Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of smoky, tangy BBQ chicken and gooey, melty cheese tucked between two golden, buttery slices of bread. This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic that delivers bold flavor in every bite.

I first made this sandwich during a lazy Sunday afternoon with leftover BBQ chicken from the night before. One bite, and I was hooked. Now it’s a go-to for quick lunches, cozy dinners, and even a fun crowd-pleaser for game day.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a way to use up leftovers, or a dish the whole family will devour, this recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Get ready to meet your new favorite grilled cheese sandwich. This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is the perfect blend of comfort food and bold barbecue flavor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy recipe.

First off, it’s unbelievably simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss.

It's also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. Whether it’s rotisserie, grilled, or shredded from last night’s dinner, this sandwich breathes new life into leftovers in the most delicious way.

Kid-approved and crowd-friendly, this sandwich hits the sweet spot between fun and filling. The sweet and smoky barbecue sauce balances perfectly with the creamy cheese and crispy bread, making it irresistible to even picky eaters.

And let’s not forget how versatile it is. Swap in different cheeses, breads, or even toss in some sautéed onions or jalapeños to make it your own. This sandwich plays well with creativity.

Ready to fire up the skillet? Let’s look at what you’ll need.

Ingredient Notes

This sandwich might be simple, but every ingredient plays an important role in delivering big flavor. Here’s what you need to know about each component.

Shredded chicken is the star here. I love using leftover grilled or roasted chicken, but rotisserie chicken works beautifully too. You want the meat tender and easy to shred so it blends seamlessly with the BBQ sauce.

BBQ sauce brings the sweet, smoky tang that gives this sandwich its signature flavor. Choose your favorite store-bought brand, or go homemade if you’re feeling ambitious. A thicker sauce helps avoid sogginess.

Cheese is where you can have a little fun. I recommend using a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for both bold flavor and amazing meltability. The cheddar cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while the mozzarella creates that perfect gooey pull.

Bread choice matters more than you might think. Go for something sturdy like sourdough, Texas toast, or a rustic Italian loaf. The bread needs to hold up to the fillings and still get perfectly golden and crisp in the pan.

Butter or mayonnaise is your secret to that beautifully crisp, golden crust. I like to spread a thin layer on the outside of the bread before grilling—both options work well, so use what you prefer or have on hand.

You don’t need any special equipment—just a nonstick skillet or griddle and a spatula will do. A panini press also works great if you have one!

How To Make This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Making this sandwich is as satisfying as eating it. Here’s how to put it all together in a few easy steps.

Start by preparing your filling. In a small bowl, combine your shredded chicken with enough BBQ sauce to coat it generously. You’re aiming for juicy but not dripping. Give it a taste—you can always add a little more sauce if needed.

Lay out your bread slices and layer one side of each sandwich with a generous amount of shredded cheese. I like to start with a base layer of cheddar, then add the BBQ chicken, and finish with mozzarella on top. This double-cheese technique helps keep everything melty and well-balanced.

Top with the second slice of bread and gently press down. Then, spread a thin layer of butter or mayo on the outer sides of each sandwich. This is key to getting that perfect golden crust.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, place your sandwich in the pan and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Flip carefully with a spatula and press gently with the back of the spatula to help everything melt together.

Continue cooking until the second side is crisp and the cheese is fully melted. You can lower the heat slightly if your bread is browning too quickly—this helps ensure the cheese melts evenly without burning the bread.

From start to finish, this sandwich takes about 15–20 minutes to make. You’ll know it’s done when the outside is perfectly golden and you can see cheese oozing slightly from the edges. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can store these grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let them cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

To freeze, wrap each sandwich tightly in foil and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Just be sure to label them with the date!

Reheating is easy: for best results, use a skillet over medium heat to re-crisp the outside. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that golden crunch.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak the ingredients to match your tastes or what’s in your fridge.

Try switching up the cheese! Pepper jack adds a little heat, gouda brings a smoky depth, or provolone lends a creamy, mild profile. Mix and match to find your favorite combo.

Feeling spicy? Add a layer of thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your chicken before assembling. This small twist takes things up a notch for heat lovers.

You can also load up on extras like caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or even a handful of coleslaw for a tangy crunch. These additions add texture and flavor that take the sandwich to the next level.

Want to lighten things up? Use whole wheat bread, reduced-fat cheese, or even a plant-based chicken alternative. You can also make it dairy-free with vegan cheese and mayo substitutes.

The bottom line? This sandwich is your canvas. Don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own—you really can’t go wrong.

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