BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is the perfect quick and easy comfort food that combines tender barbecue chicken with gooey melted cheese. This homemade recipe is simple enough for any beginner home cook and comes together in under an hour. The crispy grilled bread with melty cheese and smoky BBQ flavors makes it an irresistible weeknight dinner. Pair it with my Cozy Winter Baked Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Why You'll Love BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Make this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese recipe for an easy, homemade comfort meal with melty cheese and tangy barbecue sauce in just 40 minutes.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Uses simple pantry staples and leftover chicken for convenience.
- Cheesy, smoky, and tangy flavor that satisfies all cravings.
- Family-friendly and great for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. Shredded works best.BBQ Sauce: Choose a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce depending on your taste. Can substitute with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. Shredded works best.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce depending on your taste. Can substitute with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Easy Homemade Comfort Food are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the chicken mixture: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Assemble the sandwiches: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, BBQ chicken mixture, extra cheese, and optional toppings if using. Top with another bread slice, buttered side out.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Cook the sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and cheese melts.
Expert Tips for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
- Press sandwiches gently while grilling for even melting and crispy edges.
- Low and slow heat prevents burnt bread and melted cheese mishaps.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best browning and flavor.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Make this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese recipe for an easy, homemade comfort meal with melty cheese and tangy barbecue sauce in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 8 slices sourdough or white bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Thinly sliced red onions
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Pickled jalapeños for spice
Instructions
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, BBQ chicken mixture, extra cheese, and optional toppings if using. Top with another bread slice, buttered side out.
- Cook the sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and cheese melts.
- Serve: Remove from skillet, let cool for a minute, then slice and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Easy Homemade Comfort Food FAQs
Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches and store them in the fridge for a few hours before grilling. For longer storage, wrap and freeze before cooking.
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are great alternatives for different flavor profiles.
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the bread crispy.
Using too much BBQ sauce or cooking at too low heat can cause sogginess. Use moderate sauce amounts and cook on medium heat for crispy bread.
You Might Also Like
- Cozy Winter Baked Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe
- The Ultimate Cozy Cinnamon Streusel Bread Recipe
- Indulge in the Dreamy Blackberry Velvet Cake
Before You Go
If you try this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese: Easy Homemade Comfort Food, I'd love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.