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BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

This recipe takes the beloved classic grilled cheese and elevates it with smoky, savory BBQ chicken, creating a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more. It’s incredibly easy to make and is the perfect way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bread your favorite bread (sourdough, challah, or a sturdy white bread work beautifully)
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 cup cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut)
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced (optional, for a little bite)
  • Dill pickle slices for serving (optional, but highly recommended)

Equipment

  • Small Bowl
  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken with the barbecue sauce. Stir well until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Set aside.
    1 cup cooked chicken, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  2. Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This buttered side will be the outside of your grilled cheese, ensuring a golden-brown crisp.
    4 slices bread, 2 tablespoons butter
  3. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean work surface.
    4 slices bread
  4. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the two bread slices.
    1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  5. Divide the BBQ chicken mixture equally between the two sandwiches, spreading it over the cheese. If you're using red onion, add a thin layer on top of the chicken.
    1 cup cooked chicken, 1/4 cup red onion
  6. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the BBQ chicken layer.
    1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  7. Top each sandwich with the remaining two slices of bread, butter-side up.
    4 slices bread
  8. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches onto the hot skillet.
  9. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is melted and gooey. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts through. Gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula occasionally to help them cook evenly and keep everything together.
  10. Once golden and gooey, remove the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese from the skillet. Let it rest for a minute before slicing in half. Serve immediately with dill pickle slices on the side, if desired.
    Dill pickle slices

Notes

Leftover BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted again. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the bread soggy.