There’s something so comforting about biting into a warm, melty grilled cheese sandwich, but when you elevate it with tangy BBQ chicken and buttery garlic bread, it becomes a masterpiece. This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe combines smoky, savory chicken with the creaminess of Havarti cheese, all wrapped in crispy, golden bread slathered with garlic butter. It’s perfect for family dinners, game-day snacks, or any time you want to indulge in a little comfort food.
This recipe is all about layers of flavor: tender shredded chicken mixed with smoky paprika and a rich BBQ sauce, paired with gooey Havarti cheese, all sandwiched between two slices of garlic-buttered bread. And the best part? It’s easy to make with everyday ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a total beginner, you’ll love how this recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Plus, it’s super versatile—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of smoky BBQ chicken, creamy Havarti cheese, and buttery garlic bread is a flavor explosion.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen—shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cheese, and bread.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, and even picky eaters will devour these sandwiches.
- Versatile: You can customize it to your taste by swapping out the cheese, adjusting the spice level, or even adding extra toppings.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 sandwiches
Ingredients
BBQ Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, adding richness to the chicken mixture.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a robust, savory aroma.
- 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here for ease and tenderness.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky kick to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the BBQ flavor with a touch of umami.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand for the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- 12 slices Havarti cheese: Creamy and melty, it’s the perfect match for the BBQ chicken.
Garlic Butter Bread
- ¼ cup butter: The base for the garlic butter spread.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter with bold garlic flavor.
- 2 teaspoons parsley, minced: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- 12 slices sourdough bread or sturdy white bread: Thick and sturdy bread ensures the sandwich holds together while grilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the BBQ Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced red onion and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Microwave the mixture until the butter is fully melted, about 30 seconds. Stir to ensure the garlic and parsley are evenly distributed.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Lay out all 12 slices of bread on a flat surface. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over one side of each slice.
- Flip the bread over so the unbuttered side faces up on all slices.
- On 6 of the slices, place a slice of Havarti cheese, followed by a generous scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Add another slice of Havarti cheese on top of the chicken, then place another slice of bread on top to create a sandwich. Make sure the buttered sides of the bread are on the outside.
Cook the Sandwiches
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded (you may need to cook them in batches).
- Cook the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes on one side, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage even browning. The bread should be golden and crispy.
- Flip the sandwiches and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom side is browned and the cheese is fully melted.
- Repeat with remaining sandwiches if necessary.
How to Serve
- Classic Option: Serve your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwiches with a side of chips or fries for a casual, satisfying meal.
- Healthier Pairing: Pair with a fresh green salad or a light coleslaw to balance the richness of the sandwich.
- Family-Style: Cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve them on a large platter for an easy party appetizer.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use Sturdy Bread: Opt for sourdough or another sturdy bread to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on chicken and cheese, overstuffing can make flipping the sandwich tricky.
- Press Lightly: Use a spatula to gently press the sandwich while it cooks for even browning.
- Watch the Heat: If the bread browns too quickly, lower the heat to ensure the cheese has time to melt.
- Customize the BBQ Sauce: Adjust the sauce to your liking—spicy, sweet, or smoky, depending on your taste.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit or roasted vegetables.
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, cheddar, or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and ensure the BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
- Extra Crunch: Add a handful of crispy fried onions or pickles to the sandwich for added texture.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Assemble the sandwiches without cooking them, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw and cook as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
2. What’s the best way to reheat the sandwiches?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy and the cheese gooey. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and cook the sandwiches fresh for the best results.
4. What can I use if I don’t have Havarti cheese?
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even cheddar cheese are great substitutes.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter for the garlic spread and a plant-based cheese alternative.
6. What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce complements the flavors beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
7. Can I use whole wheat bread?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor and works well with the garlic butter and BBQ chicken.
8. Can I grill these sandwiches instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can cook them on a grill pan for a fun twist. Just be sure to watch the heat and avoid burning the bread.
9. How do I keep the sandwiches warm for serving?
Place cooked sandwiches on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm while you finish the batch.
10. Can I add extra vegetables?
Certainly! Bell peppers, caramelized onions, or even spinach would be delicious additions.
Conclusion
These BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe delivers big on flavor, texture, and comfort.
I’d love to see how your sandwiches turn out—don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media! Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Print
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Description
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the perfect comfort food. Juicy BBQ chicken, creamy Havarti cheese, and garlic butter bread combine to create a golden, crispy, and gooey delight that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- BBQ Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
- Garlic Butter Bread:
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp parsley, minced
- 12 slices sourdough or white bread
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft (2 minutes). Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, microwave butter, garlic, and parsley until melted. Stir well.
- Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. Flip slices, top 6 with Havarti cheese, BBQ chicken mixture, and another slice of cheese. Top with remaining bread, buttered side out.
- Cook sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat, 3-5 minutes per side, until golden and cheese melts.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce to your preferred level of sweetness or spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American