BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s the ultimate fusion of barbecue and grilled cheese sweet, tangy, and smoky chicken paired with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Havarti. The garlic butter coating on the bread makes each bite extra flavorful, while the hearty sourdough holds everything together without getting soggy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

BBQ chicken:
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

Garlic butter bread:
¼ cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons parsley, minced
12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

Directions

1. Prepare the BBQ chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add red onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir until heated through. Remove from heat.
2. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Spread evenly on one side of each bread slice.
3. Assemble sandwiches: Place a slice of bread, buttered side down, on a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Layer with one slice of Havarti, a generous portion of BBQ chicken, another slice of Havarti, and a second slice of bread, buttered side up.
4. Cook: Grill each sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Serves 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap Havarti for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
• Add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Mix caramelized onions into the BBQ chicken for extra sweetness.
• Add a layer of coleslaw inside the sandwich for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

These sandwiches are best fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I make the BBQ chicken ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

What type of bread works best?

Sturdy bread like sourdough or thick-cut white bread works best to hold the fillings without falling apart.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, it’s a great shortcut for this recipe.

How do I keep the cheese from oozing out?

Cook on medium heat to allow the cheese to melt slowly without spilling over.

Can I bake these sandwiches instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and melty.

Can I freeze these sandwiches?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the bread and cheese can change after thawing.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Use your favorite smoky, sweet, or spicy all work well.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, add cayenne pepper to the chicken or use a spicy BBQ sauce.

Can I make a single large sandwich and slice it?

Yes, cook a large loaf-style sandwich, then cut into portions before serving.

How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?

Cook over medium or medium-low heat and cover the skillet briefly to trap heat and melt the cheese.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a hearty, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. With tangy-sweet BBQ chicken, creamy Havarti, and crispy garlic-buttered bread, it’s comfort food that’s quick to make and impossible to resist.

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