Smoky BBQ Chicken Sandwich

This BBQ chicken grilled cheese sandwich combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible meal. The smoky-sweet BBQ sauce perfectly complements the tender shredded chicken, while the melty cheese brings everything together between golden, buttery bread slices. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying that doesn't take hours to prepare.

I first made these sandwiches when my kids were going through a picky eating phase, and it became our Thursday night tradition. Even my husband, who typically prefers traditional grilled cheese, requests this version regularly now.

Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken provides the protein base and saves tremendous time when using rotisserie chicken from the grocery store
• BBQ sauce adds that perfect sweet and smoky flavor look for one with a balance of tanginess and sweetness
• Sharp cheddar cheese offers the best melt and flavor contrast to the BBQ sauce but feel free to experiment with different cheeses
• Sourdough bread creates the ideal sturdy exterior but any quality sandwich bread works well
• Butter ensures that perfect golden crust we all crave in a grilled cheese
• Red onion adds a pleasant sharp crunch that balances the tender chicken optional but recommended
• Fresh cilantro brings brightness to cut through the richness completely optional if you have cilantro aversion

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the filling

Combine your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is coated. The sauce should completely coat the chicken but not be swimming in excess liquid. If using, fold in your thinly sliced red onion and chopped cilantro at this point. The onion provides texture while the cilantro adds freshness.

Assemble the sandwiches

Lay out all eight bread slices on your work surface. Spread softened butter evenly across one side of each slice, making sure to cover the entire surface right to the edges. This ensures even browning and prevents sticking. Flip four slices so the unbuttered sides face up, and place one slice of cheese on each. Scoop a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture onto the cheese, spreading it evenly but not overflowing. Place another slice of cheese on top of the chicken mixture. The double layer of cheese is crucial it acts as glue to hold everything together and creates that perfect cheese pull.

Cook to golden perfection

Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Too hot and your bread will burn before the cheese melts, too low and you will have soggy sandwiches. Place the assembled sandwiches onto the hot surface with the buttered side down. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes while gently pressing down occasionally with your spatula. This helps the sandwich compact slightly and ensures good contact with the cooking surface. Carefully flip when the first side is golden brown, and cook the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes until equally golden and the cheese has completely melted.

Serve immediately

Transfer the finished sandwiches to a cutting board and slice diagonally for the most appealing presentation. Serve immediately while the cheese is at its melty best and the exterior is still crispy.

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The BBQ sauce is really the star ingredient here. I discovered that using a slightly spicier sauce creates the perfect balance with the rich cheese. My family still talks about the time I made these during a power outage using our camping stove. Something about the slight smokiness from our old pan made them taste even better!

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture up to three days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This makes assembly incredibly quick when you're ready to cook. I often double the chicken mixture and save half for later in the week. Just reheat the chicken mixture slightly before assembling your sandwiches to ensure they cook evenly.

Customization Ideas

This sandwich welcomes creative additions. Try adding thinly sliced apple for sweetness and crunch, pickled jalapeños for heat, or crispy bacon for extra texture and smokiness. For cheese variations, pepper jack adds a nice kick, while smoked gouda enhances the BBQ flavor profile. You can even swap the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and use blue cheese for a completely different flavor experience.

Serving Suggestions

These hearty sandwiches pair perfectly with simple sides that balance their richness. A tangy coleslaw provides refreshing contrast, while a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal, sweet potato fries complement the BBQ flavors beautifully. During summer months, I love serving these with a cold pasta salad for the perfect casual dinner.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cheese isn't melting properly before the bread browns too much, try using room temperature cheese or cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to trap heat. For bread that browns too quickly, lower your heat slightly. If your sandwiches are falling apart during flipping, you may have overfilled them try a more modest amount of filling and ensure you have cheese on both sides of the filling to act as glue.

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Common Questions

→ What's the best type of cheese to use for this sandwich?

Sharp cheddar works perfectly as it balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, but you can experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend. For extra richness, consider adding a small amount of cream cheese to the mix.

→ Can I make this with leftover chicken besides rotisserie?

Absolutely! Any cooked, shredded chicken works well. Leftover grilled, roasted, or even poached chicken can be repurposed. In a pinch, canned chicken will also work, though it may have a different texture.

→ How do I prevent my bread from burning before the cheese melts?

Use medium-low heat rather than high heat, which gives the cheese time to melt while the bread gradually turns golden. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat and consider covering the pan with a lid for 30-60 seconds to help the cheese melt without further browning the bread.

→ What side dishes pair well with BBQ chicken grilled cheese?

Classics like coleslaw or potato chips provide nice textural contrast. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with sweet potato fries, pickle spears, or a small cup of tomato soup for dipping.

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time for quick assembly?

Yes! Mix the BBQ chicken filling up to 2 days ahead and store refrigerated. When ready to eat, simply assemble the sandwiches with the pre-made filling and grill. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

→ What variations can I try with this basic concept?

Try adding thinly sliced apple for sweetness, pickled jalapeños for heat, or caramelized onions for depth. Experiment with different BBQ sauces (smoky, spicy, honey) to change the flavor profile. For extra indulgence, add crispy bacon or avocado slices.