The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines the smoky richness of BBQ chicken with creamy Havarti cheese, all tucked between buttery garlic bread. It’s the ultimate fusion of savory and cheesy, making it an ideal choice for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings.
INGREDIENTS- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced, for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, to enhance the BBQ chicken flavor.
- Shredded roasted chicken: 2 ½ cups, for a smoky, savory filling.
- Paprika: ½ tsp, for added smoky depth.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tsp, to enhance the BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce: 1 cup, for bold, tangy flavor.
- Havarti cheese: 12 slices, for creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness.
- Butter: ¼ cup, melted, to create the garlic butter spread.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, to mix into the butter for flavor.
- Parsley: 2 tsp, minced, to add a fresh, herby note to the butter.
- Sourdough bread: 12 slices, or any sturdy white bread for structure and flavor.
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the red onion until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Step 2:
- Stir in the shredded chicken, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. Cook until the mixture is heated through, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in minced garlic and parsley to create garlic butter.
- Step 4:
- Lay out 12 slices of bread. Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice. Flip the slices over, so the non-buttered side is facing up.
- Step 5:
- Place a slice of Havarti cheese on 6 bread slices (non-buttered side). Add a portion of the BBQ chicken mixture, top with another slice of Havarti cheese, and finish with the remaining bread slices (buttered side up).
- Step 6:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown on one side, about 3–5 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Flip the sandwiches, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the cheese melts and the other side browns, about 3–5 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Serve the sandwiches warm with your favorite sides, like chips, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a smoky twist, use smoked Havarti or smoked gouda cheese.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors, such as honey or spicy BBQ, to customize the taste.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Press the sandwiches gently with a spatula while grilling for even browning and melted cheese.
- For extra flavor, toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwiches.