This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines tender BBQ chicken, melty Havarti cheese, and garlic buttered bread for an irresistible, comforting meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this sandwich is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
BBQ Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups shredded roasted chicken
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 slices Havarti cheese
Garlic Butter Bread:
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons parsley, minced
- 12 slices sourdough bread (or sturdy white bread)
Directions:
1. Cook the BBQ Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Chicken and Sauce:
Add the shredded chicken, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Microwave until the butter is melted and everything is well mixed.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lay the 12 slices of bread on your work surface. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of 6 slices, layer 1 slice of Havarti cheese, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture, and another slice of Havarti. Top with the remaining 6 slices of bread, ensuring the buttered side is on the outside.
5. Grill the Sandwiches:
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet, cooking for 3-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown. Flip the sandwiches and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese has melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Serving:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 sandwiches
Variations:
- Switch up the Cheese: Try using cheddar or gouda for a different flavor twist.
- Add Veggies: Include grilled peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture for extra heat.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispness.
- Freezing: These sandwiches don’t freeze well once assembled, but you can freeze the BBQ chicken mixture for up to 3 months.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this sandwich with a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! Feel free to use cheddar, provolone, or any other cheese that melts well.
Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Pre-made BBQ chicken will save time and works perfectly for this sandwich.
Conclusion:
This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a satisfying lunch. With its savory garlic butter bread and BBQ chicken filling, it’s a sandwich that’s sure to please everyone!