If you’re craving pure comfort with a smoky twist, the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is here to absolutely hit the spot. Imagine luscious strands of BBQ-sauced chicken, gooey Havarti cheese, and perfectly golden, garlicky buttered bread—each bite is an explosion of flavor and all-out happiness. This sandwich is easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner, yet special enough to wow friends or family at any gathering.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised just how simple the ingredients for this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich are, and yet each one is crucial to the sandwich’s irresistible texture, taste, and color. Totally pantry-friendly, but every item has a purpose and a personality.

Olive oil: Creates the perfect base for softening onions and building rich flavors.
Red onion (small, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a gentle bite that stands out even once the sandwich is melty and toasty.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the chicken and butter with that unmistakable aroma and punch.
Shredded roasted chicken: Tender, juicy, and loaded with protein—the star filling of your sandwich.
Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color that just feels right in BBQ chicken.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to amp up every spoonful of the chicken mix.
BBQ sauce: The signature tangy, sweet, and smoky backbone of the sandwich; use your favorite brand, homemade or bottled.
Havarti cheese: Melts into the sandwich with a creaminess that balances all the bold BBQ flavors.
Butter: The key to that golden, crispy crunch on every bite—don’t skimp!
Garlic (for butter): Dials up the garlic flavor, making the bread as delicious as the filling.
Parsley (minced): Freshens up the butter and adds a pop of color you’ll love.
Sourdough or sturdy white bread: Stands up perfectly to all the fillings and becomes shatteringly crisp on the outside.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the thinly sliced red onions and let them cook until soft and translucent, about two minutes. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and give it another thirty seconds—just enough to release all those addictive aromas without burning. This step lays down a delicious, savory foundation that makes the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich uniquely special.

Step 2: Create the BBQ Chicken Filling

Next, toss in the shredded roasted chicken alongside a good dusting of paprika, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and that glorious BBQ sauce. Stir everything gently to ensure every strand of chicken gets coated in the saucy goodness. Let this mixture cook for two to three minutes, just until everything is perfectly heated through, smells incredible, and turns a deep, enticing shade of BBQ perfection.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

While your filling cools for a moment, grab a bowl and combine softened butter with more minced garlic and a shower of minced parsley. A quick zap in the microwave melts it all into a fragrant, bright-green mixture that transforms your sandwich bread into something extraordinary. Trust me: don’t skip the garlic butter step for your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich! It takes the crunch and flavor totally over the top.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay out all 12 slices of bread on your work surface. Brush each side with the melted garlic butter, making sure to cover corner to corner for full flavor. Flip the slices, and on six of them, lay down a blanket of creamy Havarti cheese, then pile on the BBQ chicken mixture, spreading evenly. Top the chicken with another slice of cheese, and finish with the remaining bread slices (buttered side facing out!). This ensures that each bite is cheesy, saucy, and golden.

Step 5: Toast to Perfection

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium. Carefully add as many sandwiches as will fit comfortably, cooking until the bottom is deeply golden and crisp—about three to five minutes. Flip with a gentle hand, reduce the heat to medium-low, and toast the other side until browned and the cheese is pure gooey heaven, another three to five minutes. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches, then get ready to swoon over your creation.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Garnishes

To finish your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich with flair, sprinkle with extra chopped parsley, a few sliced green onions, or even a tiny dusting of smoked paprika for a color pop. If you love a little tang, a few thinly sliced pickles on the side make an irresistible contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your melty sandwich with classic potato chips, a crisp green salad, or even a simple coleslaw to balance the richness and add crunch. A cup of tomato soup or creamy corn chowder transforms this meal into the coziest lunch or dinner imaginable.

Creative Ways to Present

For an appetizer twist, slice the sandwiches into quarters and skewer with toothpicks as party snacks. Stack halves on a platter lined with parchment for a rustic, shareable vibe, or serve open-faced with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and broiled cheese for brunch. However you plate it, this BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (good luck!), simply let the sandwiches cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. Your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining its big flavors for easy snacking or quick meals.

Freezing

To freeze, let sandwiches cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in parchment and foil. Tuck them into a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, you’ll have a grab-and-go lunch or dinner that tastes just as comforting and cheesy after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat to crisp up the bread and gently melt the cheese again—about five minutes per side. For a softer sandwich, a quick zap in the microwave works, though you’ll miss out on that signature crunch. In every case, the flavors of your BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich come roaring back to life!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Havarti gives a mild, creamy melt, but feel free to try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you want a bolder kick. The key is excellent meltability and a flavor that complements BBQ chicken.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Sweet, smoky, tangy—any BBQ sauce you love will be delicious. Smoky varieties really make the BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich sing, but fruity or spicy sauces add their own twist. Try a few and see what becomes your signature combo.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit or a plant-based “chicken” alternative. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get all that saucy, cheesy goodness.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Spreading the garlic butter on the outside of the bread and building the sandwich with a cheese layer both above and below the filling helps act as a barrier, keeping the bread nicely crisp as it toasts.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

The easiest way is to use two forks to pull apart roasted or rotisserie chicken breast and thigh meat. For extra convenience, you can even buy pre-shredded rotisserie chicken at most grocery stores—perfect for a quick BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich fix.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is one of those recipes you’ll want to return to again and again—easy, crave-worthy, and sure to make any meal memorable. Whether you whip it up for lunch, dinner, or a game day feast, you’re in for a melty, saucy treat that everyone will want more of. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious magic you can create in your own kitchen!