This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is outrageously delicious and so simple to make! With melty cheese, tangy BBQ chicken, and the perfect crunch, it’s the ultimate comfort food for lunch or a quick dinner.
BBQ Chicken Filling
To make the BBQ chicken, you’ll need cooked, shredded chicken. This can be from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, leftovers, or freshly cooked chicken. Toss it with BBQ sauce, pickled jalapeños, and red onion for a flavorful filling.
Choosing Your BBQ Sauce
Opt for a quality BBQ sauce as it’s the star of the flavor here. Whether sweet, smoky, or spicy, choose a sauce that suits your taste!
Customizing the Sandwich
Substitute red onion with spring onion for a milder flavor. Bacon is always a great addition. Fresh coriander/cilantro works well for a herby kick.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the BBQ chicken filling ahead of time. Store it tightly covered in the fridge, and bring it to room temperature before assembling the sandwiches. It will last 2-3 days if the chicken was freshly cooked.
Grilled Cheese Assembly
Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or tiger bread, and go for thick slices to hold all the fillings. Use two large slices for a hearty sandwich or four smaller slices for a lighter version. A combination of Monterey Jack and Cheddar is perfect for this sandwich, offering a balance of creaminess and sharpness.
Steps to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce, pickled jalapeños, and red onion until evenly coated.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Lay the buttered side down in a cold nonstick pan.
- Add a layer of cheese, then the BBQ chicken filling, followed by another layer of cheese.
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing up.
- Turn on the heat to medium-low and cook until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese starts to melt.
- Flip the sandwich carefully and cook the other side until golden and gooey.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this grilled cheese with tangy Salt & Vinegar crisps or chips to complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the sandwich.
Whether you’re making this for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, it’s bound to be a hit!
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 large or 8 small thick slices of sourdough tiger, or giraffe bread
- 2 packed cups 250-300g cooked chicken, shredded (see notes)
- 2/3 cup 160g BBQ sauce, or to taste
- 4 square slices Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese
- 4 square slices cheddar or your choice of second cheese
- 1/4 –1/3 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños finely diced (adjust to spice preference)
- Butter as needed
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, diced jalapeños, and red onion. Mix well and set aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place two slices of bread in a cold frying pan, butter one side of each slice, and flip so the buttered side is facing down. Layer each slice with two slices of Monterey Jack, half the chicken mixture, and two slices of cheddar. Top with another slice of bread, butter the top side.
Cook the Sandwiches:
- Turn the heat to medium and fry the sandwiches until golden and crispy on both sides, ensuring the cheese is melted through the center. Be careful when flipping to keep the filling intact.
Serve:
- Slice the sandwiches in half and serve warm. Enjoy!
