Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
If you’re craving a gooey, smoky, and crispy grilled cheese with a BBQ twist, this recipe is for you! This 15-minute BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is:
✅ Quick & easy – Perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Packed with flavor – Smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese.
✅ Customizable – Swap ingredients based on what you have!
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded rotisserie chicken works great!)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 4 slices bread (sourdough, Texas toast, or whole wheat)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sliced red onions (for crunch)
- Pickled jalapeños (for heat)
- Fresh cilantro (for brightness)
(Pro Tip: Want extra crispiness? Use mayo instead of butter for grilling!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the BBQ Chicken Filling
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until fully coated.
2. Assemble the Sandwich
- Butter one side of each bread slice (this will be the crispy exterior).
- On the unbuttered side, layer:
- Cheese → BBQ chicken → More cheese (double cheese = extra meltiness!).
- Close the sandwich with the second slice, buttered side out.
3. Grill to Perfection
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula.
- Flip when golden brown and cheese starts melting.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let it rest for 1 minute (so the cheese sets).
- Slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce or ranch for dipping!
(Chef’s Tip: For extra crispiness, grill in a panini press!)
Expert Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well).
✔ Low & slow heat prevents burning before the cheese melts.
✔ Rotisserie chicken saves time – no cooking required!
✔ Add bacon for a smoky crunch.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
What kind of cheese goes with BBQ chicken?
The best cheeses for BBQ chicken are cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, Gouda, or smoked provolone. These melt well and complement the smoky-sweet BBQ flavors. For extra richness, try a cream cheese spread mixed with BBQ sauce!
What kind of cheese do you put on a barbecue chicken sandwich?
A sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack blend works perfectly—it’s gooey, tangy, and balances the BBQ sauce. For a bolder twist, add blue cheese crumbles or pepper Jack for heat.
What to serve with barbecue chicken grilled cheese?
Pair it with:
Crispy french fries or sweet potato fries
Coleslaw (for a crunchy contrast)
Pickles (cuts through the richness)
A simple side salad (try arugula with lemon vinaigrette)
How to make grilled barbecue chicken?
For this recipe, use pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken) tossed in BBQ sauce. If starting raw:
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
Shred and mix with BBQ sauce before assembling the sandwich.
What cheese is best on BBQ?
Smoked cheeses (like Gouda or cheddar) enhance BBQ’s flavor. For meltability, American cheese works, but for gourmet flair, try brie with caramelized onions.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 22g
(Nutritional values are estimates.)
Easy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 slices bread (sourdough or Texas toast recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack)
- 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Butter one side of each bread slice
- On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, BBQ chicken, and more cheese. Top with another bread slice (buttered side out).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts.
- Slice and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This Easy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
👉 Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out in the comments!
(P.S. Looking for more quick sandwich ideas? Check out my [McDonald’s Steak Egg And Cheese Bagel: Copycat Recipe & Nutrition Facts] or [Crispy Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast – Ready in 5 Minutes!]!)