BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

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Let’s get one thing out of the way — grilled cheese is sacred. But when you add smoky barbecue chicken and loads of gooey cheese? Now that’s the kind of sandwich that deserves a standing ovation. This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is the ultimate mash-up of classic comfort and bold backyard flavor, and every bite is a cheesy, tangy, smoky explosion that’ll make you grin like a kid.

I’ve made this sandwich more times than I can count. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner when I’m too tired to do dishes, a lazy Sunday lunch while watching the game, or a last-minute “I-need-to-feed-people-fast” move — this one delivers every time. It’s fast, it’s fun, and best of all, it uses ingredients I almost always have in my kitchen: leftover BBQ chicken, cheese, bread, and butter. That’s it. But the result? A five-star sandwich worthy of applause.

And the secret weapon? It’s the buttery, golden crust hugging the oozing cheese, all wrapped around tender BBQ chicken. Add bacon, jalapeños, or caramelized onions if you’re feeling wild. This is grilled cheese, elevated — but still delightfully low-effort.

So fire up the skillet, grab your favorite cheese combo, and let’s toast our way to melty perfection. Your next favorite comfort food is just a flip away.

What’s on the Plate

Overview

Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Course: Lunch, Dinner, Snack
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serving: Makes 2 sandwiches

What’s in Every Bite (Per Sandwich, Approximate)

Calories: 540 kcal
Carbs: 32g
Fats: 28g
Protein: 36g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 970mg

Total Recipe Cost (Approximate)

Total Cost: ~$6–7 USD
Per Serving: ~$3.25
Main Cost Factors: BBQ chicken, artisan bread, cheese

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The Story Behind the Flavor

Grilled cheese has humble beginnings, but we’ve come a long way since American singles and plain white bread. This version is inspired by Southern BBQ flavors and comfort food classics. Combining barbecue chicken and grilled cheese isn’t new — it’s just genius. You get the nostalgia of a childhood sandwich with the smoky depth of grown-up flavor.

I first made this after a backyard cookout where I had leftover smoked chicken and a half-empty bottle of barbecue sauce. Tossed it all between two slices of buttered sourdough with some cheddar — boom. It became an instant staple. You’ll often see versions of this sandwich in Southern diners, gastropubs, or food trucks, but it’s just as easy to whip up at home.

Perfect For

• Quick Weeknight Dinners That Satisfy Cravings
  • This recipe is your go-to when you need something hot, hearty, and cheesy on the table in under 30 minutes. Minimal prep, maximum satisfaction. You’ll be plating up a crowd-pleaser before anyone can even ask, “What’s for dinner?”
• Using Up Leftover Rotisserie or BBQ Chicken
  • Got leftover rotisserie chicken or smoked BBQ thighs sitting in the fridge? This dish turns yesterday’s extras into today’s comfort food masterpiece. Just shred, toss, and layer your way to flavor-town.
• Lazy Weekends with a Skillet and Good Cheese
  • Slow Saturdays or chill Sundays call for comfort food that doesn’t make you work too hard. Just heat up the skillet, layer your ingredients, and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. Pairs perfectly with your favorite brunch cocktail or an oversized mug of coffee.
• Late-Night Snack Attacks
  • Those post-movie, midnight munchies don’t stand a chance. This recipe satisfies every savory, melty, crispy craving without ordering takeout. Bonus: it’s easy to scale down to a single portion if needed.
• Easy Family Meals Everyone Will Love
  • From picky toddlers to hungry teens to adults who just want something delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed win at the dinner table. It’s familiar enough to feel nostalgic and customizable enough to suit every taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Melty, Ultra Cheesy Sandwich Goals
  • This isn’t just grilled cheese—it’s the sandwich of your dreams. A glorious melt of gooey cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever cheese your heart desires, cascading between two slices of perfectly crisped bread. You’ll pull it apart just to admire that cheesy stretch before taking the first satisfying bite.
• Balanced Flavors: Smoky, Tangy, Creamy, Crisp
  • Every bite hits all the right notes. The smoky heat from Buffalo sauce, the creamy richness of melted cheese, the satisfying crunch of buttered bread—this combo plays like a flavor symphony. Add a tangy hit of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and you’re in sandwich heaven.
• Customizable: Bacon? Jalapeños? Caramelized Onions? Go Wild.
  • The base is perfect, but the sky’s the limit. Crisp bacon for a salty snap, pickled jalapeños for kick, caramelized onions for a sweet-savory twist—go ahead, stack it up! This recipe plays well with just about any add-on you crave.
• No Oven Required — Just a Skillet and a Spatula
  • No need to preheat anything. Just butter the bread, fire up a skillet, and flip your way to golden perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a late-night fix, you’ll have cheesy bliss in minutes.
• Perfectly Golden Crust Every Time
  • This sandwich delivers that ultimate crunch-to-soft ratio. The buttery crust is pan-toasted to golden brown perfection, locking in all that melted goodness inside. One bite and you’ll hear that crunch—and that’s the sound of success.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded BBQ chicken (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 slices of sourdough or rustic sandwich bread
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Crispy bacon strips
• Thinly sliced red onions or caramelized onions
• Pickled jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro

Ingredient Highlights

BBQ Chicken: Sweet, smoky, and tender — use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled breasts tossed in BBQ sauce.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives sharpness and melt-factor. Feel free to swap in pepper jack or smoked gouda.
Bread: Sourdough gives the best crunch and structure. Texas toast or brioche works too.
Butter: Real butter = golden crispy perfection. Spread edge-to-edge for an even crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

If using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, shred it and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce.

2. Butter the Bread

Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This is your outer crust.

3. Assemble the Sandwich

On the non-buttered side, layer cheese, BBQ chicken, more cheese, and top with another slice of bread (buttered side out).

4. Grill It Up

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich buttered-side down. Grill until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for even crisping.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Let it rest for 1 minute before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping or a side of pickles.

Pro Chef Tips

• Use low heat for the perfect melt without burning the bread.
• Shred your own cheese — it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
• Use a cast iron skillet for the best crust.
• Add a weight (like a smaller pan) to press the sandwich flat for extra crisp.

Recipe Variations

Spicy BBQ Melt
Turn up the heat with sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños layered right into the melt. Swap your usual cheese for melty pepper jack, and suddenly you’ve got a fiery, flavor-packed sandwich that bites back (in the best way). A drizzle of extra hot BBQ sauce doesn’t hurt either.

Southern Style
Channel those down-home flavors by tucking a scoop of tangy, creamy coleslaw right inside the sandwich before grilling. It adds crunch, zip, and just the right amount of coolness to balance the smoky heat. It’s BBQ meets comfort food—grilled cheese edition.

Bacon BBQ Chicken Melt
Three words: bacon makes everything better. Layer in a few strips of crispy bacon with your shredded BBQ chicken and cheese for a melt that’s smoky, salty, and totally addictive. This combo is pure sandwich magic—trust me, it won’t last long on the plate.

Pulled Pork Version
Swap out the chicken for slow-cooked or leftover pulled pork and you’ve got yourself a full-blown BBQ joint experience in melt form. Add extra sauce and maybe a sprinkle of sharp cheddar to bring everything together. It’s smoky, juicy, and downright indulgent.

Gluten-Free Version

You can absolutely enjoy this ooey-gooey BBQ chicken melt without the gluten — and without sacrificing a single bite of flavor. Here’s how to make it safe and just as satisfying:

Bread Swap: Use your favorite certified gluten-free sandwich bread. Brands like Canyon Bakehouse or Schär offer great texture and hold up well to grilling without falling apart.

BBQ Sauce Check: Most BBQ sauces are naturally gluten-free, but some sneak in wheat-based thickeners or malt vinegar. Look for a label that clearly says “gluten-free,” or make your own simple version with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices.

Cheese & Extras: Most cheeses are gluten-free, but always double-check for hidden additives or anti-caking agents in shredded varieties. Same goes for any extra toppings like bacon or pickled jalapeños—read those labels!

Pro Tip: If you’re cooking for someone with Celiac or serious gluten sensitivity, clean your skillet thoroughly before grilling, and use a separate spatula to avoid cross-contamination.

Kid-Friendly Version

• Make this BBQ chicken melt a guaranteed win for even your pickiest little diners with just a few tasty tweaks:
• Cheese, Please: Go with milder, kid-approved cheeses like American, Colby Jack, or even mozzarella. These melt beautifully and have that gentle, creamy flavor kids adore.
• Hold the Heat: Skip the spicy BBQ sauces or jalapeños. Stick to sweet or honey-style BBQ sauces that deliver big flavor without the burn.
• No Onions, No Fuss: If your kiddos wrinkle their noses at onions, leave them out. You can always add them back in on the grown-up sandwiches.
• Fun Shapes = Big Smiles: Cut the grilled sandwiches into triangles, strips, or even use cookie cutters for shapes (think hearts or stars!). Perfect for dunking into ketchup, ranch, or a mini cup of BBQ sauce.
• Mini Melts: Try making smaller, slider-sized versions using dinner rolls or slider buns. They’re easier for little hands to hold and just as satisfying.
• Chef’s Secret: Let kids help assemble their own! A build-your-own sandwich station with their favorite cheese and sauce makes dinner interactive—and more likely to be gobbled up.

Taste What’s Next

Black Pepper Chicken
Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
Asian-Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo
or you Can Dig Deeper Recipes by clicking this: Appetizer, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Desserts.

Storage & Reheating

Store:
Wrap any leftover BBQ Chicken Melts tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Be sure to let them cool to room temperature before wrapping—this keeps the bread from getting soggy in the fridge.

Reheat (The Right Way):
To bring back that melty, crispy magic, skip the microwave and go old-school:

• Skillet Method (Best Choice): Place the sandwich in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over low to medium heat, pressing it gently with a spatula or grill press. Toast each side for 3–4 minutes, flipping once, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden again.
• Toaster Oven: Pop it in at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, uncovered, for an easy crisp-up.
• Air Fryer Option: Reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes for a crunchy exterior and gooey inside.

Avoid the Microwave: While it’s tempting for a quick fix, microwaving can turn that crispy crust limp and rubbery. Trust me—your sandwich deserves better!

Chef’s Tip: If the bread feels a little dry after chilling, brush the outside with a bit of butter before reheating for that fresh-off-the-skillet finish.

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or non-stick frying pan – for that golden crispy crust
• Spatula – for flipping with style and confidence
• Mixing bowl – to toss BBQ chicken with sauce
• Cheese grater – if shredding fresh cheese
• Bread knife – for clean sandwich cuts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BBQ chicken grilled cheese ahead of time?
It’s best served hot and fresh, but you can prep the filling and assemble just before grilling.

What’s the best cheese for BBQ chicken grilled cheese?
Cheddar and mozzarella are a great combo. You can also try gouda, provolone, or pepper jack.

Can I use leftover BBQ chicken for this sandwich?
Absolutely — it’s a perfect way to repurpose leftovers into something exciting.

What bread works best for grilled cheese sandwiches with BBQ chicken?
Sourdough is ideal for its crunch and flavor, but Texas toast, brioche, or rustic white all work.

Can I bake instead of grill this sandwich?
You can! Wrap it in foil and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is BBQ chicken grilled cheese a good recipe for picky eaters?
Yes! Use mild BBQ sauce and cheese, and skip spicy or strong add-ins for a kid-friendly version.

External Resources

Food Safety Tips for Leftover – USDA

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwich — it’s comfort food royalty. From that golden, buttery crust to the molten cheese and smoky chicken center, this is the kind of meal that hits every note just right.

You can whip it up in minutes, dress it up however you like, and enjoy it solo or with a table full of friends. It’s familiar, fun, and endlessly flexible — the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something delicious.

So go ahead — grab your pan, crank up the heat, and get grilling. And hey, if that cheese pull is looking extra photogenic? Snap a pic and tag me! I want to see your melty masterpieces. Happy cooking!