BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This dish combines the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ chicken with the creamy goodness of melted Havarti cheese, all nestled between crispy, garlicky bread. Perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or a quick lunch, these sandwiches are sure to impress. With their irresistible taste and easy preparation, they will become your go-to comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prepare this sandwich in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ chicken and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal Option: Great for lunch or dinner, these sandwiches can be served with sides like salad or fries for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty sandwich, making it a hit at the dinner table.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in different cheeses or add vegetables based on your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To make your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches perfectly, you’ll need some essential tools. These items will help streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown crust on the bread.
- Spatula: This tool is vital for flipping the sandwiches without damaging them, ensuring perfectly cooked sides.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
For the Sandwich Assembly
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
- 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread
How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced red onion and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Mix well until heated through.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
- Place half of the slices butter-side down on a clean surface.
- Layer with Havarti cheese followed by a generous scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Top with another slice of cheese and then cover with remaining bread slices (butter-side up).
Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
- Heat your skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook each sandwich for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Carefully flip each sandwich using a spatula and cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove sandwiches from skillet and let them cool briefly.
- Slice each sandwich in half and garnish with minced parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches! Perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can elevate your meal by pairing them with some delightful sides or toppings.
With a Side Salad
- A fresh side salad adds crunch and color. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for balance.
Pair with Sweet Potato Fries
- Sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the sandwich. Bake or fry them until crispy for best results.
Top with Pickles
- Adding pickles brings a tangy kick to each bite. Choose dill or bread-and-butter pickles based on your flavor preference.
Serve with Coleslaw
- Coleslaw offers creaminess and texture that complements the sandwich well. A vinegar-based slaw works particularly nicely with BBQ flavors.
Add Hot Sauce
- If you enjoy heat, drizzle some hot sauce over your sandwich. It can amp up the flavor and add an exciting twist.
How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
To achieve the ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality cheese enhance flavor significantly.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Allow the sandwich to grill slowly for crispy bread and melted cheese.
- Experiment with cheeses: While Havarti is creamy, try mixing in cheddar or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Butter generously: A good amount of butter helps achieve that golden-brown crust we all love.
- Customize the BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch; smoky or spicy varieties can add depth.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Pairing your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich with the right sides can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Potato Chips: The crunch of potato chips provides a satisfying contrast to the gooey sandwich.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds freshness; grill it or boil it for a classic summer side.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad can be refreshing and light, providing natural sweetness alongside your savory dish.
- Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans add protein and richness that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer nutrition and color; toss them in olive oil and herbs before roasting.
- Macaroni Salad: This creamy pasta dish is comforting and makes a great side kick to your grilled cheese delight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are delicious, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are mistakes to avoid for the perfect sandwich.
- Flavor: Skipping on seasoning can lead to blandness. Make sure to season your chicken with spices like paprika and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bread Choice: Using the wrong type of bread can ruin your sandwich. Opt for sturdy bread like sourdough or a thick white loaf for better support.
- Cheese Selection: Choosing cheese that doesn’t melt well can alter the texture. Havarti is ideal, but feel free to experiment with others like Monterey Jack.
- Timing: Overcooking or undercooking can impact taste and texture. Keep an eye on the pan, flipping the sandwich when golden brown.
- Assembly: Not layering ingredients properly can lead to messy sandwiches. Spread BBQ chicken evenly between cheese slices for a balanced bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
How do I make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
To make this sandwich, sauté garlic and onions, mix with shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, then layer between cheese slices and grill until golden.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken works perfectly and saves cooking time.
What can I substitute for Havarti cheese?
You can use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even mozzarella if you prefer different flavors or textures.
How do I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce during the preparation of your BBQ chicken mixture.
Final Thoughts
The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or trying different cheeses. Give this recipe a try; it’s a delightful meal that brings comfort to any table!
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a mouthwatering twist on the classic grilled cheese. Imagine juicy, shredded BBQ chicken paired with creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled between crispy, garlicky sourdough bread. This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick lunch or a family dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe combines convenience and flavor, making it an instant favorite for both kids and adults. Serve it with your choice of sides like sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
- 12 slices sourdough bread
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté sliced onion until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and mix well until heated through.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer Havarti cheese followed by BBQ chicken mixture and top with another slice of cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices (butter-side up).
- Heat skillet over medium-low heat and cook sandwiches until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
