If you’re a fan of grilled cheese sandwiches and BBQ chicken, get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. This delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich combines tender, smoky BBQ chicken with gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery toasted bread. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, craving a snack, or looking for a meal to impress guests, BBQ chicken grilled cheese is a surefire crowd-pleaser. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best BBQ chicken grilled cheese, from choosing ingredients to perfecting your grilling technique.
What Makes BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese So Special?
The BBQ chicken grilled cheese is a delightful blend of smoky, tangy BBQ flavors with the richness of melted cheese. It elevates the humble grilled cheese sandwich into something more substantial and flavorful. The crispy bread, filled with tender, juicy BBQ chicken and the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. This sandwich is not only delicious but also versatile, as you can use different types of cheese, BBQ sauces, and add-ins to suit your preferences.
Key Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
To make the perfect BBQ chicken grilled cheese, you need a few key ingredients that will ensure your sandwich is packed with flavor:
1. BBQ Chicken
The star of the show, BBQ chicken is essential for this sandwich. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience or grill your own chicken breasts or thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce for added flavor.
2. Cheese
The cheese is the foundation of any grilled cheese sandwich, and BBQ chicken grilled cheese is no different. The best cheese for this sandwich should melt well and complement the smoky flavor of the BBQ chicken. A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works wonderfully, but you can also experiment with gouda, pepper jack, or provolone.
3. Bread
Choosing the right bread is crucial for achieving the perfect grilled cheese texture. A thick, hearty bread like sourdough or brioche is ideal for holding up to the BBQ chicken and cheese without becoming soggy. You can also use whole wheat or multigrain bread if you prefer a healthier option.
4. BBQ Sauce
The BBQ sauce adds depth of flavor to the chicken and ties everything together. Choose a sauce that complements the smokiness of the chicken. You can opt for a tangy vinegar-based sauce, a sweet and smoky sauce, or a spicy sauce, depending on your preferences.
5. Butter or Oil
For the perfect crispy crust, use butter or oil to grill the sandwich. Butter adds richness and flavor, while oil is a good alternative if you’re looking for a slightly lighter option.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to assemble your BBQ chicken grilled cheese. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering sandwich that’s guaranteed to impress.
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken
If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, simply shred or chop it into small pieces. If you’re grilling your own chicken, season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Grill over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes per side for chicken breasts). Once the chicken is cooked, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce. The more sauce, the better!
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
While the chicken is cooking or cooling, butter one side of each slice of bread. You can use a generous amount of butter to ensure the bread gets golden and crispy. The buttered side will be the one that faces the pan during grilling.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Place a slice of bread butter-side down on a clean surface. On top of the bread, layer your shredded BBQ chicken, followed by a generous amount of cheese. For extra flavor, you can also add some extras like caramelized onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up, to complete the sandwich.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place your sandwich in the pan and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. If you’re cooking multiple sandwiches at once, you can adjust the heat to avoid burning the bread.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the BBQ chicken grilled cheese is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the skillet and slice it in half. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey. This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a side of fries, a crisp salad, or even some pickles for a bit of tang.
Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Use Shredded Chicken: Shredded chicken works best for BBQ chicken grilled cheese because it distributes evenly between the slices of bread and cheese, ensuring every bite has a balanced ratio of chicken to cheese.
- Experiment with Different Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combo, feel free to get creative with your cheese choices. Pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick, while gouda brings a smooth, smoky flavor.
- Add Some Crunch: For an extra texture boost, try adding crispy bacon, fresh greens, or even a handful of crunchy potato chips to your sandwich.
- Grill Low and Slow: The key to a perfect grilled cheese is a golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning the bread. Grill on medium heat and allow the cheese to melt completely inside before flipping.
- Make It Spicy: If you love spice, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture before assembling the sandwich.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Variations
The BBQ chicken grilled cheese is a versatile dish that can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
1. BBQ Chicken and Bacon Grilled Cheese
For an extra indulgent version, add crispy bacon to the BBQ chicken grilled cheese. The salty crunch of bacon pairs beautifully with the smoky BBQ chicken and melted cheese.
2. Spicy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
If you love heat, use a spicy BBQ sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the sandwich. You can also swap the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.
3. BBQ Chicken and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
For a more gourmet twist, add some sweet caramelized onions to the sandwich. The sweetness of the onions balances out the tangy BBQ sauce and rich cheese.
4. Veggie BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
For a healthier, vegetarian-friendly version, add some grilled veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the BBQ chicken mixture. This adds extra flavor and texture without sacrificing the delicious BBQ taste.
Healthier BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Options
If you’re looking to make a lighter or healthier version of BBQ chicken grilled cheese, here are a few tips:
- Use Whole Wheat or Multigrain Bread: Swap out white bread for whole wheat or multigrain bread for a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients.
- Lean Chicken: Opt for grilled chicken breast over fattier cuts like thighs to reduce calories and fat content.
- Less Cheese: If you’re cutting back on calories, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option.
- Grill Instead of Fry: Instead of using butter to grill your sandwich, try a light spray of olive oil or use a non-stick skillet for a lighter version.
Conclusion
BBQ chicken grilled cheese is a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to make and customize to your liking. Whether you prefer it spicy, cheesy, or loaded with extra toppings, this twist on the classic grilled cheese is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. By following our simple steps, tips, and variations, you’ll be able to make the perfect BBQ chicken grilled cheese every time.
So, next time you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and full of flavor, try making this BBQ chicken grilled cheese. It’s the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and comforting, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.
