BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Isabella Rames 0 Comments
Total Time: 21 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Get ready to savor our gooey, smoky BBQ chicken grilled cheese—a perfect mash-up of cheesy goodness and tangy BBQ flavors in every crunchy bite!
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Craving a sandwich that brings together melted cheddar cheese, tender BBQ-coated chicken, and crisp sourdough bread? This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich does precisely that. Get ready to savor our gooey, smoky BBQ chicken grilled cheese—a perfect mash-up of cheesy goodness and tangy BBQ flavors in every crunchy bite! Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch to brighten up your day or a satisfying dinner that comes together in a flash, this recipe is here to rescue your comfort-food cravings. In under 10 minutes of hands-on prep and another 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a golden-brown masterpiece on your plate, oozing with savory, tangy, and smoky layers.

This beginner-friendly sandwich is the ultimate cheat day hero, packing in about 900 calories of pure indulgence. With soft buttered sourdough, two layers of lush cheddar cheese, and a generous helping of BBQ-sauced shredded chicken, every bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by a melty, savory center. I love whipping this up when I’m short on time—sometimes I grab leftover rotisserie chicken to speed things along, or I throw in a handful of sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. The whole thing rests for just a minute off the skillet, so you can slice it up into perfect halves or quarters and dive right in. Serve it alongside crisp fries or crunchy pickles, and you’ve got a crave-worthy meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN BBQ CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Before you fire up the skillet, let’s talk about the stars of this show. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this grilled cheese truly unforgettable.

  • Sourdough bread: A sturdy yet chewy foundation that crisps beautifully when buttered and toasted, offering a tangy contrast to the rich filling.
  • Cooked chicken breast: Tender, shredded chicken that soaks up the BBQ sauce, delivering juicy bites in every mouthful.
  • BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand or homemade variety brings the smoky, sweet, and tangy punch that defines this sandwich.
  • Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar creates that classic grilled cheese pull and balances the sweet BBQ notes.
  • Butter: Softened to spread easily, it ensures an even, golden crust on both sides of the bread for that irresistible crunch.
  • Olive oil: Adds a hint of fruitiness and helps the bread crisp without burning, keeping the interior soft and gooey.
  • Red onion (optional): Thinly sliced for a pop of color and gentle bite; it offsets the richness with a mild, sweet crunch.
  • Fresh cilantro (optional): Chopped and sprinkled on top for a bright, herbaceous finish that lifts the smoky flavors.

HOW TO MAKE BBQ CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Time to bring everything together in the skillet! Follow these steps and watch the magic happen as layers of cheese and BBQ chicken meld into one irresistible sandwich.

1. In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until every strand is evenly coated and glossy.

2. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, then drizzle in the olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

3. While the skillet warms, butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread, spreading it edge to edge for full coverage.

4. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto the preheated skillet, listening for that satisfying sizzle.

5. On top of the bread in the skillet, layer one slice of cheddar cheese, then spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, ensuring every corner is covered.

6. Add the second slice of cheddar cheese on top of the BBQ chicken, creating a gooey cheese barrier that holds it all together.

7. Place the second slice of bread buttered side facing up to prepare for toasting the top layer.

8. Grill the sandwich for 3–4 minutes, pressing it gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt through and the bread crisp up beautifully.

9. Flip the sandwich carefully and grill for another 3–4 minutes, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has fully melted.

10. Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for one minute before slicing—this brief pause helps the cheese settle so it doesn’t ooze everywhere.

11. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with a side of pickles or fries for the ultimate comfort-food combo.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BBQ CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Once your sandwich is perfectly grilled, you’ll want to complement its bold flavors with the right sides and finishing touches. Here are some of my favorite ways to plate this BBQ chicken delight:

  • Classic Pickle Spears: The sharp, tangy crunch of dill pickles cuts through the sandwich’s richness. Serve chilled or lightly brined for contrast.
  • Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Toss sweet potato sticks with olive oil, paprika, and a pinch of salt before baking or air-frying until crispy. They add a sweet-savory balance.
  • Fresh Garden Salad: A mix of greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette refreshes your palate between each hearty bite.
  • Extra BBQ Sauce Drizzle: Warm a little sauce in a small bowl and drizzle generously over the sandwich or serve on the side for dipping—never skimp on that tangy goodness!

HOW TO STORE BBQ CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

If you happen to have leftovers or want to prepare this sandwich ahead of time, proper storage will keep flavors intact and textures as close to fresh as possible. Follow these tips to ensure you’re biting into deliciousness, even days later.

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container: Let the sandwich cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or cling film before placing in a sealed container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for longer storage: Individually wrap cooled sandwiches in parchment paper and then aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer bag and store for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat in a toaster oven: For best results, re-crisp the bread and melt the cheese thoroughly by toasting at medium heat until warmed through—about 5–7 minutes.
  • Avoid the microwave: While quick, it can make the bread soggy and unevenly warm the cheese. If you must, use short bursts and finish in a hot skillet to restore crispness.

CONCLUSION

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is more than just a mash-up of two beloved classics—it’s a quick, satisfying meal that brings smoky, tangy BBQ flavors together with melty cheddar and crispy sourdough. With just 10 minutes of prep, 10 minutes of cooking, and a one-minute rest, you’ll have a hearty lunch or dinner that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to nail, even if you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen. From the buttery crunch of the bread to the savory pull of cheese and tender BBQ-coated chicken, each layer plays its part in crafting the perfect comfort-food experience.

Feel free to print this article and save it for later use, tucking it into your recipe binder or pinning it on your fridge. Below, you’ll find a helpful FAQ to answer any lingering questions you might have. And if you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment with your tweaks, questions, or feedback. Happy grilling, and may every bite be as gooey and flavorful as you dreamed!

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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Author: Isabella Rames
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 1 min Total Time 21 mins
Calories: 900

Description

This sandwich brings together melted cheddar cheese, tender BBQ-coated chicken, and crisp sourdough for a flavor-packed bite. Each grill-pressed layer delivers a smoky, tangy, and irresistible crunch that’ll satisfy your comfort-food cravings.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
  2. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  3. While the skillet heats, butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
  4. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet.
  5. On top of the bread in the skillet, layer one slice of cheddar cheese, then spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese.
  6. Add the second slice of cheddar cheese on top of the BBQ chicken.
  7. Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
  8. Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes, pressing it gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt and the bread crisp up.
  9. Flip the sandwich carefully and grill for another 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese has melted completely.
  10. Remove from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before cutting into halves or quarters.
  11. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with a side of pickles or fries.

Note

  • You can use any cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella or provolone, for a different twist.
  • Feel free to add some sliced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
  • For extra flavor, try toasting the bread in a little garlic butter before assembling the sandwich.
  • You can use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the filling.
  • Serve with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Keywords: BBQ chicken sandwich, grilled cheese, comfort food, sourdough sandwich, easy lunch, cheesy recipes
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Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does it take to prepare and cook the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

It takes about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients—shredding the chicken, slicing the onion, buttering the bread—and another 6 to 8 minutes to grill the sandwich over medium heat. In total, you should have a hot, melty sandwich ready in around 16 to 18 minutes.

Can I use a different type of bread if I don’t have sourdough?

Yes, you can substitute sourdough with other sturdy breads like ciabatta, multigrain, or a thick-cut white loaf. Choose a bread that crisps well and holds up to the moisture of the BBQ sauce without becoming soggy.

What cheese alternatives work well in this sandwich?

While cheddar gives a sharp flavor and good melt, you can swap it for mozzarella for a milder, stretchy texture or provolone for a slightly smoky note. Pepper jack adds a subtle kick, and smoked gouda brings an extra layer of barbecue-friendly smokiness.

How can I spice up the sandwich for an extra kick?

Mix sliced jalapeños or pickled banana peppers into the BBQ chicken filling before assembling. You can also brush the bread with a garlic-chili butter or add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mix for heat throughout.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the wrapped sandwich in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or toast it in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and the bread crisps up again.

Can I prepare components ahead of time for quicker assembly?

Absolutely. Cook and shred the chicken, mix it with BBQ sauce, and slice onions a day ahead. Store each component separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, just butter the bread, layer the ingredients, and grill for a fast, fresh sandwich.

Isabella Roberts

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hey my name is Isabella, I’m so glad you’re here. As a culinary enthusiast and mother, I love sharing quick, healthy, and family-friendly recipes. My cookbook and blog blend tradition with innovation, inspiring delicious moments in the kitchen. Join me on this flavorful journey!

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