BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a perfect blend of savory BBQ chicken, melted Havarti cheese, and crispy, garlicky buttered bread. This satisfying sandwich takes a classic grilled cheese to a new level with a tangy and smoky twist. It’s a great dish for a quick dinner, paired with potato chips, coleslaw, or enjoyed on its own.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 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 Garlic Butter Bread:

• ¼ cup butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons parsley, minced

• 12 slices sourdough or sturdy white bread

• 12 slices Havarti cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onions until soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shredded chicken, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

2. Make the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine butter, garlic, and parsley. Microwave until melted and set aside.

3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay 12 slices of bread on a work surface. Spread the melted garlic butter mixture over each piece. Turn each slice over and place 6 slices of cheese on half of the bread, then top with the BBQ chicken mixture. Add the remaining cheese and top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.

4. Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. If needed, reduce the heat to medium-low to ensure the cheese melts evenly.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 20g

• Cholesterol: 50mg

• Sodium: 700mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 10g

The Appeal of BBQ Chicken in a Grilled Cheese

The combination of BBQ chicken and grilled cheese may sound simple, but the flavors come together in a way that is both satisfying and indulgent. The shredded roasted chicken provides a tender and flavorful protein, while the BBQ sauce adds a smoky, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the Havarti cheese. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and paprika enhances the savory elements of the chicken, making each bite an explosion of flavor.

Grilled cheese sandwiches are beloved for their simplicity and comfort, and by incorporating BBQ chicken, you get a hearty, protein-packed filling that transforms the sandwich into a complete meal. The richness of the cheese, combined with the smoky BBQ chicken, creates a well-balanced sandwich that is savory, creamy, and a little bit tangy, offering something new for grilled cheese lovers.

The Role of Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is the perfect cheese for this sandwich due to its smooth, creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. When melted, it becomes deliciously gooey, adding a luxurious texture to the sandwich that pairs wonderfully with the bold BBQ chicken filling. Unlike sharp cheeses, Havarti’s mild flavor doesn’t overpower the BBQ chicken, allowing the smokiness of the sauce and the seasoning of the chicken to shine through. The cheese also melts beautifully, creating a satisfying gooeyness that elevates the sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.

Garlic Buttered Bread

One of the standout features of BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is the garlic buttered bread. The combination of butter, garlic, and parsley gives the bread an aromatic and savory edge, enhancing the overall flavor of the sandwich. The garlic butter creates a perfectly crispy, golden crust on the bread, making every bite crunchy and flavorful. The slight herbal note from the parsley adds freshness, which helps balance the richness of the cheese and BBQ chicken filling.

Using sourdough or sturdy white bread helps provide the right texture for grilling. The firm bread holds up well to the weight of the BBQ chicken and cheese while developing a crispy, golden exterior during grilling. Sourdough bread, with its slight tanginess, adds an additional layer of flavor that complements the smoky BBQ chicken and the creamy cheese.

Step-by-Step Assembly

The process of assembling BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is simple yet effective. Start by preparing the BBQ chicken filling, which combines sautéed onions, garlic, shredded roasted chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. The onions provide sweetness, the garlic adds depth, and the paprika infuses a smoky warmth that enhances the flavors of the chicken.

Next, the garlic butter is prepared by melting butter with garlic and parsley, which will be spread generously on the bread slices. Each slice of bread is coated with the garlic butter before being layered with slices of Havarti cheese, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture, and then topped with more cheese to create a deliciously gooey sandwich.

Once assembled, the sandwiches are grilled in a skillet, with the buttered sides of the bread facing out. The sandwiches are cooked until golden and crispy on the outside and the cheese is perfectly melted inside. The result is a sandwich with a crispy, flavorful exterior and a soft, creamy interior filled with savory BBQ chicken and gooey cheese.

Pairing BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are perfect when paired with simple, complementary side dishes. Potato chips add a satisfying crunch and contrast to the creamy sandwich, while coleslaw provides a refreshing, tangy contrast to the richness of the grilled cheese. The acidity of the coleslaw helps cut through the savory and creamy elements of the sandwich, balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall experience. For a heartier meal, you can also serve the sandwich with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.

Nutritional Profile

Each serving of BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches provides 400 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat. The protein comes mainly from the shredded chicken and cheese, offering a substantial serving of this essential nutrient. The bread, along with the cheese and BBQ sauce, contributes to the carbohydrate content, making the sandwich a filling and satisfying meal.

With 3 grams of fiber and 10 grams of sugar, this sandwich offers a moderate amount of dietary fiber and sugar. The sandwich does contain 50mg of cholesterol and 700mg of sodium, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation if you’re keeping an eye on your cholesterol or sodium intake. Despite its richness, this sandwich offers a satisfying balance of protein, fats, and carbs, making it a fulfilling meal.

Customization Options

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are incredibly versatile and can be easily customized based on your preferences. For example, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor or gouda for a smoky undertone. You can also swap the BBQ sauce for a spicy buffalo sauce or a tangy mustard-based sauce for a different twist on the flavor profile.

Vegetables can also be added to the sandwich to increase its nutritional value. Consider adding fresh spinach, arugula, or even caramelized onions for added flavor and texture. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free bread, making this sandwich accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are an exciting and flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese. With tender, smoky BBQ chicken, melted Havarti cheese, and garlic buttered bread, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or lunch and pairs wonderfully with a side of potato chips, coleslaw, or a salad. The combination of savory, creamy, and smoky flavors, along with the crispy, golden-brown bread, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick meal or serving it for a casual gathering, BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches offer a delicious and comforting experience every time.