If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, smoky shredded chicken mixed with tangy BBQ sauce and a kick from pickled jalapeños, all melted between layers of gooey Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese inside perfectly toasted bread. This sandwich elevates the classic grilled cheese with a burst of bold flavors and satisfying textures that will have you reaching for seconds in no time. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but powerhouse players in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this sandwich. Each one adds a special touch that transforms an everyday grilled cheese into a mouthwatering BBQ delight.
- Sourdough, Tiger, or Giraffe Bread: Thick slices provide a sturdy, crispy base that holds all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups / 250g-300g): Tender and ready to soak up the smoky BBQ sauce, it’s the protein star of this sandwich.
- BBQ Sauce (2/3 cup / 160g): This adds that signature sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor essential to the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (4 slices): Creamy and melts beautifully, creating a luscious layer that stretches with every bite.
- Cheddar Cheese (4 slices): Sharpness from the cheddar cuts through the richness, adding depth and boldness.
- Red Onion (1/4 – 1/3 cup, finely diced): For a subtle crunch and a mild zing that balances the smoky BBQ flavors.
- Pickled Jalapeños (1/4 cup, finely diced): Bring a spicy, tangy kick that energizes the whole sandwich.
- Butter: Essential for toasting the bread to golden perfection with a rich, buttery crisp.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture
Start by shredding your cooked chicken if it isn’t already, then toss it into a medium bowl. Add the BBQ sauce, diced pickled jalapeños, and finely diced red onion. Mix everything thoroughly so every bite bursts with balanced smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. Set this delicious mixture aside—it’s the heart of your sandwich.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Take your bread slices and butter one side of each piece. In a cold pan, place two slices of bread butter-side down. Layer two slices of Monterey Jack cheese on each slice first, then pile on half the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by two slices of cheddar cheese. Top with another slice of bread, butter the tops, then turn the heat to medium. Starting cold ensures your cheese melts evenly as the bread crisps.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Cook the sandwiches slowly on medium heat until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey inside. Flip carefully to keep the filling from spilling out, especially if you’re making giant sandwiches. Once both sides are perfectly toasted and that cheese is melted through the BBQ chicken, remove from heat and let the sandwich sit for a minute before slicing. This cool down helps everything settle beautifully.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh cilantro or chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a bright, herbal freshness that complements the smoky richness of the sandwich perfectly. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce is always welcome for those saucy lovers.
Side Dishes
Serve your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe with a crisp, refreshing coleslaw to contrast the richness, or pair with sweet potato fries for a cozy, indulgent meal. A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwich into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a party snack or cut into smaller sliders for casual get-togethers. You can also serve it open-faced with an extra sprinkle of cheese broiled on top for a crispy finish. The possibilities for making this dish your own are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, keep them airtight so the bread doesn’t become soggy.
Freezing
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Assemble the sandwiches but don’t cook them yet; wrap tightly in freezer-safe wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.
Reheating
For reheating, the best method is to use a skillet on low heat to bring back that crispy crust and melted cheese without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving because it can make the bread tough or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough, tiger, or giraffe bread are fantastic for their sturdy texture and flavor, you can experiment with any bread you love. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold all those delicious fillings without falling apart.
How spicy is the sandwich with pickled jalapeños?
The pickled jalapeños add a gentle to moderate heat with a tangy punch, but you can adjust the amount to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or swap them for mild pickled peppers.
Can I make this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or jackfruit for a savory, smoky alternative that still pairs beautifully with the BBQ sauce and cheese.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether sweet, smoky, or tangy. A thicker sauce tends to cling better to the chicken and bread, making every bite packed with flavor. Homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked chicken is not only a huge time saver, but it also works perfectly in this recipe since it just needs to be shredded and mixed with the sauce. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the harmony of smoky BBQ chicken and melty cheeses nestled in golden toasted bread. This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe captures that magic and brings it to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. So grab your ingredients, fire up the pan, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a sandwich that’s bursting with comfort and joy. You’re going to want to keep this recipe close for rainy days, quick lunches, or whenever the craving strikes.
Print
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches (serves 2)
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a deliciously gooey and savory sandwich featuring shredded chicken mixed with tangy BBQ sauce, pickled jalapeños, and red onion, layered between melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, all toasted to golden perfection on thick slices of sourdough or tiger bread. Ready in just 18 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying twist on a classic grilled cheese.
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 large or 8 small thick slices of Sourdough, Tiger or Giraffe Bread (UK)
Filling
- 2 packed cups / 250g-300g Cooked Chicken, shredded
- 2/3 cup / 160g BBQ Sauce (or to preference)
- 1/4 cup Pickled Jalapeños, finely diced (or to spice preference)
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup finely diced Red Onion
Cheese
- 4 square slices of Monterey Jack Cheese
- 4 square slices of Cheddar Cheese (or second cheese of choice)
Other
- Butter (as needed for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, finely diced pickled jalapeños, and finely diced red onion. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble Sandwich: On a clean surface, place two slices of bread butter-side-up. In a large pan with the heat turned off, arrange two slices of bread and butter one side of each slice. Flip the slices so the buttered side is down on the pan. On top of the bread, layer two slices of Monterey Jack cheese, then half of the prepared chicken mixture, followed by two slices of cheddar cheese. Cover with another slice of bread and butter the top side.
- Cook the Sandwich: Turn the heat on to medium. Grill the sandwich until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese starts melting, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until equally golden and the cheese is melted through. Be cautious when flipping to avoid spilling the filling.
- Serve: Remove the grilled cheese from the pan. Slice in half for easier eating and serve immediately to enjoy the melted, savory goodness.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers, rotisserie, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs.
- Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños to control the spice level according to your preference.
- If you can’t find Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack or a mild melting cheese works well as a substitute.
- Butter both sides of the bread generously to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure the cheese melts before the bread browns too much.
