BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Imagine biting into a golden, buttery sandwich with smoky, tangy BBQ chicken tucked between layers of melted Havarti cheese — pure comfort food bliss. BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes everything you love about a classic grilled cheese and kicks it up a notch with bold, savory flavors that feel both indulgent and satisfying. This recipe is special because it combines tender shredded roasted chicken, rich garlic butter bread, and gooey cheese into one irresistible sandwich. You’ll learn how to make the perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, including pro tips, easy variations, and smart storage advice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort sandwich, and once you try it, you will want to make it on repeat. Here is why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

First, the flavor combination is extraordinary. Smoky paprika, tangy BBQ sauce, and savory Worcestershire sauce coat tender shredded chicken, while creamy Havarti cheese melts into every layer. Second, the garlic butter bread creates an irresistibly crisp, golden crust that shatters beautifully with every bite. Third, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes using simple, accessible ingredients. Whether you are feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or impressing guests at a casual gathering, this BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich delivers every single time. It is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own. No special equipment, no complicated techniques — just big, bold, crowd-pleasing flavor in every bite.

Ingredients List for the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Gather these simple, flavorful ingredients before you start. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

• 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

Pro Tips

These three critical techniques will take your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Choose the right bread. Sourdough or a sturdy white bread is essential. Thin, soft sandwich bread will become soggy under the weight of the BBQ chicken filling and will not crisp up properly in the skillet. A thicker, sturdier slice holds everything together beautifully.

Control your heat carefully. Starting on medium heat builds that gorgeous golden crust, but finishing on medium-low heat ensures the cheese melts completely without burning the bread. Rushing this step on high heat will give you a dark crust with cold, unmelted cheese inside.

Do not overfill the sandwich. It is tempting to pile on extra BBQ chicken, but an overstuffed sandwich is difficult to flip cleanly and will fall apart in the skillet. Divide the filling evenly across all six sandwiches for the best results and a clean, satisfying bite every time.

Instructions

Step 1: BBQ Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onions until soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shredded chicken, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and cook until everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Garlic Butter Bread

Add butter, garlic, and minced parsley in a medium bowl. Microwave until melted.

Step 3: Butter the Bread

Lay 12 slices of bread on work surface. Spread melted butter mixture over each piece.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Turn each piece over and top 6 of the bread slices with 6 of the cheese slices and the BBQ chicken mixture, dividing evenly. Add the remaining cheese over the top of the chicken and top with the remaining 6 slices of bread (both the bottom and the top should have the buttered side exposed).

Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches

Set buttered sandwiches in a large non-stick skillet. Place over medium heat and cook until the bottoms of the sandwiches are browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn sandwiches over, reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the bottom is browned and the cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes longer.

Variations

One of the best things about this BBQ grilled cheese recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and preferences. Here are three delicious ways to switch things up.

Spicy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Add sliced pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken filling before assembling your sandwiches. The heat cuts through the richness of the melted Havarti cheese beautifully.

Smoky Bacon BBQ Grilled Cheese: Layer crispy cooked bacon strips on top of the BBQ chicken mixture before adding the second layer of cheese. The salty, smoky bacon adds an incredible crunch and depth of flavor to every bite.

Different Cheese Options: Havarti is ideal for its creamy melt, but smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or sharp cheddar all work wonderfully in a BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich. Smoked gouda in particular enhances the smoky BBQ flavor profile even further.

Storage and Serving

Storing Leftovers: Allow your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches to cool completely before storing. Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make the bread soft and soggy instead of crisp.

Serving Suggestions: Serve your BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich alongside a simple green salad, creamy coleslaw, or a bowl of tomato soup for a complete and satisfying meal. Crispy potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or classic dill pickles also pair beautifully with the smoky, tangy flavors of this sandwich.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely. Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly in this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. Simply shred the breast or thigh meat and follow the recipe as directed.

What is the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your personal favorite BBQ sauce. A smoky, slightly sweet sauce works best, but tangy or spicy varieties also produce excellent results. The sauce you love most will give you the best-tasting sandwich.

Can I make the BBQ chicken filling ahead of time?
Yes. The BBQ chicken filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the filling in a skillet before assembling and grilling your sandwiches.

Can I substitute a different cheese for Havarti?
Yes. While Havarti melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor, you can substitute smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or sharp cheddar. Each option will produce a slightly different but equally delicious BBQ grilled cheese sandwich.

Can I cook these sandwiches in a panini press instead of a skillet?
Yes. A panini press works very well for this recipe. Preheat the press and cook sandwiches for 4 to 5 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted.

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