluten-free options also work if needed!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish super easy. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or grilled vegetables can add a unique twist.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce! For a spicy kick, try a chipotle BBQ sauce. If you’re not a fan of BBQ, honey mustard or a spicy mayo can also do the trick.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices. For extra flavor, a blend of cheeses, like pepper jack or gouda, can elevate your sandwich even more.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for cooking, as it lets you control the saltiness. Vegan butter is a great alternative for dairy-free options.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Golden Grilled Cheese?
Grilling the sandwich to perfection is important for great taste and texture. Achieving that golden crust can be a bit tricky. Here’s how to master it:
- Heat your skillet on medium. Don’t rush this step; a hot skillet ensures a crispy crunch.
- Use enough butter, about 1/2 tablespoon for each side. Make sure the butter is melted before adding the sandwich.
- Cook slowly! Aim for about 3-4 minutes per side. If the bread browns too quickly, lower the heat a bit.
- Covering the skillet with a lid for a minute helps melt the cheese inside while crisping the outside.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice: sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the chicken and sauce, and then just grill the sandwich to gooey perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Mix them together until the chicken is well coated. Feel free to add salt and pepper to taste. This will be the tasty filling for your sandwich!
2. Heating the Skillet:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add ½ tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt and coat the bottom of the skillet, which will give your sandwich a nice golden crust.
3. Assembling the Sandwich:
While the skillet is heating up, let’s put your sandwich together! On one slice of your chosen bread, layer half of the shredded cheese. Next, add the BBQ chicken mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheese. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top to complete your sandwich.
4. Grilling the Sandwich:
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. This is where all those flavors start to meld together!
5. Flipping and Finishing:
While the sandwich is cooking, butter the top slice of bread. Once the bottom side is nicely browned, flip the sandwich over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The goal is to make sure the other side is golden and the cheese is melted inside. Yum!
6. Adding the Final Touches:
If you’d like, you can sprinkle some garlic powder on top of the sandwich just before serving for an extra flavor boost. It’s optional, but it’s a delicious touch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When the sandwich is ready, remove it from the skillet and slice it in half. If you want to make it look pretty, garnish with some chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your hot, cheesy delight!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time saver. Just shred the amount you need, mix it with the barbecue sauce, and you’re good to go. It adds extra flavor without any fuss!
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute barbecue sauce with other alternatives like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha sauce for a zesty twist. Just adjust the amount to taste, depending on how strong the flavor is!
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
If you have any leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side or use a toaster oven for that crispy texture.
