BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Everyone Loves
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is the kind of comfort food that fits perfectly into busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike. Crispy, golden bread wraps around tender barbecue chicken and layers of melted cheese, creating a sandwich that feels indulgent without being complicated. It’s warm, savory, slightly smoky, and incredibly satisfying from the very first bite.
Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a casual family meal, this sandwich delivers big flavor using simple ingredients and an easy cooking process. Pairing it with lighter sides, such as a tangy Blue Cheese Coleslaw, can help balance the richness of the sandwich.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe Overview
At its core, this recipe is built around shredded chicken coated in barbecue sauce, layered with cheese, and grilled until the bread is crisp and the filling is hot and melty. The key is building flavor in small steps, so nothing tastes flat or rushed, similar to how flavors are layered in a classic Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
Making a larger batch of shredded chicken ahead of time can make this recipe even faster, especially if you like having quick meal options ready during the week. That same prep approach works well for recipes like a simple Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
This is a straightforward recipe that comes together quickly once everything is prepped. Taking a few minutes to prepare each component properly makes a noticeable difference in the final sandwich, just as it does when preparing homemade Sourdough Crackers
Garlic Butter
A flavored butter adds depth and richness to the bread. Melt butter gently and mix it with minced garlic and herbs until smooth. This mixture spreads easily and creates a crisp, golden crust once the sandwich hits the pan. Let it cool slightly before using so it doesn’t soak into the bread too quickly.
Mix the Chicken
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and a few seasonings. The goal is to coat the chicken evenly without making it overly saucy. This step ensures every bite has flavor and helps the chicken heat evenly once it’s added to the pan.
Soften the Onions
Thinly sliced onions are cooked briefly in a bit of oil until soft and lightly translucent. Cooking them first removes their sharpness and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky barbecue sauce, much like the natural sweetness found in Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Combine the Filling
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan with the onions and cook just long enough for everything to warm through. This allows the flavors to come together without drying out the chicken. Once heated, remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside.
Prepare the Sandwiches
Lay out the bread slices and spread the garlic butter evenly on one side of each piece. Place the buttered side down and start layering with cheese, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture, then another layer of cheese. Using sourdough-style bread can add extra texture, similar to recipes that use Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers.
Cook the sandwiches in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the bottoms are crisp and golden. Flip carefully, lower the heat slightly, and continue cooking until the second side is browned and the cheese is fully melted. Press gently with a spatula to help everything hold together.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
- Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy
- Use sturdy bread to hold the filling without falling apart
- Adjust the barbecue sauce based on how sweet or smoky you prefer it
- Swap cheeses to change the flavor profile without changing the method
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a simple recipe that feels hearty, comforting, and satisfying every time you make it. With crisp bread, flavorful chicken, and melted cheese in every layer, it’s a sandwich that never feels boring and always hits the spot, especially when followed by a light dessert like Strawberry Banana Pudding.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Variations
The best thing about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to match your taste. With just a few small changes, you can enjoy a completely new flavor every time.
- Cheese Swap: You can use Havarti, mozzarella, cheddar, or smoked gouda
- Spicy Version: Add a little chili sauce or sliced jalapeños along with the BBQ sauce
- Bread Options: Sourdough, white bread, or thick sandwich bread all work perfectly
- Extra Add-ins: Cooked bacon, corn, or caramelized onions make the flavor even richer
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you like meal prepping, this recipe is very convenient.
- The BBQ chicken filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- It’s not recommended to assemble and grill the sandwiches in advance, as the bread can become soggy
- For best results, keep the filling ready and make the sandwiches fresh when needed
How to Reheat BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
The reheating method matters for the best taste and texture.
- Skillet: Reheat on low heat so the bread becomes crispy again
- Oven: Reheat at 170°C (340°F) for 8–10 minutes without foil
- Microwave: Use only if you’re in a hurry, but the bread may turn soft
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet, as preferred)
- 4 slices bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Butter one side of each bread slice evenly.
- Place two bread slices butter-side down on a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a layer of cheese, followed by BBQ chicken, onions, and cilantro (if using).
- Top with more cheese and cover with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, add smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese.
- Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- This sandwich pairs well with tomato soup or coleslaw.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Do not use bread that is too thin, or it won’t hold the filling properly
- Avoid making the chicken too saucy, or the sandwich may leak
- Cook on medium heat so the cheese melts evenly
- When flipping, gently press with a spatula for even browning
