If you’re craving comfort food with a bold, tangy twist, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is about to become your new favorite. This sandwich takes all the cheesy goodness of classic grilled cheese and amps it up with juicy, saucy chicken and the perfect mix of melty cheeses. Every bite is a blend of smoky barbecue flavor, gooey cheese pulls, and golden, buttery bread. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to a next-level lunch, this recipe is guaranteed to make any meal feel special.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese lies in its simple, familiar ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s adding flavor, texture, or that irresistible cheesy stretch. Gather everything before you start, and you’ll see how each component builds the perfect bite.

Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here, making prep quick and easy while delivering tender, flavorful meat.
Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand or style; a smoky, tangy sauce gives the chicken its signature BBQ flair.
Sourdough or hearty sandwich bread: Thick slices hold up beautifully to all the fillings and get perfectly crisp and golden.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For that classic, bold cheesy flavor and gorgeous melt.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy texture and excellent cheese pulls in every bite.
Butter (softened): Spreads easily on bread and ensures a rich, golden crust as the sandwich grills.
Red onion (thinly sliced, optional): Offers a fresh, mildly sharp crunch that complements the sweet BBQ notes.
Pickled jalapeños (optional, to taste): For a little kick and tang that takes your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese over the top.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Mix the BBQ Chicken

Start by combining your cooked, shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a medium bowl. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and every strand glistens with smoky-sweet BBQ goodness. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it juicy inside your sandwich.

Step 2: Prep the Bread

Lay out your slices of sourdough or sandwich bread. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. This buttered side is what will sizzle and brown against the skillet, creating that crispy, golden crust everyone loves in a grilled cheese.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Heat your skillet or griddle over medium. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on the hot surface. Sprinkle a generous mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese onto each slice, then pile on the BBQ chicken mixture. If you’re adding red onion and pickled jalapeños, scatter them over the chicken for extra zing and crunch. Finish by topping with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Let the sandwiches sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to help everything meld together and get that irresistible crust. When the bread is deeply golden and the cheese inside is oozing, you know it’s ready. Slice the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches in half and serve while they’re perfectly warm and melty.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

To really make your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese pop, try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for color and freshness. A quick drizzle of extra barbecue sauce on top brings even more smoky-sweet flavor to the party. If you’re feeling bold, a few more pickled jalapeños add an eye-catching and spicy finish.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides. Serve it with a crisp, tangy coleslaw to balance the richness, or a simple green salad for a touch of freshness. For an ultra-cozy meal, try a cup of tomato soup or sweet potato fries on the side—the cheesy, smoky chicken and crunchy bread are a match made in comfort food heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese into triangles for a classic diner look, or slice them into strips for easy dipping. For a fun twist at parties, make mini versions using slider buns or smaller slices of bread, and serve them with barbecue sauce or ranch for dipping. Stack halves on a platter for a crowd-pleasing, shareable snack at your next game day or family gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, let the sandwiches cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’ll stay tasty and ready for a quick, satisfying snack or meal.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze cooked sandwiches. Wrap each cooled sandwich in a layer of foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese will keep well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring your sandwich back to crispy, cheesy perfection, reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently until warmed through and the bread is once again golden and crunchy. You can also reheat in a toaster oven. While the microwave is quick, it may soften the bread rather than crisping it, so the skillet is your best bet for that original texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While sourdough is sturdy and flavorful, any hearty bread like multigrain, whole wheat, or even Texas toast will work. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold all the delicious fillings without getting soggy.

What’s the best barbecue sauce for this recipe?

Go with whatever barbecue sauce you love most, whether it’s smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. You can even use homemade sauce for a personal touch. Mixing two types (like a smoky and a sweet) can add even more depth of flavor.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese ahead of time?

You can prep the barbecue chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble and grill the sandwiches fresh for the best texture and flavor.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

If you like things hot, add more pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. Pepper jack cheese or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring the heat.

Is there a way to make this sandwich lighter?

For a lighter version, use whole grain bread, less cheese, and swap in a lower-calorie barbecue sauce. You can also use chicken breast and skip the butter for grilling, using a nonstick spray instead.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is everything you want in a comfort food sandwich—cheesy, saucy, crispy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or serving it at your next gathering, it’s sure to be an instant hit. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a delicious and hearty sandwich combining tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, melted sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and optional red onion and pickled jalapeños for a flavor-packed twist. Perfect for an easy lunch or quick dinner, it features golden toasted sourdough bread and a gooey, savory filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Bread and Cheese

4 slices sourdough or hearty sandwich bread
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Additional Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Pickled jalapeños, to taste (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until the chicken is thoroughly coated and the sauce is evenly distributed.
Butter the Bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread, which will help achieve a crispy, golden exterior when cooked.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place two slices of bread butter-side down on a skillet or griddle heated to medium. Sprinkle a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on each slice.
Add the Chicken and Toppings: Distribute the BBQ chicken evenly over the cheese on each sandwich. Add thinly sliced red onions and pickled jalapeños if desired to enhance flavor and add texture.
Top and Cook: Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, pressing gently with a spatula to compact the sandwich and encourage melting. Flip carefully and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove from heat, slice the sandwiches in half, and serve warm for the best enjoyment experience.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken as a quick and convenient shortcut to save time.
Try swapping the cheddar and mozzarella for smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese to add a unique flavor twist.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
To make cleanup easier, cook on a non-stick skillet or use a griddle with removable plates.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American