BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

I recently discovered this amazing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe after experimenting with leftover barbecued chicken, and let me tell you, it’s become a family favorite in our house! I was looking for a way to jazz up the classic grilled cheese, and combining smoky BBQ chicken with melted cheese was the perfect solution. 

The first time I made these sandwiches, my kids devoured them within minutes and immediately asked when I’d make them again. What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a gourmet sandwich shop. 

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil as it helps create the perfect base for sautéing the onions and adds subtle flavor to the chicken mixture.
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Red onions work better than yellow onions here because they’re milder when cooked and add a beautiful color contrast to the sandwich.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential; don’t substitute with garlic powder as the fresh version creates much better flavor when sautéed.
• 2½ cups shredded roasted chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken from the store or leftover grilled chicken. Make sure it’s well-shredded for even distribution.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: This adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly without overpowering the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: This secret ingredient adds depth and umami flavor that makes the chicken mixture taste more complex.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand, but I recommend a slightly sweet variety rather than overly spicy for better balance.
• 12 slices Havarti cheese: Havarti melts beautifully and has a creamy texture, but you can substitute with Swiss or mild cheddar if needed.
• ¼ cup butter: Use real butter, not margarine, for the best flavor in the garlic butter spread.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: This goes into the garlic butter mixture and should be minced very fine to distribute evenly.
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced: Fresh parsley adds color and a subtle herb flavor to the garlic butter.
• 12 slices sourdough bread: Sturdy bread like sourdough holds up best to grilling and won’t get soggy from the chicken mixture.

Note: This recipe serves 6 people with hearty appetites.

Variations

Switch up cheeses, sauces, or bread types to make this sandwich your own.

• For a dairy-free version, use your favorite dairy-free melting cheese and swap in plant-based butter for the garlic spread.
• Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or choose a spicy BBQ sauce.
• For a lower-carb twist, try thick slices of grilled portobello mushroom caps instead of bread.
• Mix up the cheese: use sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or any melty blend you love for different flavors.
• Need gluten-free? Choose your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread so it holds up during grilling.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes 
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Basic kitchen tools to make this recipe hassle-free.

• Large non-stick skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken mixture evenly and grilling the sandwiches without sticking
• Medium skillet or pan: Used for sautéing the onions and heating the chicken mixture
• Medium mixing bowl: For preparing the garlic butter mixture
• Sharp knife: For slicing onions thinly and mincing garlic properly
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for all your prep work
• Spatula: Needed for flipping the sandwiches without breaking them apart
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe

Creating the perfect BBQ chicken grilled cheese starts with building layers of flavor that complement each other beautifully. The key is in the preparation and timing – you want everything ready before you start assembling because the process moves quickly once you begin. I’ve found that taking time with each component makes all the difference in the final result.

Prepare the Garlic Butter

Start by combining the butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley in a medium bowl. Microwave the mixture for about 30 seconds, just until the butter is completely melted and fragrant. The garlic should smell aromatic but not burned – if it starts to brown, you’ve gone too far. Stir the mixture well to ensure the garlic and parsley are evenly distributed throughout the melted butter. Set this aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other components, as it needs to be spreadable but not too hot.

Cook the Chicken Mixture

Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. Add the thinly sliced red onions and cook them for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften and become translucent. The onions should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Now add the shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce to the pan.

Combine and Heat Through

Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce and spices. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together. The chicken should be steaming hot and the sauce should be bubbling gently. Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare the bread – this mixture can stay warm for several minutes without overcooking.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay all 12 slices of bread on your work surface and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each slice. Make sure to get the butter all the way to the edges for even browning. Flip 6 slices over so the buttered side is down, then place one slice of Havarti cheese on each of these 6 slices. Divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly among these 6 sandwiches, spreading it out to cover the cheese completely. Top each sandwich with another slice of cheese, then place the remaining bread slices on top with the buttered side facing out.

Grill to Perfection

Heat your clean skillet over medium heat and carefully place the sandwiches in the pan. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip each sandwich using your spatula. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. The sandwiches should be crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside when done.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Pro hacks for the crispiest, most flavorful results.

• I always let my chicken mixture cool for a minute or two before assembling the sandwiches – this prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and making assembly messy.
• I’ve learned that pressing down gently on the sandwiches with my spatula while they cook helps ensure even browning and better cheese melting.
• I recommend using a splatter screen when grilling these sandwiches because the garlic butter can cause some splattering, and it keeps your stovetop cleaner.
• I always taste the chicken mixture before assembling and adjust the seasoning if needed – sometimes I add a pinch more paprika or a dash more Worcestershire sauce.
• I’ve found that letting the sandwiches rest for 30 seconds after cooking makes them easier to cut and prevents the filling from oozing out.
• I like to slice these diagonally rather than straight across because it shows off the beautiful layers and makes them easier to handle.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese?

These hearty sandwiches pair beautifully with crispy kettle-cooked potato chips or sweet potato fries for added crunch and texture. For a lighter accompaniment, serve alongside a fresh coleslaw or simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. I love presenting these on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and pickles on the side for those who want additional flavor. 

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per sandwich to help you plan your meal:

• Calories: 692 calories per sandwich – a substantial meal that will keep you satisfied
• Protein: 35 grams – excellent protein content from the chicken and cheese 
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams – primarily from the bread and BBQ sauce
• Fat: 38 grams – from the cheese, butter, and chicken, providing rich flavor and satisfaction

Make Ahead and Storage

Plan ahead with easy prep and storage tips.

Meal Prep: You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The garlic butter can also be made ahead and stored covered at room temperature for same-day use or refrigerated for up to a week. 

Storage: Leftover assembled sandwiches can be wrapped individually in foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they’re definitely best eaten fresh. 

Reheating: To reheat leftover sandwiches, unwrap them and place in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy again. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are the compelling reasons this BBQ chicken grilled cheese will become your new go-to comfort food:

• Quick and Easy Preparation – With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Uses Common Ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store, making this an accessible recipe for any home cook.
• Perfect for Meal Planning – The chicken mixture can be made ahead of time and used throughout the week for quick sandwich assembly whenever hunger strikes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – The combination of smoky BBQ chicken, creamy melted cheese, and garlic butter creates a flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Highly Customizable – You can easily adjust the spice level, swap cheeses, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own while maintaining the delicious core concept.