“BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Casserole – A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite!”
Prepare your taste buds for a journey of smoky goodness and melted perfection with our BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Casserole recipe. This mouthwatering dish combines the comfort of grilled cheese with the savory allure of BBQ chicken, creating a casserole that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a weekend get-together with friends, this casserole promises a flavor explosion in every bite. Get ready to savor the irresistible combination of gooey cheese, tender chicken, and bold BBQ sauce – it’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients:
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce of your choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Grilled Cheese Layer:
- 12 slices of your favorite bread
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir until the chicken is well coated. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Grilled Cheese Layer:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butter one side of each slice of bread with the softened butter. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley flakes over the buttered side.
3. Layer and Build:
- Place 6 slices of bread, buttered side down, in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Spread half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread.
- Spoon the BBQ chicken evenly over the cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Finish with the remaining 6 slices of bread, buttered side up.
4. Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is gooey.
5. Let it Rest:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set for easier serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice into squares, serve warm, and relish the symphony of flavors in each delightful bite.
Cook Notes:
- Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties to find the one that suits your taste preferences.
- Customize the level of smokiness by adjusting the amount of smoked paprika.
Variations:
- Bacon Bliss:
- Add crispy bacon pieces to the BBQ chicken layer for an extra layer of smoky goodness.
- Jalapeño Pop:
- Include sliced jalapeños or a dollop of pickled jalapeño relish for a spicy kick.
Keto Version:
Ingredients:
- Substitute bread with almond flour or coconut flour-based keto bread.
- Use a low-carb BBQ sauce or make your own with keto-friendly sweeteners.
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps for preparing the BBQ chicken and assembling the casserole, using keto-friendly substitutes.
Low-Carb Version:
Ingredients:
- Substitute bread with low-carb bread or wraps.
- Choose a low-carb BBQ sauce or make your own with minimal added sugars.
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps for preparing the BBQ chicken and assembling the casserole, using low-carb substitutes.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Casserole is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. The marriage of tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you opt for the classic version or venture into keto or low-carb territory, this casserole promises a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, fire up that oven, embrace the aroma of BBQ, and indulge in the delightful experience of BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Casserole!
