Alright, let’s cut to the chase—BBQ chicken grilled cheese isn’t just a sandwich. It’s a masterpiece. Imagine tender, smoky BBQ chicken piled high on buttery, toasted bread with gooey, melted cheese oozing out of every bite. Yeah, it’s that good. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner, a lazy Sunday lunch, or just because you need something ridiculously delicious, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Now, grilled cheese on its own is already a national treasure. But when you add BBQ chicken to the mix? Game over. It’s sweet, smoky, cheesy, crispy—basically all the best food adjectives rolled into one sandwich.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to make the perfect BBQ chicken grilled cheese, the best cheeses to use, bread options, pro tips for crispy bread, and even some side dish suggestions to round out your meal. Plus, we’ve got FAQs and storage tips because, let’s be honest, you might want leftovers (or seconds… or thirds).
So, preheat that skillet, grab your cheese grater, and let’s build the sandwich of your dreams. 🧀🔥
Table of contents
- 🌟 Why BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a Must-Try
- 🛒 Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- 👩🍳 How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Step-by-Step Guide
- 🧀 Best Cheese for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- 🍴 What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- 🧠 Pro Tips for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Success
- 🧺 Storage and Reheating Tips
- ❓FAQs About BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- 🏆 Final Thoughts: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese for the Win
🌟 Why BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a Must-Try
If you need convincing (you probably don’t, but humor me), here’s why BBQ chicken grilled cheese deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:
- Ridiculously Delicious: Sweet, smoky BBQ chicken + melty cheese + buttery bread = perfection.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Comfort Food Favorite: Perfect for those days when you need a little extra coziness.
- Customizable: Switch up the cheese, bread, or BBQ sauce to suit your mood.
- Great for Leftovers: Got leftover BBQ chicken? Boom, dinner’s done.
If you love BBQ flavors, you might also want to try this Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken recipe for another sweet and smoky delight.
🛒 Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Here’s your shopping list to make this drool-worthy sandwich:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked BBQ chicken | 1 cup | Shredded or chopped |
| BBQ sauce | ¼ cup | Your favorite brand |
| Bread | 4 slices | Sourdough, white, or brioche |
| Cheese | 1 cup | Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Softened for spreading |
| Red onion (optional) | ¼ cup | Thinly sliced |
| Pickles (optional) | 4-6 slices | For extra tanginess |
Pro Tip: Use a sturdy bread like sourdough—it holds up better against all that melty cheese and saucy chicken.
👩🍳 How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep Your BBQ Chicken
- If using leftover chicken, reheat it with BBQ sauce in a skillet over low heat until warm.
- If starting from scratch, cook shredded chicken in BBQ sauce until well coated and sticky.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
- Spread a generous layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- The buttered sides will face outward on the skillet.
Step 3: Build the Sandwich
- Place one slice of bread (butter side down) on a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a layer of shredded cheese.
- Add the warm BBQ chicken on top of the cheese.
- If using onions or pickles, layer them on now.
- Add another layer of cheese (yes, double cheese is the rule here).
- Top with the second slice of bread (butter side up).
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
- Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Press lightly with a spatula to help everything stick together.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Gooey
- Remove from the skillet and let the sandwich sit for 1-2 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
🧀 Best Cheese for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Not all cheeses melt the same, so here are your best bets:
| Cheese | Flavor Profile | Melty Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Sharp, tangy | Excellent |
| Mozzarella | Mild, creamy | Super melty |
| Gouda | Rich, slightly sweet | Very melty |
| Pepper Jack | Spicy, zesty | Good melt |
| Provolone | Mild, smooth | Great melt |
Pro Tip: Mix two cheeses for maximum flavor and gooeyness. Cheddar and mozzarella are a dream team.
For another cheese-filled treat, check out these Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joes for a comfort food classic.
🍴 What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Alright, you’ve got this gooey, crispy, sweet, and smoky BBQ chicken grilled cheese masterpiece in front of you—but what should you serve with it? Sure, it’s hearty enough to stand alone, but a good side dish can take your meal from great to next-level delicious. Whether you want something light and fresh, crispy and salty, or rich and indulgent, there’s a perfect pairing waiting for you.
- Tomato Soup: This is the OG grilled cheese companion. The tangy acidity of tomato soup balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and creates a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the sandwich. Bonus points if you add a scoop inside the sandwich!
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and slightly sweet—they match the brown sugar notes in the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- Pickles: Tangy, crunchy, and bright, pickles are like the palate-cleansing hero of the BBQ world. Dill or bread-and-butter pickles both work great.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad brings a satisfying, starchy side to your sandwich. Add a sprinkle of paprika on top for extra flair.
- Side Salad: Keep things light with a fresh green salad. Toss it in a zesty vinaigrette for a bright, crisp bite between those cheesy, saucy bites.
- Onion Rings: Crispy, golden onion rings are indulgent and oh-so-good with a BBQ sandwich.
- Cowboy Cornbread Casserole: A hearty, buttery side that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
If you’re a fan of creative chicken recipes, you’ll love these BBQ Chicken Tenders for a crispy, finger-licking alternative.
🧠 Pro Tips for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Success
A BBQ chicken grilled cheese might sound simple, but getting that perfect balance of crispy bread, gooey cheese, and saucy chicken takes a little know-how. Follow these pro tips, and you’ll be serving up sandwich perfection every single time.
- Use Sturdy Bread: Go for thick slices of sourdough, brioche, or Texas toast. These breads hold up well against the weight of the chicken and melted cheese without getting soggy.
- Butter Generously: Don’t skimp on the butter—it’s the secret to golden, crispy bread. Make sure the butter is softened so you can spread it evenly across each slice.
- Shred the Chicken Well: Smaller pieces of chicken stay in place better and ensure every bite is packed with BBQ flavor.
- Warm the BBQ Chicken First: Cold chicken can prevent the cheese from melting properly. Heat the chicken in BBQ sauce before assembling the sandwich.
- Layer Cheese on Both Sides: Cheese acts like glue, holding the chicken in place. Add a layer under and over the chicken for maximum melty goodness.
- Cook Low and Slow: High heat will burn your bread before the cheese melts. Stick to medium or medium-low heat and be patient—it’s worth it.
- Press Gently: Use a spatula to lightly press down on the sandwich as it cooks. This helps everything stick together and creates that perfect crispy crust.
- Let It Rest: After grilling, let your sandwich sit for about 1-2 minutes before slicing. This keeps the cheese from oozing out immediately.
- Serve with Extra BBQ Sauce: A little extra sauce on the side for dipping takes the flavor to another level.
🧺 Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness. Avoid the microwave—it makes the bread soggy.
- Freezing: Not recommended; grilled cheese is best fresh.
❓FAQs About BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda are all fantastic choices for BBQ chicken. Cheddar brings a sharp tang that pairs perfectly with sweet BBQ sauce, mozzarella offers a creamy, gooey texture, and gouda adds a rich, slightly smoky flavor. For the best results, mix two cheeses—like cheddar and mozzarella—for both flavor and meltiness.
The best cheeses for melting are mozzarella, gouda, provolone, and Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt smoothly and create that satisfying stretchy, gooey texture grilled cheese lovers crave. If you want a bolder flavor, sharp cheddar also melts well but with a slightly firmer texture.
Yes, but timing is key. Brush BBQ sauce onto the chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce. If you want more flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce beforehand, but always baste with fresh sauce while grilling for that glossy, caramelized finish.
Both work, but they have slight differences. Butter gives you that classic rich, golden crust with a buttery flavor. Mayonnaise, on the other hand, spreads more easily, browns evenly, and creates an ultra-crispy crust without burning as quickly. Some pro cooks even mix butter and mayo for the ultimate grilled cheese hack.
🏆 Final Thoughts: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese for the Win
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese isn’t just a sandwich—it’s an experience. Sweet, smoky chicken, gooey cheese, and buttery crispy bread come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, this recipe delivers every time.
So, grab your skillet, pile on the cheese, and get ready for the best grilled cheese of your life. 🧀🔥
