Crispy Ultimate BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A quick and easy grilled cheese sandwich layered with tangy BBQ chicken and melty cheese, featuring a crispy golden crust and smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices of sturdy sandwich bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- 1 cup cooked BBQ chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend (sharp cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder (mixed into butter)
- Optional extras for serving: pickles or jalapeños
- Optional extras for serving: ranch or extra BBQ sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding leftover BBQ chicken or tossing cooked chicken with 2-3 tablespoons BBQ sauce.
- Mix softened butter with smoked paprika or chili powder if using.
- Spread the seasoned butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Place one slice of bread buttered side down on a cutting board. Layer half the cheese, then BBQ chicken, then remaining cheese. Top with second slice buttered side up.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and press gently with a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Lower heat if bread browns too fast.
- Check that sandwich is hot and gooey inside, then serve immediately, cut diagonally. Add pickles or jalapeños if desired.
Notes
Use medium-low heat and press gently to get a crispy crust without burning. Mixing smoked paprika into butter adds smoky flavor. Cover skillet loosely to speed melting but avoid steaming bread. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread; for dairy-free, use plant-based cheese. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 38
Keywords: BBQ chicken, grilled cheese, sandwich, crispy, easy recipe, comfort food, quick meal