Lea recipes

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches combine tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and plenty of melted cheese between slices of buttery, golden bread. The filling stays juicy while the outside becomes crisp, creating an easy comfort-food dinner that comes together quickly with leftover or rotisserie chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms simple cooked chicken into a rich, satisfying sandwich with very little preparation. The combination of smoky-sweet barbecue sauce and melted cheese gives classic grilled cheese a hearty twist, while cooking the sandwiches slowly in a skillet creates crisp bread without burning it.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

BBQ Chicken Filling

• 2½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce, plus more if needed
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Sandwiches

• 8 thick slices sourdough or sturdy white bread
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced, optional
• 3 tablespoons softened butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken

Add the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to a skillet.

Cook over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely coated and warmed through.

The mixture should be moist and saucy but not watery. Add another tablespoon or two of barbecue sauce if needed.

Remove from the heat.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay the bread slices on a clean work surface.

Place one slice of provolone on four slices of bread. Divide the BBQ chicken evenly among them.

Add a few thin slices of red onion, if using.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the chicken, then add another slice of provolone.

Close each sandwich with the remaining bread.

Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter over the outside of each sandwich.

3. Grill

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.

Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on the first side.

Press very gently with a spatula. Avoid flattening the sandwiches too much.

Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese has completely melted.

If the bread is browning before the cheese melts, reduce the heat and cover the skillet for about 1 minute.

4. Rest and Slice

Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and allow them to rest for 1–2 minutes.

Slice each sandwich in half. A small spoonful of warm barbecue sauce can be added along the cut edge for an extra saucy finish.

Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and melted.

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Use sturdy bread. Sourdough, Texas toast, or thick white sandwich bread holds the juicy filling without becoming soggy.

Keep the heat moderate. Medium-low heat gives the cheese enough time to melt before the bread becomes too dark.

Do not overload the barbecue sauce. The chicken should be juicy but not swimming in sauce, otherwise the sandwich can fall apart.

Use two cheeses. Provolone provides the smooth cheese pull, while sharp cheddar adds stronger flavor.

Shred the chicken irregularly. A mixture of larger and smaller pieces creates a better homemade texture.

Variations

Spicy BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Add sliced jalapeños or a little hot sauce to the BBQ chicken.

Bacon BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Add crispy chopped bacon before closing the sandwiches.

Pepper Jack Version

Replace the cheddar with pepper Jack for extra heat.

Caramelized Onion Version

Replace the raw red onion with slowly caramelized yellow onions for a sweeter flavor.

What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

These sandwiches pair well with:

• French fries or potato wedges
• Coleslaw
• Pickles
• Corn salad
• Tomato soup
• Sweet potato fries
• Simple green salad

Storage

The BBQ chicken filling can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For the best texture, assemble and grill the sandwiches just before serving. Cooked sandwiches can be reheated in a skillet over low heat until the bread becomes crisp again and the cheese melts.

FAQ

Can rotisserie chicken be used?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken works especially well because it is already tender and easy to shred. Both breast and thigh meat can be used.

What cheese is best for BBQ chicken grilled cheese?

Provolone, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, cheddar, and pepper Jack all melt well. A combination of provolone and sharp cheddar provides both a good cheese pull and plenty of flavor.

How can the bread stay crisp?

Avoid using too much barbecue sauce and cook the sandwich over medium-low heat. The BBQ chicken should be saucy but not excessively wet.

Can the chicken filling be made ahead?

Yes. The BBQ chicken can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Warm it slightly before assembling the sandwiches.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are an easy way to turn cooked chicken into a hearty American-style dinner. Smoky barbecue chicken, gooey provolone and cheddar, and crisp golden bread create a quick meal with plenty of texture and flavor.