BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food that brings together smoky tangy chicken with golden garlicky bread and a dreamy layer of melted Havarti. Each bite hits all the right notes savory sweet creamy and crisp. Whenever we need a fast crowd-pleaser for a weeknight dinner or a game day snack this sandwich never fails to vanish from the plate.

My family was hooked the first time this hit our grill pan. It only took one rainy Sunday to turn this recipe into our go-to request for every casual get-together.

Ingredients

• Shredded roasted chicken: The perfect way to use up leftover cooked chicken adds hearty protein and soaks up the sauce beautifully use rotisserie for convenience
• BBQ sauce: Infuses the chicken with bold smoky sweet flavors look for a thick sauce with a touch of tang or spice
• Havarti cheese: Melts luxuriously and gives a mellow creamy taste slices easily and stretches beautifully
• Red onion: Brings a bit of bite and sweetness slice thin for the best texture
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and enhances the BBQ flavor use a good quality brand for best results
• Paprika: Provides gentle warmth and color smoked paprika is ideal if you have it
• Olive oil: For sautéing use extra virgin for the best flavor
• Sourdough or white bread: Sturdy slices hold together through grilling pick one with a chewy crumb for best results
• Butter: Ensures that golden crisp surface use real butter for flavor
• Fresh garlic and parsley: Build a zesty herby spread fresh garlic gives a stronger kick and parsley brightens every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the BBQ Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook gently for around two minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about thirty seconds until it releases a deep aroma.

Season and Combine:

Scatter the shredded chicken over the onions and garlic making sure it gets coated in the oil. Sprinkle the paprika over everything then pour in the Worcestershire sauce and the BBQ sauce. Use a wooden spoon to stir until all pieces are coated and saucy then let it cook just until heated through and the flavors blend about two to three minutes.

Make the Garlic Butter:

Place the butter with the rest of the minced garlic and parsley in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted. Use a spoon or brush to blend the mixture so those bits of garlic and parsley are evenly distributed.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Lay out all bread slices on a work surface. Spread the garlic butter mixture over every slice making sure to reach the corners so every bite is flavorful. Flip the bread over so the buttered side stays on the outside for grilling.

Layer the Fillings:

Arrange half the bread slices with Havarti cheese add a generous pile of the BBQ chicken mixture on top and cover each one with another slice of cheese. Place the remaining bread slices on top buttered side up for easy browning during grilling.

Grill the Sandwiches:

Heat a wide nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan without crowding. Allow them to cook for about three to five minutes until the outside is crisp and golden. Flip each sandwich carefully lower the heat slightly and cook three to five minutes more until the cheese is luscious and fully melted.

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Havarti cheese is always the first thing to disappear in my fridge. Its gentle melt and mild flavor turns a good sandwich into an irresistible one. When I made this for my son’s birthday everyone ended up going in for seconds and the kitchen smelled like a deli for the rest of the evening.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat place sandwiches in a skillet over low heat to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy. You can also assemble and wrap sandwiches before grilling if you want to take them as a packable lunch.

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Ingredient Substitutions

No Havarti Feel free to use mozzarella gouda or fontina for a similar creamy melt. Rotisserie turkey or pulled pork works well instead of chicken for a fun twist. If you want a vegetarian option try seasoned jackfruit or a hearty chickpea mash with BBQ sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Cut into strips for dipping alongside tomato soup or serve with coleslaw and pickles for a fresh bite. Sometimes I like to top with a handful of arugula right before serving for a peppery green touch.

Cultural Context

Grilled cheese sandwiches have deep roots as American comfort food. Adding BBQ chicken combines the South’s love of smoked meat with the universal delight of creamy melted cheese. This fusion makes it a favorite for all ages and a fun update to the classic grilled cheese.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use another cheese instead of Havarti?

Yes, feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack. Havarti offers a creamy melt, but other cheeses work well too.

→ How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Spread the garlic butter on the outside of the bread and use sturdy bread like sourdough. Avoid overfilling with sauce.

→ Is rotisserie chicken suitable for this dish?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is quick and adds depth of flavor, making assembly easier and faster.

→ What sides pair well with this sandwich?

Enjoy with a simple green salad, coleslaw, chips, or crunchy pickles to balance the rich flavors of the sandwich.

→ Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?

For best texture, cook just before serving. However, you can pre-mix the filling and assemble sandwiches ahead, then pan-fry to order.