BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your definition of comfort food! Imagine the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken, the creamy melt of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, all nestled between slices of perfectly grilled, golden-brown bread. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a culinary adventure.

While the grilled cheese sandwich itself boasts a long and beloved history, tracing back to the early days of American cheese production, the addition of BBQ chicken elevates it to a whole new level. Barbecue, with its roots in the Caribbean and the American South, brings a rich, smoky depth that perfectly complements the cheesy goodness. It’s a fusion of classic comfort and bold, modern flavors.

People adore this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese because it’s the ultimate indulgence. The combination of savory, sweet, and cheesy is simply irresistible. It’s also incredibly convenient perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a late-night snack. The tender, flavorful chicken, combined with the gooey cheese and crispy bread, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a regular in your meal rotation!

Ingredients:

For the BBQ Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)

For the Grilled Cheese:

8 slices of your favorite bread (I love using sourdough or Texas toast)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
8 slices cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend Monterey Jack and Colby are also great!)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice bite)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

Season the Chicken: First, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: You have a few options here! You can grill the chicken, bake it, or cook it in a skillet.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
Add BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

Assembling the Grilled Cheese:

Prepare the Bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. This will be the side that goes against the pan.
Layer the Cheese: Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean work surface. On each slice, layer two slices of cheddar cheese (or your cheese blend).
Add the BBQ Chicken: Divide the BBQ chicken evenly among the four slices of bread, spreading it over the cheese.
Add Red Onion (Optional): If you’re using red onion, sprinkle a few slices over the BBQ chicken on each sandwich.
Top with More Cheese: Add another two slices of cheddar cheese (or your cheese blend) on top of the BBQ chicken and red onion.
Top with Bread: Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, butter-side up.

Cooking the Grilled Cheese:

Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This is important! You want the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread.
Cook the Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
Press the Sandwiches: Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches. This helps them cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Cook Each Side: Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning! If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Check for Doneness: To check if the cheese is fully melted, gently lift the edge of a sandwich with a spatula. If the cheese is melted and stringy, it’s ready!
Remove and Serve: Carefully remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.
Slice and Garnish: Let the sandwiches cool for a minute or two before slicing them in half diagonally. This makes them easier to handle and eat. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serve Immediately: Serve your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese immediately while the cheese is still melted and the bread is crispy. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Cheese Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack, and even a little bit of provolone would all be delicious in this grilled cheese.
Bread Choices: While I love sourdough and Texas toast, you can use any bread you like. Brioche, ciabatta, or even a hearty whole wheat bread would work well.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ chicken or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You could also add a few slices of jalapeño to the grilled cheese.
Add Some Veggies: In addition to red onion, you could also add some sliced tomatoes, avocado, or even some sautéed mushrooms to the grilled cheese.
Different Cooking Methods for Chicken: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself. Just shred it and toss it with the BBQ sauce.
Make it a Meal: Serve your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Grilling the Sandwich: You can also grill the entire sandwich! Just wrap it in foil and grill it over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted. Be careful when unwrapping it, as the foil will be hot.
Using a Panini Press: If you have a panini press, you can use it to make these grilled cheese sandwiches. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your panini press.
Adding Bacon: Everything is better with bacon! Cook some bacon until crispy and add it to the grilled cheese along with the BBQ chicken.
Sweet and Savory: For a sweet and savory twist, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the grilled cheese before cooking.

Make Ahead Tips:

You can prepare the BBQ chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to whip up a quick and delicious grilled cheese whenever you’re in the mood. You can also assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, but don’t butter the bread until you’re ready to cook them. Store the assembled sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can microwave it, but the bread will be a bit soggy. For best results, reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest you’ve read this far because something about a BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese just screamed “delicious” to you, right? And trust me, it absolutely is. This isn’t just your average grilled cheese; it’s a flavor explosion, a comforting classic elevated to a whole new level. The smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce, the tender chicken, the gooey, melted cheese… it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you craving it again and again. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good sandwich, and especially for those who are looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal.

But the best part? It’s so versatile! While I’ve given you my go-to recipe, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken or use a spicy barbecue sauce. If you’re a fan of blue cheese, crumble some in with the cheddar for a tangy twist. Want to add some veggies? Thinly sliced red onion or some grilled bell peppers would be fantastic additions. And don’t even get me started on the cheese possibilities! Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a smoked gouda would all be delicious alternatives.

Serving Suggestions: This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is perfect on its own for a quick lunch or dinner. But if you want to make it a complete meal, here are a few ideas: Serve it with a side of creamy tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich. Or, for a more substantial meal, pair it with some sweet potato fries or coleslaw. And for a truly decadent treat, try dipping it in a side of ranch dressing trust me, you won’t regret it!

I’ve also found that this recipe is a huge hit at parties and gatherings. Cut the sandwiches into smaller squares and serve them as appetizers they’re always the first to disappear! You can even prepare the chicken and barbecue sauce mixture ahead of time, making it even easier to assemble the sandwiches when your guests arrive.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet (or grill!), and get ready to experience the magic of a truly amazing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And please, don’t be shy! I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What was your favorite part? Share your photos and comments let’s spread the grilled cheese love! I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Happy cooking!

I’m really excited for you to try this recipe. I know you’ll love it. Let me know what you think!