This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese brings a tasty twist to your classic sandwich! Juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese come together to create a mouthwatering delight that’s super easy to make.
Honestly, it’s like a party in your mouth! I love crunching into that warm, cheesy goodness, especially with a side of crispy fries. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Texas toast gives a nice thickness, but any bread you love works! Sourdough or whole grain add extra flavor. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient and tasty. If you don’t have that, leftover grilled or baked chicken is great too. Alternatively, tofu can be used for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch. Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties change the flavor profile. You can also replace it with a spicy ranch or honey mustard for different twists.
Cheeses: I love the blend of mozzarella and cheddar for creaminess and flavor. You can swap cheddar with any cheese you like, such as pepper jack for heat or gouda for a smoky taste.
Butter: Butter gives a delicious golden crust, but you can use olive oil or margarine if you need a dairy-free option.
How Can I Make Sure My Grilled Cheese is Perfectly Crisp?
The key to a crispy grilled cheese is cooking at the right temperature and using enough fat. Start with medium heat to cook through without burning. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a non-stick skillet or a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution.
- Melt butter and let it bubble slightly before placing the sandwich in. This helps achieve that crisp texture.
- Don’t rush it! Give each side around 3-5 minutes. If it’s browning too fast, reduce the heat.
- Press down gently with a spatula for even browning and to help the cheese melt nicely.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious and perfectly crispy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of bread (Texas toast or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to cook. In total, you can whip this up in around 20 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. Set this aside; we’ll use it shortly!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a skillet on the stove and set it to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely. This will give our sandwich a nice, golden crust.
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Take one slice of bread and place it in the skillet. On top of the bread, layer half of the mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly. Now add all of the BBQ chicken mixture on top, spreading it out so every bite has some chicken.
4. Add More Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the chicken, followed by the cheddar cheese. This will create a gooey, cheesy filling!
5. Complete Your Sandwich:
Now, place the second slice of bread on top to create a sandwich. Press down gently to help everything stick together.
6. Cook the Sandwich:
Let the sandwich cook for about 3-5 minutes. You want the bottom slice of bread to become a nice golden brown and for the cheese to start melting.
7. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwich to cook the other side. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet to keep it nice and buttery. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Slice it in half, garnish with chopped parsley, and get ready to enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
## BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
### FAQ
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save time. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed. It adds great flavor and convenience!
What Type of Bread Works Best?
Texas toast is a great choice for its thickness and texture, but you can use any bread you like! Sourdough, whole wheat, or even a gluten-free option will work well — just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the bread type.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, and keep the BBQ sauce for flavor. You’ll still enjoy a delicious grilled cheese!
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to help melt the cheese again.
