Smoky Backyard BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

Sizzling summer nights call for a mouthwatering BBQ chicken grilled cheese that combines smoky flavors with melty, gooey goodness.

Tender chunks of juicy chicken dripping with tangy barbecue sauce create an irresistible filling between golden, crispy bread slices.

Melted cheese oozes from every corner, promising a delightful twist on the classic comfort food.

This sandwich delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet with each incredible bite.

Crisp edges and a rich, creamy interior make this meal a true crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to sink your teeth into this irresistible creation that elevates the humble grilled cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Let’s find out this epic sandwich and experience a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Serving Suggestions for This Cheesy Classic

• Flavor Party Plate: Serve this grilled cheese with a side of crisp coleslaw or tangy pickle spears to balance the rich, smoky chicken flavors.
• Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling or dunking, which adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy sandwich.
• Game Day Companion: Pair the sandwich with ice-cold beer or a zesty craft soda to complement the BBQ chicken's bold taste and enhance the overall meal experience.
• Picnic Perfect: Wrap these sandwiches tightly in parchment paper for an easy portable lunch that travels well and stays deliciously warm.

How to Store Grilled Cheese for Later

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover BBQ chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping flavors fresh and ready for future sandwich creations.
• Sandwich Prep Hack: Assemble uncooked sandwiches and wrap individually in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a convenient make-ahead meal option that saves time during busy weeks.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap fully cooled grilled sandwiches in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. These will stay delicious for 1-2 months and can be quickly reheated in a toaster oven or skillet.
• Smart Ingredient Management: Keep shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese separately in sealed containers to maintain quality and flexibility for spontaneous sandwich making or other recipe variations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Ingredient Rundown

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps caramelize onions smoothly.
• Red Onion: Brings sweet and sharp undertones to enhance BBQ chicken's depth.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic warmth and intense savory notes.
• Paprika: Delivers subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the chicken.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces complex tangy umami character.

• Roast Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked protein that absorbs BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Havarti Cheese: Creamy, melty cheese with buttery smooth texture.
• BBQ Sauce: Creates signature tangy-sweet coating for the chicken.

• Sourdough Bread or Sturdy White Bread: Provides crisp, substantial base for grilling.
• Butter: Ensures golden, crispy exterior with rich flavor.
• Garlic: Infuses bread with intense aromatic punch.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright green color and subtle herbal freshness.

Tools for Making BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and cooking chicken mixture.
• Spatula: Essential for stirring and flipping ingredients.
• Grater: Helpful for shredding cheese if needed.
• Cutting board: Great for preparing ingredients.
• Butter knife: Useful for spreading garlic butter on bread.
• Griddle or grill pan: Ideal for grilling sandwiches to golden perfection.
• Cheese grater (optional): Helps create fresh, melty cheese layers.

How to Build a Flavor-Packed Grilled Cheese

• Flavor Foundation

Sauté onions in a skillet until they become translucent and tender. Introduce shredded chicken and a blend of zesty seasonings like smoky paprika, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and rich BBQ sauce. Let the mixture warm and meld together.

• Garlic Magic

Create a luscious garlic spread by combining melted butter with minced garlic and fresh parsley. This aromatic mixture will elevate the sandwich’s overall taste and create a crispy exterior.

• Sandwich Assembly

Layer slices of bread with the garlic butter. Generously sprinkle cheese, top with the savory BBQ chicken mixture, and add another layer of cheese for maximum gooeyness.

• Grilling Perfection

Place a second slice of bread on top, ensuring the buttered side faces outward. Cook the sandwich in a hot skillet over medium heat, allowing each side to transform into a golden, crispy masterpiece with melted cheese oozing from the edges.

• Serving

Cut the grilled cheese diagonally and serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and the bread remains perfectly crisp. Enjoy this indulgent twist on a classic comfort food.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Tips and Twists

• Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or sliced jalapeños to kick up the heat and crunch in your BBQ chicken grilled cheese.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor combinations that complement the BBQ chicken.
• Try using sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche instead of standard white bread for a more gourmet sandwich experience with added texture and richness.
• Prepare the BBQ chicken filling in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinner assembly quick and easy for busy families.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding thin slices of roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, or fresh spinach leaves between the cheese and chicken layers for a more balanced meal.

Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

BBQ chicken grilled cheese merges smoky, tangy flavors between crispy, golden bread slices. Melted cheese and tender chicken create an irresistible sandwich that satisfies your comfort meal cravings.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 cups shredded roast chicken
• 12 slices Havarti cheese
• 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 0.25 cups (4 tbsps) butter
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsps parsley, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsps olive oil

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Aromatics: Sauté diced onions in oil until translucent, developing a sweet, rich flavor foundation for the BBQ chicken filling.
2. Build Chicken Filling: Combine shredded chicken with paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce in the skillet, heating thoroughly to meld flavors and create a robust, tangy mixture.
3. Prepare Garlic Butter: Whisk melted butter with fresh parsley and crushed garlic, creating an aromatic spread that will enhance the sandwich’s exterior.
4. Assemble Sandwich Base: Coat one side of each bread slice with the garlic butter, ensuring complete coverage for a crisp, golden exterior.
5. Layer Cheese and Filling: Construct the sandwich by first placing a generous layer of cheddar cheese, topping it with the warm BBQ chicken mixture, and adding another layer of cheese to maximize melting potential.
6. Grill to Perfection: Place the assembled sandwich on a preheated griddle or skillet over medium heat, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side. Gently press with a spatula to promote even browning and complete cheese melting.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the sandwich when achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and luxuriously melted cheese interior. Let rest briefly, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Notes

• Butter Technique: Use softened butter for even spreading, ensuring complete bread coverage without tearing delicate bread surfaces.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Choose room temperature cheese for faster, more uniform melting and better sandwich texture.
• Heat Control: Maintain medium heat to prevent burning while allowing bread to crisp and cheese to melt completely.
• Flavor Enhancement: Let BBQ chicken mixture cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy bread and maintain sandwich structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg