BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Introduction
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce with gooey Havarti cheese melted between buttery, garlicky sourdough bread. It’s a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic grilled cheese that’s perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
- 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine butter, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and minced parsley. Microwave until the butter is melted and mixture is combined.
- Step 5: Lay out 12 slices of bread on a work surface and spread the melted garlic butter evenly over each piece.
- Step 6: Flip six slices of the buttered bread. Top each with a slice of Havarti cheese, a portion of the BBQ chicken mixture, and another slice of cheese.
- Step 7: Cover each assembled sandwich with the remaining six slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Step 8: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 9: Carefully flip the sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until the other side is browned and the cheese has melted, another 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 10: Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, or substitute with regular paprika if unavailable.
- Try adding sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Swap Havarti for cheddar or Monterey Jack for different cheese flavors.
- To keep bread from getting soggy, make sure the chicken mixture isn’t too wet before assembling.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy and cheese melted. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the bread soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of roasting my own?
Yes, cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time while still delivering great flavor in this sandwich.
What bread works best for this grilled cheese?
Sturdy breads like sourdough, country white, or artisan sandwich bread work best as they hold up well to the moist filling and grilling without becoming soggy.
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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Description
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines smoky shredded chicken with melted Havarti cheese between buttery, garlic-infused sourdough bread, all perfectly cooked in a skillet for a crispy, golden finish. It’s a flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese, ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
BBQ Chicken Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Garlic Butter
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
Sandwich Assembly
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
- 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
Instructions
- Prepare BBQ Chicken Mixture: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the shredded roasted chicken, ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup BBQ sauce. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup butter with 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of minced parsley. Microwave the mixture until the butter is fully melted and everything is well combined.
- Prepare Bread Slices: Lay out all 12 slices of sourdough bread on a work surface. Using a brush or spoon, spread the melted garlic butter evenly over one side of each slice. This will create a deliciously crispy and flavorful exterior.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Turn over 6 of the buttered bread slices so the buttered side is down. Place one slice of Havarti cheese on each, then evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture over each slice. Top the chicken with another slice of Havarti cheese. Finally, place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top with the buttered side facing outwards, forming 6 sandwiches.
- Cook Sandwiches in Skillet: Place the sandwiches in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the other side is browned and the cheese is melted through.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough to prevent sogginess and hold the fillings well.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste preference for sweetness or smokiness.
- For extra crispiness, press the sandwiches lightly with a spatula while cooking.
- Feel free to substitute Havarti with other meltable cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken sandwich, grilled cheese, Havarti cheese sandwich, smoky chicken sandwich, easy dinner recipe
