BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe | Quick, Cheesy & Delicious
I’ve always loved grilled cheese sandwiches, but adding BBQ chicken to the mix takes them to a whole new level. The first time I tried this combination, I was amazed at how the smoky, tangy chicken paired perfectly with melty cheese and garlicky bread.
Making this sandwich at home is easier than you might think, and it turns a simple meal into a crowd-pleasing favorite. I love how versatile it is. You can serve it for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
Trust me, once you try this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. If you’re a fan of seafood flavors, you might also enjoy honey-glazed salmon recipe for a lighter option.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this sandwich, along with tips to get the best results.
BBQ Chicken Filling
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil – helps cook the onions evenly without burning.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced – thin slices cook faster and caramelize nicely.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds a fragrant, savory depth.
- 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken – rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – gives a subtle smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – adds umami richness.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce – pick your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
- 12 slices Havarti cheese – melts beautifully and complements the BBQ chicken.
Garlic Butter Bread
- ¼ cup butter – unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – infuses the butter with a bold, savory flavor.
- 2 teaspoons minced parsley – adds freshness and color.
- 12 slices sourdough or sturdy white bread – choose bread that can hold up to the filling without getting soggy.
Note: This recipe makes six generous sandwiches, perfect for sharing with family or friends. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also enjoy a dessert like the best fudgy red velvet brownies recipe after your meal.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- For a dairy-free version, swap Havarti cheese with a plant-based cheese.
- Use sugar-free BBQ sauce if you want to reduce sugar content.
- Add pickled jalapeños or sliced bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
- Substitute chicken with pulled pork for a twist on the classic BBQ flavor.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large skillet – for cooking onions, chicken, and grilling the sandwiches.
- Medium bowl – to melt and mix the garlic butter.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing onions, garlic, and bread.
- Spatula – to flip sandwiches without spilling the filling.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making this irresistible sandwich.
Prepare the Garlic Butter
I start by mixing butter, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Then, I melt it in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth. Let it cool slightly before spreading on the bread.
Cook the Onions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and cook for 2 minutes until soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Mix the Chicken
Add shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well-coated with sauce.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay 12 slices of bread on a flat surface. Spread the garlic butter on each slice, then turn them buttered side down. Place 6 slices of cheese on half of the bread, top with an equal portion of BBQ chicken, then add the remaining cheese and top with the other bread slices.
Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Flip the sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the other side is browned.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here are a few things I learned while making this sandwich that really elevate it:
- I always use thinly sliced onions—they cook faster and blend seamlessly with the chicken.
- Let the garlic butter cool slightly before spreading, so it doesn’t soak the bread too much.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook 2-3 sandwiches at a time for even browning.
- For extra flavor, brush a little BBQ sauce on the inside of the bread before assembling.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Serving this sandwich is half the fun! I like to slice it diagonally for a classic presentation. Pair it with a side of potato chips or a fresh coleslaw for crunch. Garnishing with a sprinkle of parsley or a few pickled jalapeños makes it look restaurant-quality. You can even drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top for visual appeal and extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content for one sandwich:
- Calories: 692 kcal – a hearty meal that will satisfy any appetite.
- Protein: 36 g – thanks to the chicken and cheese.
- Carbohydrates: 45 g – from the bread and BBQ sauce.
- Fat: 38 g – mainly from cheese and butter for a rich flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
You can make the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Wrap sandwiches individually in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain that golden, crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons I keep coming back to this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese:
- It’s quick and easy – I can have a flavorful meal on the table in just 25 minutes.
- Family-friendly – the cheesy, BBQ flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile – you can customize the cheese, bread, and toppings any way you like.
- Make-ahead friendly – perfect for meal prep or batch cooking.
- Flavor-packed – the combination of garlic butter, BBQ chicken, and melted cheese is irresistible.
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese recipe is a perfect balance of comfort food and gourmet flavor. Crispy, buttery bread, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ chicken make it a sandwich that everyone will love. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, this recipe delivers on taste, simplicity, and satisfaction every time.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I start by mixing butter, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Then, I melt it in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth. Let it cool slightly before spreading on the bread.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and cook for 2 minutes until soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well-coated with sauce.
- Lay 12 slices of bread on a flat surface. Spread the garlic butter on each slice, then turn them buttered side down. Place 6 slices of cheese on half of the bread, top with an equal portion of BBQ chicken, then add the remaining cheese and top with the other bread slices.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Flip the sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the other side is browned.
Notes
- I always use thinly sliced onions—they cook faster and blend seamlessly with the chicken.
- Let the garlic butter cool slightly before spreading, so it doesn’t soak the bread too much.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook 2-3 sandwiches at a time for even browning.
- For extra flavor, brush a little BBQ sauce on the inside of the bread before assembling.