Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Print Version)

Craving comfort? This smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese brings tender chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese together for a quick, satisfying meal. So good!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten, chicken

# Ingredients:

→ Main Grilled Cheese Components

01 - Thick-sliced white bread

→ BBQ Chicken Fillings

02 - Cooked shredded chicken
03 - Your favorite BBQ sauce

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
05 - Mozzarella cheese, grated
06 - Red onion, finely diced (optional)
07 - Jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Grilling Essentials

08 - Unsalted butter

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that chicken ready! If you're using leftover chicken, shred or dice it up nice and small. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. You want it coated, but not swimming – about 1/2 cup usually does the trick for me, but honestly, go with your gut. This is the heart of your <strong>BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese</strong>, so make sure it tastes good! I sometimes add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika here for an extra smoky kick, just because I can't resist.
02 - Now for the cheese! If you're grating your own, get that done. I usually grate both cheddar and mozzarella into a bowl. Then, lay out your bread slices. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice. Flip two slices butter-side down. On these, layer some cheddar, then a generous spoonful of your BBQ chicken mixture, a sprinkle of diced red onion (if using), the mozzarella, and finally, another layer of cheddar. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
03 - This step is crucial for that golden crust. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Seriously, medium-low! If it's too high, your bread will burn before the cheese even thinks about melting. I've made this mistake countless times, ending up with charred bread and cold cheese. We want a slow, gentle sizzle. Give it a minute or two to warm up evenly.
04 - Carefully place your assembled <strong>BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese</strong> sandwiches into the preheated skillet. Don't overcrowd the pan; I usually do two at a time. Let them cook for about 4-6 minutes per side. You're looking for that beautiful, deep golden-brown crust. This is where patience pays off, hon. You'll start to smell the butter toasting and the cheese getting warm – it's a glorious aroma, honestly!
05 - Now for the flip! Gently lift one corner with a spatula to check the color. Once it's perfectly golden, flip the sandwich over. If you want extra melty cheese, sometimes I'll pop a lid on the skillet for the last minute or two of cooking on this side. Just watch it closely! The goal is gooey, melted cheese and a second perfectly golden side. The whole kitchen starts to smell like pure comfort at this point.
06 - Once both sides are golden and the cheese is gloriously melted and oozing, carefully remove your <strong>BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese</strong> from the skillet. Place it on a cutting board and let it rest for just a minute or two. This tiny pause helps the cheese set a little and prevents all the filling from spilling out when you slice it. Cut it diagonally, because triangles just taste better, right? Serve immediately and try not to burn your tongue, I always do!

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