BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

This BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular comfort food experience. The combination of tender BBQ chicken, melty Havarti cheese, and garlicky buttered bread creates a sandwich that's both familiar and exciting at the same time.

I created this recipe when trying to use up leftover roasted chicken, and it was such a hit that my family now specifically asks me to roast chicken just so we can make these sandwiches the next day.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing ingredients without overwhelming the other flavors
• Red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful color contrast to the sandwich
• Fresh garlic cloves: Bring essential aromatic depth that makes this sandwich special
• Shredded roasted chicken: Offers tender protein and saves time if you use rotisserie chicken
• Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and mild smoky flavor that enhances the BBQ sauce
• Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a complex umami element that makes the filling taste more developed
• BBQ sauce: Forms the flavor foundation; choose your favorite brand for personalized results
• Havarti cheese: Melts beautifully and has a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ
• Butter: Creates that irresistible golden crust that makes grilled cheese sandwiches so appealing
• Fresh parsley: Brightens up the garlic butter and adds a pop of color and freshness
• Sourdough bread: Stands up to the hearty filling without getting soggy; choose thick slices for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling:

Cook onions in olive oil until they become translucent and slightly soft, about 2 minutes. The onions should still have some texture rather than being completely broken down. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will create a bitter taste. Add your shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Allow everything to heat through for 2-3 minutes, making sure the chicken is completely warmed without drying out.

Create the Garlic Butter:

Combine butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley in a microwave safe bowl and heat until just melted. This flavored butter will elevate your sandwich beyond a typical grilled cheese. The garlic infuses into the butter as it melts, creating the perfect savory spread for your bread. Make sure the butter is completely melted but not too hot when spreading.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Lay out all bread slices and spread the melted garlic butter mixture on one side of each piece. The butter should reach all the way to the edges to ensure even browning. Flip six slices over with the unbuttered side facing up, and place a slice of Havarti on each. Divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly among these six slices, then top each with another slice of Havarti. The double layer of cheese is crucial for proper sandwich cohesion. Place the remaining bread slices on top, with the buttered side facing outward.

Cook to Perfection:

Place sandwiches in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook until the bottoms turn a beautiful golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Flip each sandwich carefully using a wide spatula, reduce heat to medium low, and continue cooking until the second side is equally browned and the cheese has completely melted, another 3-5 minutes. The lower heat for the second side prevents burning while giving the cheese time to melt thoroughly.

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Havarti cheese is my secret weapon in this recipe. After experimenting with cheddar, mozzarella, and several other varieties, I found that Havarti offers the perfect balance of meltability and flavor that complements the BBQ sauce without competing with it.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight dinner assembly lightning fast, requiring only the sandwich construction and cooking. Just reheat the chicken mixture in the microwave or in a small saucepan before building your sandwiches.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Havarti isn't available, good alternatives include Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or even provolone cheese. Each will provide a different flavor profile but all melt beautifully. For those who prefer darker meat, thigh meat can replace breast meat in the shredded chicken. It actually provides more moisture and flavor. Plant based chicken substitutes can work well for vegetarians, just make sure to check that your BBQ sauce is also vegetarian friendly.

Serving Suggestions

These hearty sandwiches pair perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup for dipping. A pickle spear on the side adds a welcome acidic crunch that balances the creamy, rich sandwich.

Common Queries

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Havarti with cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda for different flavor profiles.

→ What type of bread works best?

Sourdough or any sturdy white bread is ideal to hold up to the melted cheese and chicken filling.

→ How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or use a spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and assemble the sandwiches just before cooking.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Serve these sandwiches with a side of coleslaw, a green salad, or crisp potato chips for a complete meal.