Few things are as satisfying as a perfectly crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich—but when you add smoky BBQ chicken into the mix, you take comfort food to a whole new level. The BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich combines melted cheese, juicy shredded chicken, and tangy BBQ sauce, all toasted between buttery, golden-brown bread. It’s the ultimate combination of savory, smoky, sweet, and cheesy flavors that will leave you craving more.
This sandwich is easy to make, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch, dinner, or game-day snack. Whether you use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked chicken, it’s a fast, flavorful meal that requires just a few ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the best BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich, from selecting the right cheese and bread to achieving the perfect crispy texture.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Essential Ingredients for the Sandwich
To make the ultimate BBQ chicken grilled cheese, you’ll need:
✅ Chicken – Shredded or sliced; rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great.
✅ BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite; smoky, sweet, or spicy.
✅ Cheese – Melty cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda.
✅ Bread – Thick-cut sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche for the best texture.
✅ Butter – For a crispy, golden crust.
✅ Garlic Powder – Optional, for extra flavor on the buttered bread.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
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Best Cheese for Maximum Melt:
- Cheddar – Sharp and flavorful, a classic choice.
- Mozzarella – Super gooey and pairs well with BBQ.
- Gouda – Smoky and rich, enhances the BBQ flavor.
- Pepper Jack – Adds a slight spicy kick.
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Best Bread for Grilled Cheese Perfection:
- Sourdough – Crispy exterior, chewy interior.
- Texas Toast – Thick and buttery.
- Brioche – Slightly sweet, pairs well with BBQ sauce.
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Best BBQ Sauce:
- Sweet & Smoky – A balanced classic.
- Spicy – If you like a little heat.
- Honey BBQ – Adds extra sweetness.
With these ingredients, you’re set to make the ultimate BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich!
How to Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
The heart of a great BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich is the flavorful, juicy chicken filling. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cooking it fresh, this step ensures your sandwich is packed with delicious smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet BBQ flavors.
Best Way to Cook and Shred Chicken
You can use three main types of chicken for this recipe:
1️⃣ Rotisserie Chicken (Easiest Option)
- Simply shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce—no extra cooking needed!
- Perfect for a quick meal when you’re short on time.
2️⃣ Leftover Grilled or Baked Chicken
- If you have leftover grilled or baked chicken, just chop or shred it and toss it with BBQ sauce.
- Adds a slightly smokier flavor to the sandwich.
3️⃣ Fresh Chicken Breast or Thighs (Best for Maximum Flavor)
If cooking from scratch, follow these simple steps:
✅ Step 1: Season & Cook
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
✅ Step 2: Shred the Chicken
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then use two forks to shred it.
- If you prefer chunkier pieces, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces instead.
✅ Step 3: Mix with BBQ Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Toss until evenly coated.
Pro Tip: Want even more flavor? Add a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the BBQ mixture for extra tang and heat!
Customizing the BBQ Chicken Flavor
To make the BBQ chicken even more delicious, try adding:
🔥 A smoky kick – Mix in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
🌶️ Spicy version – Add sriracha or diced jalapeños to the BBQ sauce.
🍯 Sweet twist – Stir in a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar for a slightly sweeter BBQ flavor.
Once your BBQ chicken filling is ready, you’re all set to assemble and grill the perfect sandwich!
How to Assemble and Grill the Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Now that your BBQ chicken filling is ready, it’s time to assemble and grill the perfect sandwich! Follow these steps to get a crispy, golden crust with gooey, melted cheese inside.
Step-by-Step Assembly
✅ Step 1: Butter the Bread for Maximum Crispiness
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
- For extra flavor, mix a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning into the butter before spreading.
✅ Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Place a slice of bread (buttered side down) in a cold skillet.
- Add a layer of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda) to help “glue” the sandwich together.
- Spoon a generous amount of BBQ chicken over the cheese.
- Add more cheese on top of the BBQ chicken to create that perfect melt.
- Top with the second slice of bread (buttered side up).
Pro Tip: Layering cheese on both sides helps the sandwich hold together while grilling!
How to Grill for the Perfect Golden Crust
🔥 Step 3: Heat the Skillet Slowly
- Turn the heat to medium-low and let the sandwich heat up slowly.
- This allows the cheese to melt while the bread crisps up without burning.
🔥 Step 4: Press Lightly & Flip
- After 3-4 minutes, check if the bottom is golden brown.
- Gently flip the sandwich using a spatula, pressing lightly to help everything stick together.
🔥 Step 5: Finish Cooking
- Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t fully melted, lower the heat and cover the pan for 1-2 minutes to help it melt evenly.
🔥 Step 6: Let it Rest & Slice
- Remove from heat and let the sandwich sit for 1 minute before slicing.
- This helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all ooze out when you cut it.
Grilling Alternatives: Panini Press & Air Fryer
🔥 Panini Press Method
- Preheat your panini press and grill for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
- No need to flip—just check for golden brown color.
🔥 Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the sandwich in the basket and air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Pro Tip: The air fryer method creates an extra crispy texture while keeping the inside super melty!
Now that your BBQ chicken grilled cheese is perfectly grilled and golden, it’s time to serve it up!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce before assembling the sandwich.
2. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
It depends on your taste! Here are some great options:
- Sweet & Smoky – A balanced classic.
- Spicy BBQ – For those who love a little heat.
- Honey BBQ – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ – Tangy and bold.
3. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prep the BBQ chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to grill the sandwich fresh to keep the bread crispy.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Storage: Keep leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy.
5. What cheese melts best in this sandwich?
The best melty cheeses for grilled cheese include:
- Cheddar – Classic sharp flavor.
- Mozzarella – Gooey and stretchy.
- Gouda – Slightly smoky.
- Pepper Jack – Adds a spicy kick.
6. Can I make this sandwich healthier?
Yes! Try these swaps:
- Use whole wheat or sourdough bread instead of white bread.
- Use less butter or an olive oil spray for grilling.
- Choose a low-sugar BBQ sauce for fewer calories.
- Add veggies like spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers for extra nutrition.
Conclusion
The BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect blend of smoky, cheesy, crispy, and savory flavors, making it an irresistible comfort food. With juicy BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and golden-brown buttery bread, this sandwich is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken for convenience or cooking fresh chicken for extra flavor, this recipe is customizable to suit your taste. Plus, with different cheese options, BBQ sauces, and add-ins like jalapeños or caramelized onions, you can create a sandwich that’s uniquely yours.
If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that’s great for lunch, dinner, or even game-day snacks, this BBQ chicken grilled cheese is a must-try. Fire up your skillet and enjoy this crispy, melty, flavor-packed sandwich today!
Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking! 😊🍽️🔥