Name: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Sourdough or Thick Sandwich Bread: 2 slices Butter (softened): 1 tablespoon Cooked Shredded Chicken: 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce: 2 tablespoons Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1/4 cup Thinly Sliced Red Onion (optional): 2 tablespoons Pickled Jalapeños or Fresh Cilantro for Garnish (optional): as needed

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If your idea of heaven involves melty cheese and smoky-sweet flavors, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is pure comfort food magic. Imagine golden, buttery sourdough, gooey layers of cheddar and mozzarella, and juicy chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce — all perfectly crisped in one satisfying bite. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a way to use up leftover chicken, this sandwich delivers big flavor and coziness with minimal effort.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is simple, but each component brings something extra to the table. The right blend of textures and tastes is the secret to every irresistible, cheesy bite.

Sourdough or thick sandwich bread: This is your canvas — sturdy slices make sure everything holds together while soaking up that buttery crunch.
Butter (softened): It’s your ticket to a beautifully crisp, golden brown crust on every side.
Cooked shredded chicken: Tender chicken is a perfect, protein-packed carrier for all the sweet and smoky barbecue goodness.
Barbecue sauce: Go for your favorite brand or homemade; it’s what infuses the chicken with bold, tangy flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings savory depth and an oozy, classic melt.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For stretchy, melty fun and a little creamy balance to the cheddar.
Thinly sliced red onion (optional): Adds a pop of mellow bite and color to your sandwich without overpowering it.
Pickled jalapeños or fresh cilantro (optional): The finishing touches — jalapeños for a kick, cilantro for fresh brightness!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Mix the BBQ Chicken

Start by tossing your cooked shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a small bowl. You want every bit coated and juicy, not swimming. This easy step is where all that smoky-sweet flavor starts to shine and will set the tone for your gooey sandwich filling.

Step 2: Butter the Bread

Generously butter one side of each slice of bread. This is the trick to a shatteringly crisp exterior and that gorgeous golden color. Make sure the butter is soft so it spreads evenly and reaches all the way to the edges!

Step 3: Layer the Sandwich

Heat a skillet over medium. Place one bread slice, buttered side down, in the skillet. Immediately top with half the cheddar and mozzarella, then pile on all that BBQ chicken from step one, sprinkle over the optional red onion, and finish with the rest of the cheese. It’s a double layer for extra meltiness! Cap it with the second bread slice, buttered side up.

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Let your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich sizzle for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula as it cooks. When the bread is a beautiful golden brown and you see the cheese has melted to perfection, it’s ready! Carefully remove your sandwich from the pan.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and give it a moment to rest, then slice in half to reveal all that cheesy barbecue goodness inside. Serve hot for maximum ooze factor!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Garnishes

Brighten things up with a few pickled jalapeños for a spicy punch, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Both add color and a burst of fresh flavor, making this sandwich pop visually and on the palate.

Side Dishes

This sandwich loves classic sides: serve it with a crisp apple slaw, a pile of kettle chips, or even a bowl of tomato soup if you’re feeling nostalgic. A simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette will balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich into party-friendly finger food by slicing it into strips or quarters, and serve with extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Or, try skewering halves on fun bamboo picks for a playful platter at your next game day get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but it does happen!), wrap your sandwich tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to two days, though the bread may lose a bit of its initial crispness.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the sandwich cool completely, then wrap in wax paper and foil. Pop it in a freezer-safe bag and stash in the freezer for up to one month. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to revive that crispy texture is to reheat your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently until the outside is crisp and the filling is heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to soften the bread.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough offers a tangy bite and great structure, you can swap in any hearty bread like whole wheat, multigrain, or even a crusty artisan loaf. Just be sure the slices are thick enough to hold all that cheesy, saucy filling.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich because it’s already cooked and shreds easily. You can also cook and shred boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if needed.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Definitely! Try swapping the chicken for jackfruit tossed in barbecue sauce, or use plant-based chicken strips for a meatless spin. The cheese and all those smoky flavors will make it just as tasty.

What type Main Course

This is a chance to play with your favorites: use a classic smoky-sweet sauce, a spicy Texas-style blend, or even a tangy Carolina sauce. Each one brings a slightly different vibe to your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich, so pick what makes your tastebuds happiest.

How do you keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Make sure your skillet is preheated so the bread toasts as soon as it hits the pan, and try not to overload with barbecue sauce. Letting the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing also helps everything set up just right.

Final Thoughts

If you love big flavors and melty, satisfying bites, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich deserves a spot in your kitchen repertoire. It’s quick, craveworthy, and sure to put a smile on anyone’s face — so gather your ingredients and get grilling!

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 3 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It’s a delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese, featuring tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, sandwiched between layers of gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Ingredients

Sourdough or Thick Sandwich Bread:

2 slices

Butter (softened):

1 tablespoon

Cooked Shredded Chicken:

1/2 cup

Barbecue Sauce:

2 tablespoons

Shredded Cheddar Cheese:

1/2 cup

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:

1/4 cup

Thinly Sliced Red Onion (optional):

2 tablespoons

Pickled Jalapeños or Fresh Cilantro for Garnish (optional):

as needed

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Instructions

Toss Chicken with Barbecue Sauce: In a small bowl, toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until well coated.
Butter and Layer: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place one slice, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top with half the cheddar and mozzarella, followed by the BBQ chicken, red onion (if using), and the remaining cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
Cook Until Golden: Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted. Remove from the skillet, slice, and serve hot.