If you’re craving a delicious sandwich that combines the savory flavors of barbecue chicken with the gooey goodness of melted cheese, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy your hunger and impress your taste buds. The crispy exterior of the bread pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and melty cheese, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re using leftovers from last night’s barbecue or cooking up fresh chicken, this recipe is versatile enough to fit your needs. Grab your favorite bread and cheese, and let’s get started on this delectable BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Your Favorite Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sauce that suits your taste—sweet, smoky, or spicy all work well
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to enhance the overall flavor of the sandwich
- Sliced Bread: Whole wheat or sourdough bread adds a delightful texture; choose based on your preference
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for grilling the bread to achieve a perfect golden crust
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat. Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Cook the chicken on the grill or skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F / 74°C). Remove from heat and let it rest.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once cooled slightly, shred the grilled chicken using two forks. Mix in your favorite barbecue sauce until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Take slices of bread and layer shredded barbecue chicken on one slice. Top with shredded cheddar cheese before placing another slice of bread on top.
Step 5: Grill the Sandwich
Spread butter on both sides of each sandwich. Place them in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes), then flip carefully to grill the other side until cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken in barbecue sauce overnight before grilling
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the BBQ chicken in advance by cooking it a day before. Shred the chicken and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Storing: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it, which can extend its life to about two months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat for about five minutes on each side until heated through. Alternatively, you can use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about ten minutes. This method helps maintain quality and texture.
Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Choose the Right Bread
Selecting the right bread is crucial for the perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. Opt for a sturdy bread that can hold up to the moisture of the BBQ sauce and melted cheese. Sourdough or a thick-cut white bread works well, while avoiding flimsy options like standard sandwich bread. The right bread creates a crispy exterior and provides a delightful contrast to the tender chicken inside. Remember, the bread should complement the flavors without becoming soggy or falling apart. A solid base elevates your sandwich experience, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.
Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
Overcooking the chicken can result in dry, rubbery meat, which detracts from your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. To avoid this mistake, cook your chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and remove the chicken from heat once it’s cooked through. Letting it rest before slicing allows juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and moisture. This simple step ensures that each bite of your grilled cheese remains juicy and flavorful.
Balance Sauce and Cheese
Finding the right balance between BBQ sauce and cheese is essential for an ideal BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. Too much sauce can overwhelm your sandwich, making it messy and difficult to eat. Conversely, not enough sauce may leave it bland and unexciting. Start with a moderate amount of your favorite BBQ sauce on the chicken before adding cheese. Cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent choices that melt well and complement BBQ flavors. Adjust according to taste, but keep in mind that moderation enhances overall enjoyment.
Grill at the Right Temperature
Grilling at improper temperatures can lead to uneven cooking and burnt edges on your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese. For best results, preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. This setting allows for even melting of cheese while cooking the sandwich through without burning it too quickly. If you find that the outside is browning too fast before the cheese melts, lower the heat slightly and cover it with a lid to help trap heat. Maintaining control over your cooking temperature ensures perfect results every time.
FAQs
What type of cheese is best for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
When making BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, choosing the right cheese greatly influences flavor and texture. Cheddar cheese is a classic option due to its sharpness that pairs wonderfully with smoky barbecue flavors. Monterey Jack offers a milder taste with excellent melting qualities, making it another great choice. For those who enjoy a bit more kick, pepper jack adds spice that complements grilled chicken perfectly. You can even blend different cheeses for a richer flavor profile while ensuring they melt well together.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken in your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese not only saves time but also adds convenience to meal preparation. Simply shred or slice cold cooked chicken and mix it with your preferred barbecue sauce before layering it between slices of bread with cheese. This method allows you to create a delicious sandwich without starting from scratch while maximizing leftovers effectively—perfect for busy weeknights!
How can I make my BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese healthier?
To create a healthier version of BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese, consider several modifications without sacrificing flavor. Start by using whole grain or sprouted bread instead of white bread for added fiber and nutrients. Opt for leaner cuts of chicken breast or even shredded rotisserie chicken to save on calories while maintaining juiciness. Additionally, choose low-fat cheese options or reduce the amount used while still enjoying great taste by incorporating fresh veggies like spinach or bell peppers into your sandwich.
What sides pair well with BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is versatile and pairs nicely with various sides that enhance its flavors. A crisp side salad featuring mixed greens adds freshness alongside tangy dressing that balances out richness from the sandwich itself. Sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast in texture while providing extra nutrients compared to traditional fries; they also complement barbecue flavors well! Lastly, coleslaw brings crunchiness and acidity that rounds out this satisfying meal beautifully.
Conclusion
In summary, creating an unforgettable BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese involves careful attention to detail in every step of preparation. Choosing sturdy bread provides necessary support against moisture while preventing sogginess during grilling; avoiding overcooked chicken guarantees juiciness within each bite; balancing barbecue sauce with cheesy goodness enriches overall flavor experience; grilling at appropriate temperatures achieves even cooking throughout—these elements come together harmoniously! By following these tips along with answers provided in our FAQs section, you’ll be on your way to mastering this delicious comfort food recipe! Enjoy experimenting until you find your perfect combination!
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a mouthwatering delight that marries the rich, smoky essence of barbecue chicken with the creamy goodness of melted cheese. This easy-to-make sandwich is perfect for any meal, whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch, hosting a dinner party, or indulging in a late-night snack. Crispy bread envelops tender shredded chicken coated in your favorite barbecue sauce, layered with gooey cheddar cheese for an unforgettable taste experience. Customize it to your liking by choosing different sauces and cheeses. This recipe is a great way to use leftover chicken or prepare fresh grilled chicken, making it a versatile option that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices sturdy bread (sourdough or whole wheat)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Remove from heat and let rest.
- Shred cooled chicken and mix with barbecue sauce.
- Assemble sandwiches by layering shredded chicken on one slice of bread, topping with cheese, then adding another slice.
- Butter both sides of the sandwich and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, drizzled with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (200g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
