Get ready to take your grilled cheese game to the next level with this mouthwatering recipe for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese! Imagine gooey melted cheese, tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and buttery toasted bread – all combined into one delicious sandwich. It’s the perfect comfort food with a delightful twist that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a satisfying dinner, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or whole wheat work well)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- Optional: sliced red onion, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Lay out 4 slices of bread on a clean work surface. Divide the shredded chicken evenly among the slices, spreading it out to cover the bread.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken, creating a generous layer of cheese on each sandwich.
- If desired, add sliced red onion, jalapenos, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
- Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches.
3. Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each sandwich.
- Place the sandwiches buttered side down in the skillet or griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the sandwiches are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet or griddle and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Let the sandwiches cool for a minute or two, then slice them in half diagonally.
- Serve the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese immediately, accompanied by extra barbecue sauce for dipping if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For added convenience, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken breasts.
- Add Bacon: For an extra indulgent twist, add crispy bacon strips to the sandwiches before grilling for a BBQ Chicken Bacon Grilled Cheese.
- Make it Spicy: Kick up the heat by adding sliced jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sandwiches.
- Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use grilled or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time? A: While it’s best to enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches fresh off the griddle, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the bread from drying out.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover sandwiches? A: To reheat leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches, place them in a toaster oven or oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses or a combination of cheeses to customize the flavor of your sandwiches. Gouda, pepper jack, and Swiss cheese are all delicious options.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute the bread with low-carb or keto-friendly options like cloud bread, almond flour bread, or lettuce wraps. You can also use sugar-free barbecue sauce to reduce the carb content.
- Low-Carb Variation: Instead of bread, serve the BBQ chicken and cheese mixture over a bed of fresh salad greens or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
With its irresistible combination of savory barbecue chicken, melty cheese, and buttery grilled bread, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is a flavor-packed twist on the classic sandwich. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, this indulgent dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience grilled cheese like never before!
