BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on a classic favorite! Imagine tender, smoky BBQ chicken sandwiched between layers of melty cheese and crispy, buttery grilled bread. It’s a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and cheesy all in one bite.
I love making this sandwich when I want something that feels both comforting and a little bit special. The BBQ sauce adds that nice kick, and the chicken gives it some heartiness. Honestly, it’s one of those meals I find myself craving on a chilly night or after a busy day.
My favorite way to enjoy it is with a simple side of pickles or a crunchy salad to balance out the richness. It’s easy to whip up and always hits the spot, whether it’s lunchtime, dinner, or even a quick snack. This grilled cheese is a definite crowd-pleaser every time I make it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Texas toast or thick white bread is perfect here because it grills nicely and holds all the filling well. If you prefer, try sourdough or sturdy whole grain bread for extra flavor and texture.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience and flavor. You can use leftover cooked chicken or even shredded cooked turkey as a tasty substitute.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a sauce you like—whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky. If you want less sugar, look for low-sugar BBQ sauces or make your own quick mix with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds punchy flavor. Mixing cheddar with mozzarella gives a nice ooey-gooey texture but feel free to use pepper jack for a spicier note or Monterey Jack for creaminess.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter is best to spread evenly and prevent burning. You can use mayonnaise instead of butter for a crispier, golden crust if you like.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy, Gooey Grilled Cheese Without Burning?
Grilling this sandwich takes a bit of attention because of the chicken and sauce inside. Here’s my method to get crunchy outside and melty inside.
- Use medium heat—too hot burns the bread before cheese melts.
- Butter the bread evenly and generously for a golden crust.
- Press gently with a spatula while grilling to help the cheese melt and ingredients stick together.
- Grill about 3-4 minutes per side—peek often to check color.
- If your pan heats quickly, you can lower the heat after flipping to finish cooking through.
- Rest the sandwich for a minute after cooking so the cheese sets slightly and it won’t drip everywhere.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick skillet or griddle – perfect for evenly toasting the sandwich without sticking.
- Spatula – helps you flip the sandwich easily and press down for a crispy crust.
- Mixing bowl – for tossing the shredded chicken in BBQ sauce without making a mess.
- Cheese grater – if you’re shredding your own cheese, it’s quick and keeps the cheese fresh.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for pulled pork or brisket for a different BBQ meat experience.
- Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in some caramelized onions for sweetness and depth.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add some heat and creaminess.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of bread (Texas toast or thick white bread works best)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading on the bread)
- Optional: sliced pickles for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is quick to make! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the chicken and assembling the sandwiches, plus about 8 minutes grilling. All together, it takes about 18 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a tasty lunch or dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until it’s evenly coated and flavorful.
2. Butter the Bread:
Spread softened butter generously on one side of each bread slice. This helps the outside grill up crispy and golden.
3. Build the Sandwiches:
Place four slices of bread, butter side down, on a large skillet or griddle heated over medium heat. Evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture over these slices. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the chicken. Finish by placing the remaining bread slices on top, butter side up.
4. Grill the Sandwiches:
Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula as you cook to help everything stick together and melt nicely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Then slice in half and serve warm. Adding sliced pickles on the side is a great way to add some tang and crunch.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before shredding and mixing with BBQ sauce. Thaw it safely in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
What’s the Best Cheese to Use?
Sharp cheddar works great for flavor and melting, but you can mix in mozzarella or use pepper jack for a creamier or spicier twist. Choose what you enjoy most!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover sandwiches airtight in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until cheese is gooey again.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the BBQ chicken and assemble the sandwiches ahead of time. Just keep them wrapped in plastic and refrigerate, then grill fresh just before eating for the best texture.
