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Mark Anthony

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes the classic sandwich up a notch with smoky chicken, melty cheddar and mozzarella, and a perfectly crisped sourdough crust. It’s the ultimate skillet comfort food made in under 20 minutes — perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American comfort food
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Prep the Chicken
  1. If using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, shred it and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Butter the Bread
  1. Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This is your outer crust.
Assemble the Sandwich
  1. On the non-buttered side, layer cheese, BBQ chicken, more cheese, and top with another slice of bread (buttered side out).
Grill It Up
  1. 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.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Let it rest for 1 minute before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping or a side of pickles.

Notes

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for fast prep and big flavor.
Toss the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce—go smoky, sweet, or spicy depending on your vibe.
Layer the sandwich with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for gooey melt and stretchy bites.
Butter the outsides of the bread (or spread with mayo) before grilling to achieve that golden, crispy crust.
Cook low and slow in a skillet or griddle to melt the cheese fully without burning the bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Pair with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a pickle spear to round out your plate.
Slice diagonally for the ultimate cheese pull and visual appeal.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or crowd-pleasing game day snacks.
Add a fried egg on top for a Southern brunch twist.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Prep the BBQ chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Refrigerator: Store leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze assembled (ungrilled) sandwiches wrapped tightly. Grill from frozen or thaw before cooking.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer for crispy results—avoid microwaving to keep the crust from going soggy.
Tasty Variations to Try
Bacon BBQ Twist: Add crispy bacon slices between the chicken and cheese.
Spicy Southwest: Mix in diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle BBQ sauce.
Hawaiian Style: Add pineapple slices and smoked gouda for a sweet-savory combo.
Buffalo BBQ Fusion: Mix a little buffalo sauce into the BBQ sauce for a tangy, spicy twist.
Low-Carb Version: Make it as a BBQ chicken melt bowl—no bread needed, just layers of chicken and cheese.