BBQ chicken grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines tender, saucy barbecue chicken with melted cheese between perfectly golden, buttery bread. Whether you use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook it fresh, learn how to make the best barbecue chicken grilled cheese sandwich!
BBQ chicken grilled cheese brings back so many amazing memories for me. Growing up in the Midwest, my dad was the king of the backyard grill, and we always had leftover barbecue chicken in the fridge. My mom discovered that turning those leftovers into grilled cheese sandwiches was pure genius, and it became one of our favorite comfort foods.
About this BBQ chicken grilled cheese recipe
Since this BBQ chicken grilled cheese recipe has been in my family for so long, I have learned to make it with my eyes closed! It is truly special to create a sandwich that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Several years of experimenting with different cheeses and barbecue sauces have helped perfect this comfort food classic.
This recipe takes a couple of easy shortcuts, using rotisserie chicken being one of them. We love ours with extra barbecue sauce though!
How to make homemade BBQ chicken grilled cheese
This easy BBQ chicken grilled cheese recipe uses rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. This simple swap cuts out a lot of time and labor. Fresh cooked chicken can certainly be substituted, but rotisserie is just as tasty!
The cheese will melt beautifully and create that perfect cheese pull we all crave. The key is getting the right ratio of filling to bread, so every bite is packed with flavor.
My grilled cheese is soggy, what do I do?
Using this recipe should ensure that the BBQ chicken grilled cheese doesn’t come out soggy. Sometimes using too much barbecue sauce will yield more moisture than we want. With that said, draining excess sauce from the chicken mixture helps prevent soggy bread in this recipe.
Furthermore, cooking on medium heat rather than high heat will help ensure the bread gets golden and crispy while the cheese melts completely. If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, cover the pan with a lid for a minute or two. It is also important to remember that letting the sandwich rest for a minute before cutting helps everything set up properly.
Cheese options for BBQ chicken grilled cheese
Sharp cheddar is my go-to choice for BBQ chicken grilled cheese because it has bold flavor that stands up to the barbecue sauce. Gouda adds a smoky flavor that complements the barbecue theme beautifully.
For extra creaminess, combining cheddar with monterey jack creates the perfect melt and flavor balance. The jack cheese melts smoothly while the cheddar provides the flavor punch.
Storage and serving tips
Store leftover BBQ chicken grilled cheese wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and heated through. Avoid the microwave as it makes the bread soggy.
The chicken filling can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days, making it easy to assemble fresh sandwiches whenever the craving strikes.
BBQ CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE
Cuisine: American
Category: Lunch/Dinner
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Serves: 4 people
INGREDIENTS
For the BBQ Chicken Filling:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices thick sourdough bread
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- Optional: thinly sliced red onion
- Optional: pickle slices for serving
PREPARATION
- Prepare the BBQ chicken by combining shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Butter the bread by spreading softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This will be the outside of your sandwiches.
- Assemble sandwiches by placing bread butter-side down in a cold skillet. Top with ½ cup shredded cheese, then ¾ cup of the BBQ chicken mixture, and another ½ cup cheese. Add optional red onion if using, then top with second bread slice, butter-side up.
- Cook first side over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The key is not rushing this step – medium heat ensures the cheese starts melting while the bread browns.
- Flip carefully using a large spatula, supporting the sandwich with your other hand. Cook the second side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Rest before cutting by removing from heat and letting the BBQ chicken grilled cheese sit for 1-2 minutes. This helps everything set up for easier cutting.
- Slice and serve diagonally with extra barbecue sauce and pickle spears on the side.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- 520 calories per sandwich
- 32g protein per sandwich
- 35g carbs per sandwich
- 28g fat per sandwich
- 3g fiber per sandwich
Recipe tips and variations
- Drain excess sauce from chicken mixture if it seems too wet to prevent soggy bread
- Add crunch with thinly sliced red onion, crispy bacon, or coleslaw inside the sandwich
- Spice it up by adding jalapeño slices or using spicy barbecue sauce
- Batch cooking works great – make the chicken filling ahead and store for up to 3 days
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make BBQ chicken grilled cheese ahead of time?
While BBQ chicken grilled cheese is best served immediately after cooking, you can prepare the chicken filling up to 3 days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and assemble fresh sandwiches when ready to eat. The bread will get soggy if assembled too far in advance.
What’s the best cheese for BBQ chicken grilled cheese?
Sharp cheddar is my top choice for BBQ chicken grilled cheese because it has bold flavor that stands up to the barbecue sauce. Gouda, smoked gouda, or a combination of cheddar and monterey jack also work beautifully. The key is using a cheese that melts well and has enough flavor to complement the barbecue.
How do I prevent my grilled cheese from burning?
Cook your BBQ chicken grilled cheese over medium heat, not high heat. This allows the cheese to melt completely while the bread browns evenly. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt.
Can I use leftover barbecue chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover barbecue chicken works perfectly for BBQ chicken grilled cheese. Just shred it and mix with a little extra barbecue sauce if needed to ensure it’s moist enough. This recipe is actually a great way to use up barbecue leftovers from your weekend cookouts.
What sides go best with BBQ chicken grilled cheese?
Classic sides like pickle spears, coleslaw, or potato chips pair wonderfully with BBQ chicken grilled cheese. For a heartier meal, serve with sweet potato fries or onion rings. A simple green salad helps balance the richness of the sandwich too.
This BBQ chicken grilled cheese has become such a family favorite that I always keep rotisserie chicken and barbecue sauce on hand for whenever the craving strikes! It’s the perfect comfort food that brings together two beloved classics into one incredible sandwich.
Share your delicious creations on my Facebook page – I love seeing your BBQ chicken grilled cheese results! Tag me @OlyviaBestRecipes on Pinterest when you make this amazing comfort food!
Author: Olyvia T.
