BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Combining smoky BBQ chicken with creamy Havarti cheese and crispy garlic buttered bread, it makes for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine butter, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and minced parsley. Microwave until the butter is melted and mixture is well blended.
5. Step 5: Lay out the bread slices on a work surface and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each slice.
6. Step 6: Place 6 slices of bread, buttered side down. Top each with a slice of Havarti cheese, then divide the BBQ chicken evenly over the 6 slices. Add another slice of cheese on top of the chicken.
7. Step 7: Cover each sandwich with the remaining 6 bread slices, buttered side facing up.
8. Step 8: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bottoms are golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
9. Step 9: Flip the sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking until the second side is browned and the cheese is melted, another 3 to 5 minutes.
10. Step 10: Remove from the skillet, let rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, or substitute with regular paprika for a milder taste.
• Try different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack if Havarti isn’t available.
• For extra crunch, add a layer of crispy bacon inside the sandwich.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add more flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat until the cheese melts again, or use a toaster oven to retain the crispy bread.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein and use your favorite BBQ sauce for a tasty vegetarian alternative.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce complements the smoky chicken well, but feel free to use your preferred style, such as spicy or smoky, to suit your taste.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x

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Description

A delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines tender shredded roasted chicken with tangy BBQ sauce and melted Havarti cheese, sandwiched between buttery garlic parsley sourdough bread and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

BBQ Chicken Mixture

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Garlic Butter Bread

• ¼ cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
• 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
• 12 slices Havarti cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare BBQ Chicken Mixture: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small thinly sliced red onion and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup BBQ sauce. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
2. Make Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup butter, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons minced parsley. Microwave the mixture until the butter is melted and everything is combined.
3. Butter the Bread: Lay out 12 slices of sourdough bread on a work surface. Spread the melted garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each slice.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Turn over the buttered bread slices so the buttered side is down. On 6 slices, place one slice of Havarti cheese, then evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture among them. Top each with another slice of Havarti cheese, then cover with the remaining 6 slices of bread, buttered side up.
5. Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the bottom side is golden brown. Flip the sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the second side is browned and the cheese is fully melted.

Notes

• Use sturdy bread like sourdough to hold the filling and avoid sogginess.
• Feel free to swap Havarti cheese for another melting cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Leftover roasted chicken works great to speed up prep time.
• Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to taste depending on preferred sweetness and tanginess.
• For extra crispiness, use a panini press instead of a skillet.

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

Keywords: BBQ chicken grilled cheese, chicken sandwich, BBQ chicken sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich, quick dinner, easy lunch