BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. They combine the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken with the rich creaminess of Havarti cheese, all nestled between crispy, buttery bread. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these sandwiches are sure to impress your guests with their bold flavors and comforting textures.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ chicken, garlic, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience.
Versatile Meal: Enjoy these sandwiches for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love grilled cheese! Adding BBQ chicken makes it even more appealing to young taste buds.
Easy Cleanup: Cook everything in one skillet for minimal mess and easy cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

Cast iron skillet or frying pan
Spatula
Mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Cast iron skillet or frying pan: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly crisp sandwiches.
Spatula: Ideal for flipping sandwiches without losing any delicious filling.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like the BBQ chicken mixture before assembling the sandwiches.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, (thinly sliced)
3 cloves garlic, (minced)
2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup BBQ sauce

For the Sandwiches

12 slices Havarti cheese
¼ cup butter
2 cloves garlic, (minced)
2 teaspoons parsley, (minced)
12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded roasted chicken, sliced red onion, minced garlic, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce.
Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 2: Make Garlicky Butter

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and parsley.
Spread this garlicky butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

On the non-buttered side of six slices of bread, layer 2 slices of Havarti cheese each.
Top with a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture.
Place another slice of Havarti cheese on top and then cover with remaining slices of bread (buttered side out).

Step 4: Cook the Sandwiches

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side (about 3–4 minutes).
Carefully flip each sandwich and cook until the other side is also golden brown and the cheese has melted (another 3–4 minutes).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove sandwiches from skillet and let them cool slightly before cutting in half.
Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just looking for a quick meal, these sandwiches can be paired with many delightful sides and garnishes.

Pair with Fresh Salads

Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crisp romaine complement the savory flavors of BBQ chicken perfectly.

Add Dipping Sauces

Extra BBQ Sauce: Serve alongside for those who love an extra kick of flavor.
Ranch Dressing: This classic dip adds creaminess that balances the sandwich’s taste.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top to add a burst of brightness.
Green Onions: Finely sliced green onions can enhance the flavor profile with their mild onion taste.

Include Pickles or Chips

Dill Pickles: The tanginess of dill pickles cuts through the richness, making every bite more enjoyable.
Potato Chips: Serve crispy chips on the side for crunch and texture.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

To achieve the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to elevate your sandwich-making skills.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs. They enhance flavors significantly.
Balance Your Flavors: Combine sweet and tangy BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor balance.
Toast Bread Properly: Ensure the bread is golden brown and crispy for that ideal texture when biting into the sandwich.
Experiment with Cheeses: While Havarti is delicious, trying different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add unique tastes.
Cook on Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat allows cheese to melt while preventing the bread from burning.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The right side dishes can elevate your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich experience. Here are some perfect pairings to consider:

Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries that offer sweetness, balancing out savory flavors.
Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, its warmth complements the cheesy goodness of your sandwich.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds a smoky flavor that works well with BBQ chicken.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and a touch of sweetness to your plate.
Baked Beans: The hearty nature of beans pairs well with BBQ, enhancing your meal’s heartiness.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy pasta salad adds comfort and a satisfying texture alongside your sandwich.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin it. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

Using stale bread: Fresh bread is essential for the perfect grilled cheese. Choose sourdough or sturdy white bread for the best results.
Overcooking the chicken: Ensure your shredded chicken is warmed through but not overcooked. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Skipping the garlic butter: Garlic butter adds a rich flavor. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your sandwich to the next level.
Choosing the wrong cheese: Havarti cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for this recipe. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well.
Not using enough BBQ sauce: The right amount of BBQ sauce enhances flavor. Don’t be shy; add enough to coat your chicken without soaking the bread.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container.
They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Wrap sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy and warm.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm but expect softer bread.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little butter. Cook each side until golden brown and heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While Havarti is fantastic, feel free to experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for added flavor.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

You can use whole grain bread and reduce the amount of BBQ sauce or cheese to lower calories while still enjoying great taste.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Shredded roasted chicken works best, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own from scratch.

Can I customize my BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

Absolutely! Add ingredients like jalapeños, spinach, or different spices to create your unique version of this classic dish.

Final Thoughts

The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is not only delicious but also versatile. It makes for an incredible dinner option that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients—make it your own!

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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

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Author: Grace
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 sandwiches 1x

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Description

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches combine the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken with creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled between crispy, buttery bread. This delicious twist on a classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce
12 slices Havarti cheese
¼ cup butter
12 slices sourdough bread

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, red onion, garlic, and BBQ sauce. Stir until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and spread on one side of each slice of bread.
On the non-buttered side of half the bread slices, layer two slices of Havarti cheese and top with the BBQ chicken mixture. Add another slice of cheese on top and cover with remaining bread (buttered side out).
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side) and cheese has melted.
Remove from skillet, cool slightly, cut in half, and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American