BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic

Introduction

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a comfort food staple—simple, delicious, and always satisfying. But what happens when you take this beloved classic and elevate it with bold, smoky flavors and a juicy protein like BBQ chicken? Enter BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, a mouthwatering twist on the traditional grilled cheese that’s sure to impress your taste buds and elevate your lunch or dinner game. With tender, flavorful BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crispy, buttery bread, this sandwich is the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and cheesy goodness.

Whether you’re craving a hearty meal, want to spice up your regular grilled cheese routine, or need a creative way to use up leftover chicken, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is an easy-to-make dish that’s sure to satisfy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, lunch, or even a picnic, this sandwich combines the best of both worlds—BBQ flavors and the comfort of a grilled cheese.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make the perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, share tips on customization, provide variations to suit different dietary preferences, and offer suggestions for sides and pairings. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold BBQ Flavor: The smoky and tangy BBQ chicken adds a new layer of flavor to the classic grilled cheese, making it more filling and flavorful.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With the addition of chicken, this grilled cheese becomes a full meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Customizable: You can tweak the cheese, BBQ sauce, and bread to match your personal taste preferences.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy days.
• Kid-Friendly: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a hit with both adults and kids, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
• Comforting: The crispy bread and gooey cheese offer that familiar comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich, with the bonus of hearty, smoky BBQ chicken.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook time)
• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 550, Protein: 33g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 28g.

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb): This is the base for the BBQ chicken filling.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory flavor to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: For extra smoky flavor.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, tangy, spicy—whatever you like!).
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional): Adds a little tang and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

For the Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

• 8 slices of bread (preferably a hearty white bread, sourdough, or brioche): Choose a sturdy bread that will hold up to the filling and grilling.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Softened, for spreading on the bread to create a crispy, golden crust.
• 2 cups shredded cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well for a gooey melt, but you can also use provolone, gouda, or Monterey Jack for added flavor.

Optional Garnishes:

• Pickles or pickle chips: Add a tangy crunch to complement the BBQ chicken.
• Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw can add freshness and crunch that pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
• Hot sauce: For a spicy kick, drizzle some hot sauce on the sandwich before serving.

First Step: PREPARE THE BBQ CHICKEN

1. Season and Cook the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.
2. Shred the Chicken: After the chicken has cooled slightly, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a hand mixer or a food processor for faster shredding, if you prefer.
3. Combine with BBQ Sauce: Place the shredded chicken in a bowl and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar if you want a tangier flavor. Stir to combine until the chicken is fully coated in the BBQ sauce. Set aside.

Second Step: ASSEMBLE THE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES

1. Butter the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. The butter will help create the crispy, golden crust that is a hallmark of a good grilled cheese sandwich.
2. Add Cheese: On the unbuttered side of four slices of bread, add a generous amount of shredded cheese—about ½ cup per slice. You can mix and match cheeses, but a combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates the best melt.
3. Layer the BBQ Chicken: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture onto the cheese-covered slices of bread, spreading it evenly. Make sure to add a generous amount to ensure the sandwich is flavorful and filling.
4. Top with More Cheese: Place another slice of cheese (about ½ cup) on top of the BBQ chicken, then close the sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out.

Third Step: COOK THE SANDWICHES

1. Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, place the sandwiches in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the sandwiches in batches if necessary.
2. Grill the Sandwiches: Cook each sandwich for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. You can press the sandwich down gently with a spatula to help it cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust.
3. Check for Doneness: Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is fully melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing.

Fourth Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Slice the Sandwiches: Use a sharp knife to slice the sandwiches diagonally. The melted cheese and BBQ chicken will ooze out, so be careful not to burn yourself!
2. Optional Garnishes: For added flavor, serve the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with a side of pickles, coleslaw, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
3. Serve Hot: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a hearty and flavorful sandwich, so it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some great ideas for complementing this meal:

1. With a Side Salad

A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. Try a mixed green salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon dressing for a refreshing contrast.

2. With Potato Chips or Fries

For an extra crunchy side, serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with some classic potato chips or crispy fries. You can even make homemade sweet potato fries for a healthier option that still satisfies your cravings.

3. With Coleslaw

A side of coleslaw complements the smoky BBQ chicken beautifully. The creamy, crunchy texture of the coleslaw contrasts nicely with the soft, melty sandwich, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal.

4. With Soup

If you’re looking for a more filling meal, pair your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with a bowl of tomato soup. The classic combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup never goes out of style, and the smoky BBQ chicken adds a new twist on this iconic pairing.

5. Wine or Beer Pairing

For a drink to pair with your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, a light beer like a pale ale or lager would be perfect. If you prefer wine, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir. The acidity and lightness of these wines will cut through the richness of the sandwich.

Recipe Variations

While BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is fantastic as written, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe based on dietary preferences or taste.

1. Use Pulled Pork or Beef

If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it out for pulled pork or shredded beef. Both options pair wonderfully with BBQ sauce and will give the sandwich a different flavor profile.

2. Make It Spicy

For those who love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture. You can also use a spicier BBQ sauce or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside the sandwich.

3. Use Different Cheeses

While cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combo, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or provolone for a unique twist on your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese.

4. Make It Healthier

For a healthier version, use whole-grain bread and lower-fat cheese. You can also replace the BBQ sauce with a homemade version made with less sugar or try using grilled chicken instead of BBQ chicken for a lighter option.

5. Add Veggies

To add some extra nutrition and flavor, try adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the sandwich. These vegetables will bring an additional layer of texture and freshness.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When grilling the sandwiches, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. You want to give each sandwich enough space to cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure the cheese melts smoothly and the bread grills evenly, make sure the butter is softened and the cheese is at room temperature.
3. Press the Sandwiches: For an even crispier sandwich, gently press down on each sandwich with a spatula while it cooks.
4. Low and Slow Cooking: If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese has melted, reduce the heat to low and cook the sandwiches a little slower to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.

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Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food that brings together the smoky goodness of BBQ chicken and the creamy, melty perfection of grilled cheese. This easy-to-make sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a casual weekend meal. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore the variations, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and BBQ goodness in every bite!