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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches | Cuisine: American Comfort Food | Method: Stovetop
A Savory, Crispy, Cheesy Dream
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich brings together smoky shredded chicken, golden garlic-buttered sourdough, and melty Havarti cheese in every bite. It’s everything you love about comfort food—crispy, gooey, tangy, and unbelievably satisfying.
Pair it with crunchy coleslaw or kettle chips for a quick weeknight meal or casual weekend lunch. If you’re a fan of cheesy sliders or pulled chicken sandwiches, this one’s a must-make.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ cups cooked, shredded chicken
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
For the Garlic Butter Bread:
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 12 slices sturdy sourdough or white sandwich bread
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
Instructions
1. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Microwave until just melted, stir to combine, and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Prepare the Chicken
Add shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir to coat and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread garlic butter mixture on one side of each bread slice. Lay 6 slices butter-side down. Layer with Havarti, BBQ chicken, and more cheese. Top with remaining bread (butter side facing out).
5. Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium. Cook sandwiches 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted. Lower the heat if needed to avoid burning.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Cheese
- Use shredded chicken made ahead to save time.
- Press sandwiches with a spatula or pan lid to crisp both sides evenly.
- Swap Havarti for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy golden crust
- Melty, flavorful cheese pull
- Savory BBQ twist on a classic grilled cheese
- Easy to scale for a crowd
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Soggy Sandwich Syndrome: This is the ultimate downfall! Too much BBQ sauce, wet chicken, or not enough heat on the pan can lead to a limp, unappetizing sandwich.
- Pro Tip for Crispy Grilled Cheese: Don’t overload the filling. Lightly toast the inside of the bread before assembling, or ensure your pan is preheated properly for immediate sizzle.
- Burned Bread, Unmelted Cheese: Heat management is key! Too high heat will char your bread before the cheese has a chance to get perfectly gooey. Too low heat might just warm it, not melt it.
- Perfectly Melted Cheese Hack: Cook on medium to medium-low heat, and consider covering the pan for a minute or two to trap heat and help the cheese melt evenly without burning the bread.
- Dry Chicken Filling: If your BBQ chicken is already dry, your sandwich won’t be juicy. Ensure your chicken is moist or add a little extra BBQ sauce to the chicken filling, but not so much that it makes the bread soggy.
- Flavor Imbalance: Too much BBQ sauce can overpower the cheese, or not enough seasoning on the chicken can leave it bland. Taste your BBQ chicken filling before assembly to ensure it’s balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the best type of cheese for these BBQ chicken melts?
A: For that ultimate gooey cheese blend, try a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. Provolone or even smoked Gouda can also add fantastic flavor that complements the BBQ chicken.
Q: Can I use leftover BBQ chicken, or do I need to cook fresh?
A: Leftover BBQ chicken recipes are perfect for this! Shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with your favorite BBQ sauce also works wonderfully for a quick chicken sandwich hack.
Q: What kind of bread works best for this gourmet grilled cheese?
A: A sturdy bread that holds up well to grilling is ideal. Sourdough, Texas toast, or even a good quality white or whole wheat sandwich bread are great choices for a crispy sandwich. Avoid very thin or soft breads.
Q: My sandwich isn’t as crispy as I’d like. Any tips?
A: Ensure your pan is hot enough (medium heat). Butter or mayo (yes, mayo works great!) the outside of the bread evenly. Press down gently with a spatula as it cooks to ensure full contact with the pan, promoting a golden brown crust.
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time for meal prep?
A: You can prepare the BBQ chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble and grill the sandwiches fresh for the best texture. Reheating fully assembled grilled cheese isn’t ideal for crispiness.
What’s your favorite secret ingredient to add to a grilled cheese?
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe Card
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Smoky Chicken • Melty Havarti • Crispy Garlic Butter Bread
🕒 Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Best For: Easy Lunch, Family Dinner, Meal Prep
Ingredients:
Chicken Filling
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ cups shredded chicken
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Garlic Butter Bread
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp parsley
- 12 slices sourdough
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
Directions:
- Cook onions in oil until soft. Add garlic.
- Stir in chicken, paprika, Worcestershire, and BBQ sauce. Heat through.
- Mix butter, garlic, and parsley. Spread on bread.
- Layer cheese, chicken, and cheese between buttered slices.
- Grill both sides until golden brown and melty.
Serving Tip: Best enjoyed hot with coleslaw or chips!
