BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are an irresistible combination of savory BBQ chicken and rich, melted Havarti cheese, all sandwiched between buttery, crispy bread. Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend lunch, these sandwiches offer a unique twist on the classic grilled cheese. The smoky flavors of BBQ chicken paired with gooey cheese create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up these delicious sandwiches in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Versatile Meal: Great for lunch or dinner, this sandwich can be served with a side salad or chips for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these sandwiches are sure to impress your friends and family alike.
• Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is ultimate comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: This is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crust on your sandwiches while keeping the insides warm and melty.
• Spatula: An essential tool for flipping your sandwiches without losing any filling.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

• 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

For the Sandwich Assembly

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

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the sliced red onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook until heated through.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Take two slices of bread. On one slice, layer with Havarti cheese followed by the BBQ chicken filling. Top with another slice of bread. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.

Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches

In the same skillet (or use another if preferred), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic to the butter. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Cook each side until golden brown and cheese is melted—about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked to perfection, remove from heat. Slice each sandwich in half if desired. Sprinkle with minced parsley for garnish before serving warm!

Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich as a delightful meal that combines comfort food with gourmet flair!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Serving BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches can elevate your meal experience. These sandwiches are versatile and can be accompanied by various sides and condiments to enhance the flavors.

With a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with light vinaigrette.
• Coleslaw: Crunchy cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Extra BBQ Sauce: Serve alongside for those who love an extra kick of flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch adds a cool touch that complements the sandwiches well.

On a Platter

• Sandwich Platter: Arrange cut sandwiches on a large platter for easy serving at gatherings.
• Mini Sandwiches: Make smaller versions for appetizers or party snacks, perfect for sharing.

With Pickles

• Dill Pickles: Their tanginess contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the sandwich.
• Pickled Jalapeños: Add some spice for those who enjoy a little heat in their meal.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

To achieve the perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich, attention to detail is key. Here are some essential tips:

• Use Quality Bread: Choose sturdy bread like sourdough for better structure and taste.
• Butter Generously: Spread enough butter on the outside of the bread for a crispy texture when grilled.
• Evenly Distribute Filling: Layer chicken and cheese evenly to ensure every bite is delicious.
• Cook on Medium Heat: This allows the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While Havarti is great, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for variety.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Complementing your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, these are a delightful alternative to regular fries.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, it’s a classic side that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
3. Potato Chips: A crunchy snack that adds texture; consider flavored chips like barbecue or cheddar.
4. Baked Beans: Rich and savory, they provide a hearty complement to your sandwich.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the sandwich.
6. Macaroni Salad: Creamy pasta salad adds another comforting element to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few to watch out for.

• Using stale bread: Fresh bread ensures the sandwich holds together well and tastes great. Opt for freshly baked or properly stored sourdough or white bread.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can dry out your sandwich. Use shredded roasted chicken that’s moist and flavorful.
• Skipping the garlic butter: The garlic butter adds richness and flavor. Don’t skip it; instead, spread it generously on the bread before grilling.
• Not monitoring grill temperature: High heat can burn the bread while leaving the cheese unmelty. Cook on medium heat for perfect results.
• Neglecting to let it cool slightly: Cutting into a hot sandwich can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest for a minute before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, grill each side until warmed through and crispy, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese is best for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

Havarti cheese works wonderfully due to its creamy texture. However, you can also use mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer.

Can I use leftover BBQ chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover BBQ chicken is perfect for this recipe and adds fantastic flavor.

How can I customize my BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

You can add ingredients like jalapeños for spice, avocado for creaminess, or even different types of sauces based on your taste preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These sandwiches are great for meal prep. Just store them correctly, and they will remain delicious throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. They’re versatile enough to adapt with different ingredients based on your mood or pantry items. Give this recipe a try and enjoy customizing it to your taste!

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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a deliciously indulgent take on the classic grilled cheese. This recipe combines tender BBQ chicken with creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled between crispy, buttery slices of bread for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The smoky, savory flavors meld beautifully with the gooey cheese, creating a comfort food experience that will delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare, these sandwiches are not only crowd-pleasers but also offer wonderful versatility—serve them with salads, dips, or sides for a complete feast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 12 slices Havarti cheese
• ¼ cup butter
• 12 slices sourdough or sturdy white bread

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté red onion until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook until heated through.
3. Assemble sandwiches by layering cheese and chicken filling between two slices of bread.
4. Melt butter in the skillet and grill each sandwich until golden brown and the cheese is melted—about 3-4 minutes per side.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich (200g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, mix different cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Serve with fresh salad or crunchy chips for a balanced meal.