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Barbecue Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Imagine enjoying all of the flavors of barbecue chicken but instead of eating it as a stand alone main dish, the meat is nestled inside a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The result is a gooey cheesy grilled sandwich that is both hearty and delicious!

Best of all you can prepare this dish and have it ready to eat in only 15 minutes! It is the perfect recipe to make on those busy days or weeknights when you are on the go and have little time to make lunch or dinner.

Of course you could simply make a grilled cheese sandwich and call it a meal. However take your favorite sandwich to the next level with this barbecue chicken version.

barbecue chicken grilled cheese sandwich

It is the perfect example of how combining two classic comfort food items can make one incredible meal.

In fact, it is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken. Simply shred the chicken and use it in this recipe and you will have a delicious meal ready to eat in minutes.

So, the next time that you are looking for a meal that’s quick, easy, and absolutely delightful, give this barbecue chicken grilled cheese recipe a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

What Type Of Bread To Use For Grilled Sandwiches

The first step in making this barbecue chicken grilled cheese sandwich recipe is to first determine what type of bread to use. Although you may consider pulling out that loaf of classic white bread, there are a few better options.

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is an excellent choice for making any type of grilled cheese sandwiches. The slight tangy flavor of the bread pairs well with the rich, gooey cheese and barbecue chicken.

Its sturdy texture also holds up well during cooking, ensuring that your sandwich doesn’t get too soggy.

Texas Toast

Because of it’s thickness Texas toast is also a good and hearty option when grilling sandwiches. Purchase a loaf and then use the remaining slices to make 4 Cheese Garlic Bread.

buttered bread slices
Whole grain bread slathered with butter from edge to edge.

Whole Grain Bread

Another great and healthier option is whole grain bread. Not only does it add a slightly nutty flavor and a chewier texture to the sandwich, it is also a dense variety of bread which holds up well when grilled.

Italian Bread

Italian bread, with its light and airy interior, creates a delicate balance that complements the bold flavors of the barbecue chicken and cheese. It is a great option when you are looking for a bread that is a little on the lighter side.

However, no matter which type of bread you choose the key is to ensure that the bread can hold up to the hearty filling and high heat of cooking. This will be the base of a delicious sandwich that is both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!

What Variety of Cheese To Use For Barbecue Chicken Grilled Cheese

Monterey Jack cheese is a fantastic choice for this barbecue chicken grilled cheese recipe, as it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that complements the bold taste of barbecue sauce.

However, you can easily substitute other cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack, depending on your taste preferences.

Barbecue Sauce Options

A standard barbecue sauce works well in this recipe, but don’t be afraid to explore different flavors, such as smoky, spicy, or sweet. Regardless of which one you choose add a little Worcestershire sauce and to enhance the tangy flavor of the sauce.

shredded barbecue chicken
It is easy to make store-bought barbecue sauce even more flavorful!

Butter Edge To Edge

When it comes to buttering the bread, it is best to use a softened butter spread. This will ensure that your barbecue chicken grilled cheese sandwich cooks evenly on the outside and achieves that perfect golden-brown color.

Just be sure to spread the butter so that it coats the entire surface area, from edge to edge. Not only will this help prevent the bread from sticking to the skillet it will also help brown the bread evenly from corner to corner.

How To Assemble Barbecue Chicken Sandwich

To assemble the barbecue chicken grilled cheese sandwich, start by buttering one side of each bread slice. In a large skillet (over no heat), place two slices of bread with the butter side down.

Then add two slices of cheese on top, followed by the barbecue chicken mixture, and finish with two more slices of cheese. Finally, place the other two slices of bread on top, with the butter side facing upward.

Cook on medium heat until browned to your liking, and then flip the sandwiches to cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the bottom is browned. Then remove the sandwiches from the heat, slice and serve!

This Barbecue Chicken Grilled Cheese recipe is a game-changer that will take a classic grilled cheese sandwich to the next level. With the help of leftover rotisserie chicken this is quick, easy, and an incredibly delicious recipe.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat. Give this irresistible combination of flavors a try and I am sure this amazing sandwich will become a new favorite!

barbecue sauce on sandwich
Don’t be afraid to add even more barbecue sauce to the chicken before adding the final piece of cheese.

Barbecue Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4 slices of sourdough bread
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot add the sliced onions and cook just until soft, about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine and cook until everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Place 4 slices of the bread on a clean work surface. Then butter one side of each piece of bread with the melted butter.

In a large skillet (over no heat) place two slices of the bread with the butter side down. Then add two slices of cheese to the unbuttered side.

Divide the barbecue chicken in half and mound the chicken on top of the cheese slices. Then add another slice of cheese on top of the chicken.

grilling a sandwich on griddle

Place the other two slices of bread on top, with the butter side facing upward. Turn the burner heat to medium and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the bread becomes golden brown to your liking.

Carefully flip the sandwiches over, the reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the bottom is browned and the cheese is melted, approximately 3-4 minutes longer.

Remove the sandwiches from the heat. Slice and serve warm.

Enjoy! Mary

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barbecue chicken grilled cheese sandwich

Barbecue Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Combine the flavors of two classic comfort food meals into one delicious and easy to make sandwich! Use leftover rotisserie chicken and you will be eating in only 15 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 4 slices of sourdough bread
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot add the sliced onions and cook just until soft, about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  2. Add the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine and cook until everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
  3. Place 4 slices of the bread on a clean work surface. Then butter one side of each piece of bread with the melted butter.
  4. In a large skillet (over no heat) place two slices of the bread with the butter side down. Then add two slices of cheese to the unbuttered side. Divide the barbecue chicken in half and mound the chicken on top of the cheese slices. Then add two more slices of cheese on top of the chicken. Place the other two slices of bread on top, with the butter side facing upward.
  5. Turn the burner heat to medium and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the bread becomes browned to your liking. Carefully flip the sandwiches over, the reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the bottom is browned and the cheese is melted, approximately 3-4 minutes longer.

Notes

Recipe provided by iCookfortwo.com

Nutrition Information
Yield 2
Amount Per Serving Calories 897Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 105mgSodium 2052mgCarbohydrates 98gFiber 4gSugar 31gProtein 46g
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