Few things are as satisfying as a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich—crispy, golden bread with melted cheese stretching between every bite. But what if we took it up a notch? Enter the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich—a mouthwatering combination of tender shredded chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, gooey cheese, and garlic buttered sourdough.
This sandwich is everything you want in a meal: crispy, cheesy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s quick to make and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Bold BBQ flavor – Smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness.
✔️ Perfectly crispy bread – Garlic butter takes this grilled cheese to the next level.
✔️ Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
✔️ Great for leftovers – Perfect way to use up leftover chicken.
✔️ Crowd-pleaser – Kids and adults will love this sandwich!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Sandwiches:
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 slices sourdough bread
- 12 slices cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Let it sit for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce until fully coated. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Flip the slices over (buttered side down).
- Place one slice of cheese on half of the bread slices.
- Add a generous scoop of BBQ chicken on top.
- Layer another slice of cheese over the chicken.
- Place another slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese with:
🥗 Coleslaw – The fresh crunch balances the richness.
🥔 Potato chips – A classic side for any sandwich.
🥒 Pickles – Their tanginess cuts through the cheesy goodness.
🍅 Tomato soup – Because grilled cheese and tomato soup are a perfect match!
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
🔥 Choose the right bread – Sourdough or thick-cut bread works best for crispiness.
🧀 Use a melty cheese – Cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella give you that perfect cheese pull.
⏳ Cook on medium heat – This ensures a crispy, golden crust without burning.
🌶️ Add some spice – Toss in jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
🍗 Make it ahead – The BBQ chicken mixture can be prepped 3 days in advance.
Variations & Substitutions
🌱 Vegetarian option – Use shredded jackfruit instead of chicken.
🌾 Gluten-free option – Swap out regular bread for a gluten-free alternative.
🔥 Spicy version – Mix in sriracha or add sliced jalapeños.
🥓 Bacon lover’s twist – Add crispy bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce pairs best, but spicy or honey-based sauces also work great.
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, gouda, and pepper jack are all great choices.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers in foil and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔ Non-stick skillet – For even cooking and a crispy crust.
✔ Mixing bowls – To prepare the garlic butter and BBQ chicken.
✔ Spatula – To flip the sandwiches easily.
✔ Sharp knife – For slicing the onions and bread.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes a classic comfort food and gives it a bold, smoky twist. It’s cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor—the perfect easy meal that you’ll want to make again and again!
🔥 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! And don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest for later!
