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.
