BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a crave-worthy mashup of tangy barbecue flavor and classic comforting grilled cheese. Garlicky buttered bread pan-fries to golden perfection while BBQ chicken and gooey Havarti cheese melt together inside. This is one of those sandwiches that always disappears from the table fast in my house.

I started making these when my kids came home starving from sports and wanted dinner fast. Now they request them on movie nights and backyard cookouts because they love that gooey cheese pull.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps soften onions Choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Small red onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness and a pop of color Look for firm onions with shiny papery skins
• Fresh garlic: Adds a punchy aromatic note Use plump cloves with tight skin
• Shredded roasted chicken: Makes this hearty and quick Rotisserie or leftover homemade both work
• Paprika: Gives the filling a smoky depth Choose smoked if available for extra flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings tang and umami complexity Shake the bottle before using for best blend
• BBQ sauce: The star flavor Use your favorite store bought or homemade for a personal touch
• Havarti cheese: Melts like a dream and adds rich creaminess Look for blocks instead of slices for fresher texture
• Butter: Helps bread brown and crisp Use unsalted to control the seasoning
• Parsley: Fresh flavor and color Mince just before using for brightness
• Sourdough or sturdy white bread: Holds up to the filling and stays crisp Choose bakery style with good structure

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Aromatics:

Cook onion in olive oil over medium heat for about two minutes until just translucent and softened Do not rush this step as the gentle browning deepens flavor of your filling

Bloom the Garlic:

Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about thirty seconds until fragrant but not browned Raw garlic can taste sharp so make sure you cook just until the scent rises

Mix Chicken and Sauce:

Stir in shredded chicken paprika Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce Heat through gently for two to three minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture is juicy but not runny

Make Garlic Butter:

Melt butter in a bowl then stir in minced garlic and parsley Microwave in short bursts and watch carefully Cover to avoid splatters and mix well before using

Assemble Bread:

Lay out all bread slices on your prep surface Brush the top side of each with the garlicky butter until evenly coated

Layer Cheese and Chicken:

Turn bread slices so buttered side faces down Place six slices of cheese on six of the bread slices Top with warm BBQ chicken mixture then another layer of cheese Finish with remaining bread with buttered side out so it will toast in the pan

Grill the Sandwiches:

Carefully place sandwiches in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat Press them gently with a spatula Cook until the underside is deeply golden about three to five minutes per side Lower the heat to medium low after flipping to help the cheese melt without burning the bread

Save

My favorite part is the melty Havarti that stretches in every bite We once made these on a camping trip over a portable grill and the whole group declared them the sandwich of the summer

Storage Tips

Wrap cooled sandwiches tightly and refrigerate for up to two days Warm in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat to revive the crisp bread If you have leftovers you can even microwave briefly under a paper towel just be aware the bread will soften a bit

Ingredient Substitutions

Monterey Jack or good quality cheddar can stand in for Havarti if needed If you have no sourdough thick-cut French bread or regular sandwich bread will still work Rotisserie turkey also makes a great alternative to chicken

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad for a fresh contrast Chips and pickles are classic sides or serve with tomato soup for dipping If serving for a party cut sandwiches into smaller squares and offer on a platter

A Little History

The classic grilled cheese has roots in the early twentieth century when sliced bread became popular The twist of adding BBQ chicken brings American barbecue tradition into a favorite comfort food Creating this fusion makes an old standby feel fresh while staying easy and familiar

Recipe Questions

→ What kind of bread works best?

Sturdy sourdough or thick white bread are ideal since they hold up well and crisp nicely during grilling.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, Havarti offers a creamy melt, but provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar are great alternatives for different flavor profiles.

→ How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?

Spread the butter mixture on the outside surfaces only, and avoid overfilling. Grill at medium heat to achieve a golden, crisp crust.

→ Is precooked chicken necessary?

Pre-cooked or leftover roasted chicken works best, making preparation quicker and ensuring tender filling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Wrap cooled sandwiches tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet or oven to regain crispness before serving.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Prepare the chicken mixture in advance. Assemble and grill sandwiches just before serving for optimal texture.