Description
Savory BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese featuring tender shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and optional red onion, grilled to golden perfection between slices of buttery bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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!)
- 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)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture all over chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Skillet: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Let chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred with two forks.
- Add BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
- 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.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and the bread is crispy.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack, or provolone.
- Bread Choices: Brioche, ciabatta, or whole wheat bread also work well.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy BBQ sauce. Add jalapeños.
- Add Some Veggies: Add sliced tomatoes, avocado, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Different Cooking Methods for Chicken: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, or a green salad.
- Grilling the Sandwich: Wrap in foil and grill for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Using a Panini Press: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Adding Bacon: Cooked bacon is a great addition.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before cooking.
- Make Ahead Tips: Prepare BBQ chicken ahead of time (up to 3 days). Assemble sandwiches ahead of time (up to 24 hours), but don’t butter the bread until ready to cook.
- Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes